A heartbroken mum whose son died in tragic circumstances says veterans need a ‘hub’ to stop them slipping through the net, as former soldiers say her work saves lives.
Dawn Turner, mum of late soldier Rob Homans, who died in Worcester last year, says the city needs a hub or central point of contact for veterans, backed by the council, which could help promote it.
She argues this would mean the armed forces community, including veterans and their families, can get the support when and where they need it, building on the work Stepway has already done in the city over the last seven years and at the LINK Community Hub in Powick, which opened two years ago.
Miss Turner, founder of military charity Stepway, has already helped establish an Armed Forces Hub in Wolverhampton, working with the City of Wolverhampton Council.
BOND: Dawn Turner and her late son Rob Homans as she battles for better support for veterans (Image: Supplied by Dawn Turner)
She now believes this is a blueprint for what is possible in Worcestershire and that other councils need to follow the example set in Wolverhampton.
She said: “We cannot thank City of Wolverhampton Council enough for their commitment, vision and willingness to work in genuine partnership with STEPWAY CIO to create positive referral pathways through our new Armed Forces Hub.
“This is more than just a building. It is about bringing services, organisations and people together under one roof so veterans, serving personnel and their families do not have to battle through disconnected systems to find the support they deserve.”
The hub, which aims to create a ‘one-stop shop’, brings together services, charities and community organisations in one place, creating a simpler and more accessible system.
Miss Turner of Eckington said she would like to see more support in advertising and collaboration from Worcester City Council, replicating what has been achieved in Wolverhampton.
Her comments were put to Worcester City Council, but a spokesman has declined to comment.
The 56-year-old’s son, Rob Homans, a former bombardier in the Royal Horse Artillery, died at the age of 35 in Worcester in August 2025. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated. However, the tragedy sparked a debate about the struggles veterans face, from mental health support to housing challenges and broader, institutional failures.
MISSION: Ian Boalch has explained the value of military charity Stepway (Image: Ian Boalch)
Miss Turner’s views were endorsed by veterans, including Ian Boalch, 63, of Ash Avenue, Brickfields, Worcester, a volunteer at Stepway who served with the Royal Artillery ( 55 Battery, 49 Field Regiment Royal Artillery).
He said: “I took the plunge. The hardest part was walking through the door. I didn’t know who to turn to. Without them (Stepway), I would not be here. It helps in all sorts of ways.”
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Ian Roberts, 79, of Barnards Green, who served in 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, said he had been ‘struggling for years’ until he met Dawn.
As a result, he ended up attending a veterans’ breakfast club and argues saying Stepway ‘brings veterans together’.
He added: “A lot of us would not be here if it wasn’t for Stepway. They needed help but didn’t know where to go to get it and doctors didn’t understand us. Dawn is a strong, amazing woman. We would not be here if not for her. She is fighting for veterans, and we need somebody like her.”
Stepway also runs the LINK Community Hub in Powick, set for a reopening on May 29 following a refurbishment, including a new community cafe. The hub supports veterans by providing friendship and support, and activities like horticulture, pet therapy and arts and crafts.