When Support Becomes a Lifeline: Hull 4 Heroes Win Community Impact Award in Partnership with BAE Systems

Hull 4 Heroes has been named the winner of the Armed Forces Community Awards 2026 Community Impact Award, presented in partnership with BAE Systems.

It's a fitting recognition for a charity that has become a trusted source of support for veterans, serving personnel and families across Yorkshire and beyond. But to understand why Hull 4 Heroes stood out, you have to look beyond the statistics and services.

At its heart, this is a story about making sure no one has to face their toughest moments alone.

Built From Lived Experience

Hull 4 Heroes was founded by Army veteran Paul Matson, whose own transition from military to civilian life was far from straightforward.

Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, Paul used them to build something that could help others facing similar challenges.

That lived experience remains central to the charity's ethos today.

The organisation understands that difficulties rarely arrive in isolation. Challenges such as homelessness, poor mental health, unemployment, addiction and social isolation often overlap, creating situations that can feel overwhelming without the right support.

A Place People Turn To

Over the years, Hull 4 Heroes has developed into much more than a single support organisation.

Its drop-in centre, wellbeing groups and volunteer network provide practical help while also creating something equally important: connection. For many people, reaching out for support starts with knowing there is somewhere they belong.

The judging panel highlighted the charity's person-centred approach, recognising not only the practical support provided around housing, employment and wellbeing, but also the way the organisation works alongside the NHS, justice services, local authorities and other partners to support individuals holistically.

It's an approach that recognises every person's journey is different.

Earning Trust

Few achievements say more about an organisation than the trust it earns.

Over time, Hull 4 Heroes has become a valued partner for local authorities, charities, service providers and government organisations.

That trust has led to increasing recognition, including becoming one of the first organisations selected as an Op VALOUR Veterans and Families Hub, helping ensure veterans and their families can access joined-up support when they need it most.

The judges also praised the organisation's meticulous approach to measuring and reporting its impact, something that has helped demonstrate the difference being made across the communities it serves.

For Hull 4 Heroes, trust has not been given but earned through years of consistent support, professionalism and commitment.

Powered by Community

One of the most striking aspects of Hull 4 Heroes is the community that has grown around it.

More than 80 volunteers now support the charity's work, helping deliver services, create welcoming spaces and ensure assistance reaches those who need it most. That level of engagement says something important, people want to be part of what Hull 4 Heroes is building.

The judges recognised this as one of the organisation's greatest strengths, reflecting the shared values and sense of purpose that encourage people to contribute their time, energy and expertise.

A Worthy Winner

The Community Impact Award, presented in partnership with BAE Systems, celebrates organisations creating meaningful and lasting change within the Armed Forces community, Hull 4 Heroes embodies exactly that.

Its success is not measured solely by the services it provides or the number of people it supports. It is measured by the trust it has built, the opportunities it creates and the difference it continues to make in people's lives every day.

What started with one veteran's determination to help others has grown into a lifeline for countless members of the Armed Forces community.

For the judges, that made Hull 4 Heroes a deserving winner. For the people whose lives have been changed through its support, it means even more.