Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs (AFVBC) bring veterans and serving personnel together face-to-face. It’s a simple concept—but for many, it’s life-changing.

Military life isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. With its own mindset, values, and language, it sets us apart. Leaving that behind can feel isolating. Many veterans say that walking out of the gate for the last time feels like being abandoned. Even with loved ones around, they often feel disconnected—unable to talk about their experiences.

That’s where AFVBC comes in.

We provide a relaxed, safe, and welcoming space where veterans can meet over breakfast and banter. There are no fees, subscriptions, or obligations—just turn up, buy your breakfast, and be among those who understand.

The phrase “returning to civilian life” is misleading. For many, it’s their first time navigating the world outside the forces. That transition can be tough. We aim to break the social isolation that often follows—a key factor in mental health struggles and suicides among veterans.

The idea began in 2007 in a Hull garage, with a brew, a butty, and banter among ex-REME veteran Peter Barker and our mates. I started inviting other veterans—and it stuck. We called it the ‘BBC’—Barker’s Breakfast Club.

Word spread. Visiting veterans loved the idea, and soon new clubs were forming. Today, AFVBC is a growing global network with over 150,000 members across more than 15 countries.

New clubs continue to form every week. Veterans are reconnecting, building friendships, and finding renewed purpose.

It’s much more than just breakfast