The Poppy Factory

20/10/2026

Could you help bring the story of The Poppy Factory to life?

We’re looking for Visitor Centre Volunteers to help welcome visitors to our visitor centre in Richmond.

Discover the story of The Poppy Factory across 100 years, explore the history of the poppy and Remembrance, and learn about the people whose lives and work have shaped our charity.

As a volunteer, you’ll help welcome visitor groups, support our exhibition hosts and make sure every visitor enjoys a warm, engaging and memorable experience.

Get in touch to find out more about becoming a Visitor Centre Volunteer.

Please share with anyone who might be interested!

https://www.poppyfactory.org/vacancies/

10/10/2026

This World Mental Health Day, we're sharing Harry's story.

As a veteran, Harry has experienced his own challenges. With support from our team, including his Employment Consultant Leanne, he’s been able to make positive changes in his life and look towards the future with renewed confidence.

In this video, Harry shares in his own words what that support has meant to him — a powerful reminder that sometimes, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.

https://www.poppyfactory.org/harry-foulkes/

06/10/2026

Are you a family member of a veteran and looking for support with employment?

Our Families Information Session is just one week away.

If you’re a partner, spouse, parent, child or other family member of a veteran, we’d love for you to join us and find out more about the employment support available to you.

Whether you’re looking to get back into work, change career, build your confidence or simply explore what’s out there, our session is a chance to find out how we can help.

Tuesday 13 October, 7pm to 8pm
On Teams

Register: https://bit.ly/FamiliesDropIn1310

30/09/2026

100 years in Richmond. A truly special milestone.

Yesterday, we celebrated 100 years at our home in Richmond — a remarkable milestone and a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our history, our community and the people who have been at the heart of our work.

Our founder, Major George Howson, had a vision: to support soldiers returning from the First World War to find meaningful employment and build new futures. We are incredibly proud that, 100 years later, his vision continues to live on as we support veterans and their families across the UK.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at our Centenary Afternoon Tea yesterday — Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, members of the Howson family, our supporters, old friends, staff, veterans and family members we have had the privilege of supporting.

We were also honoured by a very moving performance from the Military Kids Choir which made the afternoon even more special.

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that has been achieved over the past 100 years, while also looking ahead.

As we reflect on our past, we look forward to the future — and to continuing to support veterans and their families for generations to come.

poppyfactory.org
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

26/09/2026

Such a beautiful start to our centenary celebration weekend at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway. Join us from 10am to 4pm today and tomorrow - enjoy a heritage steam train ride while raising funds to help veterans and family members across the UK on the path to employment.

Huge thanks to all the railway volunteers who have worked so hard to make this happen!

26/09/2026

Such a great start to our Richmond centenary celebration weekend at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway! Join us for train rides till 4pm today and tomorrow - you’ll have a great day out while helping veterans and family members on the path to employment, across the Uk. Thanks to all the incredible railway volunteers who made this possible, and for bringing us together.

24/09/2026

Are you a family member of a veteran?

The Poppy Factory is hosting a free online Employment Information Session for family members of veterans on Tuesday 13 October, 7–8pm.

Meet Molly and Charleigh, our Families Employment Specialists and find out:

- What our Families Employment Service offers
- Myths around work, caring and flexibility
- What support is available and how it works
- Real-life examples of the support we provide
- A chance to ask questions in a Q&A

📅 Tuesday 13 October | 7–8pm
💻 on Teams

Register for free here https://bit.ly/FamiliesDropIn1310

22/09/2026

A huge thank you to Sam for sharing her story. A brilliant example of the difference partnership working can make in supporting our Armed Forces community. 🤝

More veterans like Sam will have support to find employment after leaving service, thanks to our recent grant of £100,000 to The Poppy Factory.

Sam served for 19 years in The Royal Logistic Corps, serving on deployments in Northern Ireland, Iraq, and Afghanistan. On leaving the Army in 2015, Sam struggled with her mental and physical health and was diagnosed with complex PTSD.

When Sam was facing uncertainty about her future, we provided her with funding so that she could undertake professional training to be a barber. She was also introduced to The Poppy Factory for additional support.

Read more. 👉 https://armybenevolentfund.org/helping-veterans-like-sam-back-into-employment/

21/09/2026

We're very excited for this weekend's celebration at Hampton Kempton Waterworks Railway. Please join us for a truly memorable outing to mark 100 years of The Poppy Factory in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames - the weather is looking good! Book tickets here: https://hamptonkemptonrailway.org.uk/