About

About us

Armed Forces Community HQ is a Community Interest Company (formerly Wigan Borough Armed Forces Community HQ) launched in November 2018 in response to the overwhelming demand for a safe space for veterans, their families and carers within Wigan. The local Armed Forces community is estimated at around 22,000 and the facility has an open door policy enabling individuals to attend our regular events and activities, discuss any issues or concerns they are facing with the team, and to socialise with their peers.  In 2019, working in partnership with Wigan Council, AFCHQ became the lead delivery organisation for the “Tackling Serious Stress in Veterans, their Families and Carers” programme funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. This two year programme enabled ACFHQ to enhance and develop the core offer to provide a ‘one stop’ service to tackle barriers to living fulfilling and inclusive lives.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, AFCHQ rallied the troops to deliver community support on behalf of Wigan Council. This included packing and delivering food parcels, prescription drop-offs, and welfare checks.  Since 2022, we have expanded our area of operation and now support the wider community across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the North West.

Molyneux House, Wigan

The facility in Wigan is named in memory of local Royal Navy Submarine Officer Lt Cdr Ian Molyneux GM RN, who tragically lost his life aboard HMS Astute in April 2011. He was posthumously awarded the George Medal. His medal citation read “His actions were incalculably brave and were carried out in the highest possible service traditions of courage and selfless commitment”. Gillian Molyneux, wife of Lt Cdr Molyneux, is a founding member of the organisation.

We co-locate with the Wigan Sea Cadets, who parade on Tuesday and Thursday nights. More information can be found here about their activities and how to get involved. 

Employer Recognition Scheme

We are delighted to announce that AFCHQ has been awarded the Bronze, Silver and Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award to acknowledge our commitment in employment and recruitment of ex-service personnel. We give thanks to the team at Defence Relationship Management for their continued support and joint working to provide amazing employment and volunteering opportunities to our Armed Forces community.
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The Cunning Stunts

Death-defying dad and daughter danger double act with an appetite for absurdity, the Cunning Stunts, consisting of freak fatale Eve Elle and moustachioed mad man Baldini, have performed, and produced, shows from Stoke-on-Trent to Singapore. With their tongue-in-cheek approach to the art of circus and sideshow, this dynamic duo will entertain you like never before. Having graced the Sindrome stage at Download Festival as well as the Caravan of Lost Souls at Glasto, Cirque Du Mort in Glasgow, nightclubs in Dubai, weddings in Delhi, Formula One Silverstone, Abu Dhabi and Monaco, and many more, they are absolutely THRILLED to be joining an incredible line-up for ‘A Million Veteran Dreams’ this summer.

Mackenzie

Mackenzie Clifford specialises in Aerial Silks , Lyra , Pole and Flypole. She has won awards in numerous competitions including UKAPC, IPAAT and Dance Equality Aerial and Acro. Mackenzie is an experienced performer, working at events including Shakespeares birthday celebration in Stratford-upon-Avon, and performing aerial acts across the country with Birminghams Youth Circus, as well as working in theatres and with community events. Mackenzie is a full time aerial and Pole instructor, working out of Polefit & Aerialfit Crewe & Stoke-on-Trent. 
 

Luke Harries

 Luke Harries is internationally recognised for his acrobatic Cyr Wheel act, performing at some of top known resorts across the Maldives.With over a decade of experience performing at some of the largest festivals in the UK, at Weddings, corporate functions and huge public events, this high impact performance has wowed many a crowd, showcasing an extreme level of talent. Well known by the performance community for both his Cyr Wheel, LED and fire shows, Luke is also highly regarded for ability to produce and choreograph high-end visual group performances

Lauren Eve

Lauren Eve is a singer, originally from Manchester but now living in Lytham St. Anne’s. She attended a music college in Manchester and studied vocal performance. Her favourite place to sing is on the streets of Altrincham as she loves busking!. So far her biggest achievement was to perform at the London Palladium in 2022 at Britain’s Got Talent and got 4 yes’. The best is yet to come…… 

Raphael

Raphael has over 12 years’ experience in the music industry, theatre and music production having worked with Amy Winehouse, Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Alexander O’Neal, and has appeared on television shows, The X Factor UK, The Voice and The Graham Norton Show. His music is guaranteed to bring the fun, great vocals, and a high-energy performance style to every show

Adam

Adam Thornewill AKA Miss Diva Dib Dab is an international drag queen. Starting as a dancer, the joining a circus company performing stilt walking, fire skills and angle grinding.