Proudly supporting our Veterans
Woody's Lodge
Supporting, Mentoring and Signposting Veterans, Emergency Services, Reservists, and their families is the mission statement for Woody’s Lodge. We met with Graham Jones, CEO to learn a bit more about what they do both here in Wrexham, and what valuable support they offer veterans right across the country.
Every year, Woody’s Lodge supports thousands of veterans and their families in Wales by assisting with tasks like form filling, medical referrals, benefit applications, and appeals. Since 2018, they’ve helped secured over £1.0 million in public benefits for those in need.
The charity was inspired by former marine and elite SBS member Paul ‘Woody’ Woodland who wanted to retire to a remote lodge in the countryside with his family once his military career was over.
Sadly, Paul never got the chance to realise this ambition as he lost his life in a training accident so the charity was formed in his memory to help achieve this ambition, and to fulfil his dream for others.
Graham explained that their services are family centric so they offer direct support for both the veterans who are affected and their immediate family, dependent on the type of support they might need.
With a wide range of different initiatives and activities they have undertaken numerous projects that included refurbishment of properties for veterans to occupy, volunteering opportunities, organising annual charity bike rides for both fundraising and community needs, and the launch of a dedicated high street charity shop, right here in the heart of Wrexham on Chester Street.
Many veterans find it challenging to seek help and may struggle to re-engage with local services after leaving the military. This can lead to missed opportunities for essential support in areas like housing, healthcare, and pensions. Woody’s Lodge offers a welcoming social hub where Veterans, Reservists, and Emergency Service personnel can access the resources and support they need to transition successfully into civilian life.
Graham and his team are always keen to foster and develop local partnerships with fellow organisations here in Wrexham and Wales who are forces friendly and particularly those who have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
If this story has inspired you, you can make a direct donation to their charity via their website charity donation page Woody's Lodge - Donate now They also take quality clothing and household donations for charity sales made in their charity shop located next to the entrance to Ty Pawb on Chester Street in Wrexham.
Relocating to bigger premises
Woody's
Lodge
Shop
News
Woody's Lodge Charity Shop continues to do well and raise valuable funds for their charity, so the team can continue its valuable work. Due to their ongoing success they are relocating to the former M&S unit based on 1st Floor of Eagle's Meadow from 1st June.
Wrexham Communities show their support for leading local charity
Woody's
Lodge
Speed
March
Raising funds for their worthy causes, Woody's Lodge organised a speed march from Wrexham to Chester on 23 May, with special guest appearances and local businesses showing their support in Queen's Square, Wrexham.