The Lifeline Club for Veterans: Stevenage’s “The Muster Point”

Veterans Breakfast Club Launch (2)

In the heart of Stevenage, a groundbreaking initiative is making waves among the local veteran community. The Muster Point, a weekly gathering for veterans, is not just a club—it’s a lifeline. Founded by two former service members who understood the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, this initiative has quickly become a beacon of hope and camaraderie for the town’s veterans.

The Inspiration Behind The Muster Point

The idea for The Muster Point was born out of necessity. Stevenage veterans Steve and his co-founder Stu met through their respective work with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and Change Grow Live. Despite the town being home to over 2,000 veterans, they discovered a lack of veteran-specific groups in Stevenage and its surrounding areas.

“We both knew how much a group like this would have helped us during our transitions out of the Army,” explained Stu. With this shared vision in mind, they set out to create a space where veterans could find support, connection, and understanding.

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The pair approached Councillor Claire Parris, Stevenage Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, with their idea. To their delight, they received overwhelming support. With the council’s help—and the involvement of Gemma Marret, a senior council manager—they secured a venue at Fairlands Valley Lakes and funding for six months of breakfasts.

The Transition Challenge: Why The Muster Point Matters

For many veterans, transitioning to civilian life can be a deeply isolating and challenging experience. One of the founders shared his personal story:

“I left the Army in 2010 after being injured in an IED blast in Afghanistan. Within six months, I went from the front line to civilian life with no therapy, no decompression, and no preparation. I felt cast aside and forgotten.

If I’d had access to a place like The Muster Point during that time, my transition would have been much smoother. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating this space for others.”

The Muster Point is designed to be more than just a social club. It’s a community hub that offers practical, meaningful support to address the diverse needs of veterans.

What The Muster Point Offers

At its core, The Muster Point is about connection. Veterans meet every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 pm at Fairlands Valley Lakes for a weekly breakfast provided by the wonderful team at Costello’s Café. The meetups provide a relaxed, judgment-free space where veterans can enjoy a bite to eat, a brew, and—most importantly—the camaraderie of others who understand their experiences.

But the support doesn’t stop there. The Muster Point also acts as a gateway to essential services, offering guidance on:

The founders are determined to ensure that no veteran feels lost, unsupported, or overwhelmed by the challenges of civilian life.

Stevenage’s Response

Since its launch in January, The Muster Point has been met with incredible enthusiasm from the local community. At its first meetup, 18 veterans attended—and left as friends.

“For some, it felt like reconnecting with a part of themselves they hadn’t experienced since leaving the forces,” said one of the founders. The military banter, shared stories, and sense of belonging are a powerful reminder that no one has to face their journey alone.

Building a Stronger Future

The founders of The Muster Point have ambitious plans for the future. In addition to the weekly breakfasts, they aim to introduce workshops and events covering mental health, financial planning, and career development. They also hope to bring in guest speakers to inspire and educate veterans and the wider community.

Collaboration with local businesses, schools, and organisations is another priority. By raising awareness of the challenges veterans face and sharing their stories with younger generations, they hope to foster a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve.

“We want The Muster Point to grow into a long-term resource for Stevenage veterans—a sustainable hub of support, connection, and community,” they shared.

How You Can Support

Stevenage residents and businesses can play a vital role in the success of The Muster Point. Here’s how you can help:

If you’d like to get involved or know a veteran who could benefit, you can contact The Muster Point through the following channels:

By coming together, the Stevenage community can ensure that every veteran feels valued, supported, and connected.

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