On one special day at the end of June every year, the country comes together to celebrate the efforts of those who risk life and limb to keep our country safe.

But for one coffee lounge in Huddersfield, Armed Forces Day is honoured “every day of the year”.

Nestled in Huddersfield town centre, Tommy’s Lounge is a dedicated drop-in centre for veterans and their family members, offering a safe space for former servicemen and women to connect, talk and find support.

The coffee lounge opened in 2021 as a family effort. Jennie Thorn and her mother, Sue Longbottom, had one goal: To be a “safe haven” for the military community.

Veterans Michael Cullum, 68, and Nick Martin, 50, visit Tommy's Lounge at least once a week

placeholder image — Veterans Michael Cullum, 68, and Nick Martin, 50, visit Tommy's Lounge at least once a week

For veterans like Michael Cullum, 68, who served as a Royal Engineer, the lounge has been a “lifeline”.

Michael said: “I can only speak for myself, but if I hadn’t found this place, I would be dead. I was homeless and had contemplated taking my own life.

"The first time I walked in, I heard someone call out to me – and I thought, ‘Yeah I am home’.”

Between slinging “squaddie” sense of humour and serving coffee, the space has – for some – become like a “second family”.

Heidi Fairclough, 56, is one of the many visitors to Tommy's Lounge who has found support following the death of her father, veteran Robert Fairclough

Heidi Fairclough, 56, tragically lost her father – Staff Sergeant Robert Fairclough – to bowel cancer last year. Before his death, Heidi, who has been an “Army brat” since the age of one, said she saw her dad “light up” after visiting the coffee lounge for the first time.

Heidi said: “As soon as we walked in, it was like being back in mess halls. It was lovely to see; it brought back all of his memories. He even managed to reunite with a friend he hadn’t seen for 15 years.”

After his death last September, Heidi said the coffee lounge helped “incredibly” to give her father the send-off “he deserved.”

Heidi said: “Tommy’s were incredible with helping with my dad’s funeral. He was able to have a military funeral, escorted by 20-odd bikers. I couldn’t thank them enough.”

With the lounge being a “true hub” for those trying to live life after the military, it’s important that they continue “honouring and celebrating” veterans even after the day is over.

Michael said: “Honestly, it’s a bit of a nothing event. Veterans don’t really want to ‘celebrate’ the day, and it’s not honoured in the same way as Remembrance Day.”

Instead, the lounge aims to make the whole year as fulfilling as possible, hosting events such as the annual Regimental Mess Dinner and the Veterans Christmas Dinner.

Co-founder Sue Longbottom, 60, said: “It’s such a special place for so many people. We always want it to be just that.”