Photo of Gloucester Community at the GL3 Community Hub

Gloucester Community Networking

Better Together

Welcome to the Gloucester Community Networking website!

Welcome!

What is GCN?

Gloucester Community Networking (GCN), is a small ‘Not for Profit Organisation’, that facilitates the networking between individuals and organisations for the betterment of all!

Our Aims:

To 'strengthen' and 'build NETWORKS' between people in NEED and potential RESOURCES to meet those needs within the diverse communities in Gloucestershire.


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Examples of how GCN can help:

Need: Since the Covid-19 pandemic there has been an increase of people coping with their mental ill health, many of whom are struggling in isolation.

Meeting this Need: GCN holds a monthly Wellbeing Matters group », based in Churchdown, which focuses on self-help resources to improve areas such as understanding stress and learning about destressing techniques. It has been invaluable, especially to those who have experienced isolation as they are able to come along and chat to other people over some soup and a hot drink.

Click image below to view
GCN's The Networker - Dec 23
Nov 24 Edition of GCN's "The Networker"»

EXCITING NEWS

Gloucester Forces Pop Up Hub - Proof of Concept Event

Join us this April 12th to 25th, 2025 at the heart of Gloucester City Centre for the Glos-FHub Pop-Up! We’re setting up a vibrant, temporary hub at East Gate Street Shopping Centre to bring together our Armed Forces communities.

This is your chance to connect, share, and celebrate with fellow veterans and supporters. Whether you’re looking to network, find support, or simply enjoy the camaraderie, the Glos-FHub Pop-Up is the place to be!

Our mission is clear: to gauge the footfall and usage of the Glos-FHub, paving the way for a permanent support hub in the future. We’re creating a dynamic networking space for organisations dedicated to supporting Armed Forces communities under the Armed Forces Covenant.

By fostering connections between local councils, veterans’ groups, and military charities, we’re building a stronger, more integrated support network. Come be a part of this exciting initiative and help shape the future of the Gloucestershire Integrated Forces Strategy (GIFS)

Read more »

Gloucestershire Forces Hub Promotion Interview

Christopher Auker-Howlett speaks to Dominic Cotter from BBC Gloucestershire & Wiltshire about this Forces Hub 'Proof of Concept' event taking place in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, opposite Specsavers (Southgate street entrance) each day between 12th and 25th April 2025.

Listen to the interview here »

Radio Presenter Dominic Cotter

Dominic Cotter


Have you applied for a Veteran's Card

Example of what a Veteran's card looks lik

Find out more...»

NOTIFICATIONS

Next Wellbeing Matters Group

Thursday, 8th May 2025

12.30pm - 2.30pm

St. John's Church, Churchdown

Status: Running

Link to more info »

Next Forces Hub (FHUB) Group

Thursday, 25th April 2025

12.30pm - 2.30pm

EASTGATE STREET SHOPPING CENTRE
(Opposite Specsaves)

Status: Running

Link to more info »



In case you missed it

Gloucestershire - Forces Hub - Popup

Dom Cotter - BBC Radio Gloucestershire & Wiltshire

Christopher Auker-Howlett was invited to speak with Dominic Cotter from the BBC Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Radio to promote the new Gloucestershire Forces Popup event. This takes place on 12th to 25th April at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, opposite Specsavers.

This event is aimed at providing proof of concept for a potential permanent Gloucestershire Forces Hub.

This event will build and strengthen the networks between the needs of the Gloucesterhire armed forces communities and the resources of the statutory and voluntary military and civilian organisations.

Listen to the interview here »

Radio Presenter Dominic Cotter

Dominic Cotter


What GCN has been up to

Armed Forces Day

29th June 2024

GCN took part in this year's Armed Forces Day, down at the Gloucester Quays

There was a good turn-out and the sun was shining down on us all day!



D Day - 80th Anniversary Event

Dene Magna School, Mitcheldean

Sunday, 9th June 2024

GCN's War Out Reach in Schools (WORS) » supported the:

'DDAY 80' - Sunday 9th June - Charity Fundraising Event.

DDay event poster

Longlevens Library & GCN

Remembering the D-Day Landings

An event was held between 28th May and 10th June at Longlevens Library to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of "Operation Overlord - D-Day" 6th June 1944.

GCN's Chris Auker-Howlett gave a D-Day Presenation at the Library on Saturday 1st June between 2pm and 3pm.






GCN Projects

Our three main projects for are shown below. Click anywhere inside each Project Box for more information.



First Aid Picture
First Aid for All Logo


Monthly GCN Drop-ins

Forces Hub Logo

GCN runs a monthly group called Forces Hub (FHUB) for Veterans, serving military personnel and their families, for all nationalities, where useful information can be shared regarding Gloucestershire's Armed Forces Covenant as well as training and employment opportunities. It is also a place to meet others in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.



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GCN also runs a monthly Wellbeing session, which is open to all members of the public and focuses on general wellbeing and mental health. The sessions offer resource and signposting services to promote wellbeing in the community.


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Businesses that have helped GCN

Click HERE for information on other Organisations that have helped GCN.

Link to All GCN News »

Glos 100 Website

One of the main projects GCN started with back in 2018 is named "Glos100" and initially ran throughout 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

This sub-site of GCN contains a lot of information and resources connected to War and Conflict from WW1 to present day. This sub-site will be added to from time to time.

We are thrilled to announce that we helped raise over £5,000 for various charities, such as:

Visit the GLOS100 website »

You can find a complete list of WW1 related events that have taken place by visting our Glos 100 Press Release page »

BBC

GCN on the Radio

Listen Here

BBC Gloucestershire Interviews

Radio Archives