Save A Warrior UK CIC has announced the closure of its Community Coworking Space at Fareham Shopping Centre as the organisation prepares to take its community-building work directly to people and organisations across the region.
The coworking space was created with a clear intention: to bring people together, establish meaningful relationships and create a visible community presence for Save A Warrior UK in Fareham.
From receiving the keys with the support of Mike Taylor and the shopping centre management team, through to the official opening by Lord-Lieutenant Atkinson in April 2025, the space became far more than a place to work. It became somewhere people could meet, talk, connect and build relationships around a shared commitment to service.
The regular Wednesday morning networking meetings brought businesses, community organisations, volunteers and supporters around the same table. However, some of the most meaningful relationships were also found in the everyday encounters that took place throughout the shopping centre.
Thomas Burgess, Co-Founder and Director of Save A Warrior UK CIC, said:
“The greatest lesson has been the depth of relationship that can be built when you intentionally create a place where people can come together.
“It has not only been about the people who sat around the table, attended our networking meetings or came into the space for a conversation. It has also been about the passing acquaintances who became familiar faces, the people we came to recognise, greet and know by name.
“Everything changes, and nothing stays the same. Although it is time to close the coworking space, the relationships created here will not be left behind.”
The closure represents a change in strategy rather than an end to Save A Warrior UK’s local community work.
Instead of asking people to come to the organisation, Save A Warrior UK will increasingly take its work to the people. This will include developing a more mobile approach to networking and making intentional visits to Community Interest Companies and other organisations supporting serving and veteran Military personnel and members of the Emergency Services.
The aim is to build a stronger national network of good people and effective organisations united by one common purpose: service.
Save A Warrior UK would like to thank Mike Taylor and the entire centre management team at Fareham Shopping Centre for making the coworking space possible and for supporting the organisation throughout its time in the centre.
The organisation also extends its thanks to Jane Hardy for her continued encouragement and support, and to Stephen Diamon for his counsel, friendship and contribution towards helping Save A Warrior UK become established.
Special thanks are given to Liz Allen, Lead Volunteer at the coworking space, whose commitment helped sustain its day-to-day community presence, and to Kim Small, the space’s resident counsellor, who supported people with matters outside the Save A Warrior UK programme and hosted bereavement workshops.
Save A Warrior UK also thanks Fareham Art Group for choosing to host their Art Exhibition here , with a change over of incredible art from artists as young as 10 years old. Thank's to everyone who attended the Wednesday morning networking meetings, used the space, introduced others to the organisation or offered their time, experience and friendship.
Save A Warrior UK CIC continues to deliver a 72-hour residential programme followed by a 500-day suggested course of healing for serving and veteran members of the Military and Emergency Services who are living with the effects of trauma.
Its mission remains unchanged: to deliver the real solution to suicide through its core programme.
