South West Water Partners with Charity to Support Military Veterans with Financial Advice

South West Water is continuing its winter support for veterans, serving personnel and their families, reinforcing its commitment to those in the Armed Forces community at a time when financial pressures can be particularly acute.

South West Water is once again working alongside The Veterans Regroup project, attending its multi-agency Armed Forces Hubs held throughout the year across Cornwall. The hubs are open to veterans, serving personnel and their families, offering a safe and supportive environment to access practical help.

The Veterans Regroup provides free, confidential and non-judgemental advice through its hubs, bringing together a wide range of organisations to offer financial and debt guidance, health and wellbeing support, and employment advice. Monthly sessions are held at locations across Cornwall.

South West Water has partnered with The Veterans Regroup since 2023 and provides year-round support at the hubs, offering advice on billing, affordability schemes and water meter applications.

The water company’s seven-strong Community Engagement team works directly with customers across the region, meeting people at community hubs, food banks, job centres, work clubs, NHS settings and community cafés, as well as carrying out home visits where required.

Through this work, South West Water can offer a range of financial support, including flexible payment plans, reduced-cost tariffs for customers on low incomes or with higher water needs due to medical conditions, and tailored assistance for those experiencing debt or sudden financial hardship following events such as bereavement or job loss.

Jane, Projects Director at The Veterans Regroup, said the partnership had made a tangible difference. “Our Armed Forces hubs have supported 580 members of the Armed Forces community in the past six months alone. Working with organisations such as South West Water greatly strengthens the support we can offer. Having Darren from their Community Engagement team at the hubs means people can receive clear, compassionate advice on water charges and affordability at the point they need it most, helping to reduce pressure and improve stability.

“This collaborative, multi-agency approach enables early intervention, eases financial stress and supports confidence and wellbeing. Our aim is to create welcoming spaces where people feel able to seek practical help, guidance and a sense of community.”

Darren, Community and Customer Liaison Officer at South West Water, said the partnership was particularly important during the winter months. “December and the period that follows can bring significant emotional and financial strain. The work of The Veterans Regroup plays a vital role in supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families during these challenging times.

“At South West Water, we are committed to making a positive difference in our communities. Whether that’s help with bills, information about support tariffs or advice on applying for a water meter, we want customers to know we are here to help.”

The Veterans Regroup’s Armed Forces Hubs are supported by more than 30 organisations, including the Department for Work and Pensions, Smile Together Dental CIC, Cornwall Council Housing, NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Walking With The Wounded, Help for Heroes and Veterans UK.

Alongside the hubs, the project also delivers a programme of activities for members of the Armed Forces community, including cooking classes, coffee mornings, social events and outdoor activities.