WELCOME TO BANTER & BREW!
PULL UP A CHAIR AND FIND YOUR SENSE OF BELONGING
Support, friendship, and advice can be found at the BANTER & BREW.
Where It All Began: The Heartbeat of STEPWAY
It all started with a simple but powerful idea – creating a space where veterans could truly feel at home. The first STEPWAY service was born from a vision to offer veterans a drop-in centre, a welcoming hub where they could connect with others who understood their journey. It needed to be more than just a service; it had to feel like a second home.
And so, the ‘Drop-In Centre’ took shape. But we felt it deserved a name with a bit more spark, something that captured the camaraderie and laughter our veterans bring to each gathering. Enter ‘BANTER & BREW’ – a name that reflects the spirit of what happens here every week!
Since its launch, BANTER & BREW has become a cherished hangout, a place for veterans to relax, share stories over a free breakfast, and enjoy activities like Walk and Talk sessions or a round of table tennis. Guest speakers now regularly join to share their expertise, bring fresh activities, and provide veterans with valuable insights. Through this, we’ve built warm referral connections with essential services, including Op-Courage, DWP’s Armed Forces Champions, and, most recently, the Primary Care Network.
At STEPWAY’s BANTER & BREW, veterans find support, friendship, and a sense of belonging – all over a warm cup of tea and plenty of banter.
To find out more about the Banter and Brew sessions and where they are located please see below.
Buddies on hand to support and be your advocate for as long as you need.
Here for You Every Step of the Way!
At STEPWAY, we understand the challenges that civilian life can bring, and we’re here to help make it easier. We work hand-in-hand with a wide network of organisations and charities, including the DWP, Job Centres, housing services, food banks, debt advice providers, and military charities, among others. This means we’re ready to connect you with the right support, no matter what concerns you may have.
Whether it’s advice on housing, navigating benefits, managing debt, or just needing a listening ear – we’re here to guide you. And for those moments when you might feel uncertain about attending an appointment alone, our dedicated advocacy service is here for you. With STEPWAY, a trusted buddy can join you for appointments, easing any anxiety you may feel until you’re ready to go solo.
From your first step to your last, we’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. Together, let’s tackle the challenges and build a brighter, more confident future.
The Banter and Brews are a hive of activity, inviting you along for a free breakfast and access to any support needed from STEPWAY or one of our working partnerships, including-
Veterans UK
Armed Forces Champions DWP
Op-Courage
The Poppy Factory
Waterloo uncovered
Primary Care Network
If you would like to start a Banter and Brew near you and volunteer to be lead on that project please call our Regional Coordinator Neil Binder on 07398 732595
