The Story of Our Veteran Charity: From One Idea to a Community Across Wales
Woody’s Lodge veteran charity was created from a deeply personal story and a simple belief that no one who has served should feel alone when that service ends. Founded in 2017 in memory of Royal Marine Paul “Woody” Woodland, Woody’s Lodge has grown from a single hub in South Wales into a welcoming community supporting veterans, reservists, emergency service personnel and their families across Wales.
Extending Support to the Armed Forces Community Across Wales and the UK
Today, Woody’s Lodge is proud to be a Valour Recognised Hub in South Wales, strengthening our role as a trusted access point within a wider network of support for the Armed Forces community across Wales and the UK.
Woody’s Lodge Veteran Charity: It Started with Woody
Paul “Woody” Woodland was a Royal Marine and member of the Special Boat Service, born and raised in Penarth, South Wales. Woody lived and breathed service, committed, loyal and driven to support others.
In 2012, Woody sadly lost his life during a training exercise, before he was due to return to Afghanistan for his second tour. Like many who serve, Woody had dreams beyond military life, a quieter future, surrounded by family, with space to breathe and feel at ease.
That vision became the foundation for Woody’s Lodge.
Where It Began: The Start of Veteran Support at Woody’s Lodge
Woody’s Lodge was built on the idea of creating a space where people could come as they are, whether they needed support, or simply somewhere to sit, have a brew and feel part of something again. After two years of planning, the first Woody’s Lodge opened in February 2017 at HMS Cambria.
Founded by a small group of ex-service volunteers, it quickly became a trusted and welcoming environment. In the first six months alone, over 1,200 visits were made by veterans across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, a clear sign of the need for connection, understanding and support.
Growing Into Something Bigger: A Leading Veteran Charity in Wales
In 2018, Woody’s Lodge moved to Amelia Trust Farm in Barry, a setting that brought green space, calm surroundings and the opportunity to grow. From there, our veteran charity expanded across Wales:
- South Wales – Barry (Amelia Trust Farm)
- North Wales – Colwyn Bay (Eirias Park)
Alongside these veteran support hubs, outreach and drop-in sessions have developed across rural and hard-to-reach communities, ensuring more people can access support in a way that works for them.
What Woody’s Lodge Is Today: Supporting Veterans, Families & the Armed Forces Community
Today, Woody’s Lodge is more than a place, it’s a community. Some people come to us for support with complex challenges. Others come for routine, connection, friendship or simply a safe and welcoming space to spend time with people who understand.
Through our hubs, outreach, partnerships and wellbeing activities, we provide compassionate, personalised support while also creating spaces where people can rebuild confidence, reconnect with others and feel part of something again.
Everything we do is guided by our core pillars:
- Outreach
- Green Space
- Wellbeing
- Community
Woody’s Legacy: From One Life to a Lifeline for Many
Woody’s Lodge exists because of one life, but it continues because of thousands more. Every conversation, every brew, every piece of support given is part of that legacy.
We honour Woody not just in name, but in how we show up every day, by creating spaces where people are welcomed without judgement, supported without barriers, and reminded that they don’t have to face life alone.
