The courage of lions. The heart to serve.
About Us
Operation Lionheart
Operation Lionheart puts trained, verified Armed Forces veterans back into service in their communities, as a calm presence when the public needs it most.
In partnership with Pilgrim Bandits, Operation Lionheart is built on a simple belief that veterans still have something valuable to offer their communities.
This structured programme creates an accountable way to do that, with verification, training and clear boundaries that keep public safety front and centre.
The Solution
Be a Visible, Verified Presence in Your Community
Operation Lionheart connects communities seeking reassurance with veterans seeking purpose.
“The instinct to serve doesn’t disappear when you take off the uniform.”
Operation Lionheart exists for one simple reason to help people feel safer in public spaces, through a calm, trusted presence that is easy to recognise and quick to verify.
Communities feel less safe
Anti-social behaviour is rising. Visible policing has declined. Many people, particularly the elderly, women, and those who feel vulnerable, are increasingly anxious in public spaces. Walking to the shops or waiting for a bus shouldn’t feel like a risk.
Veterans seek purpose
Thousands of veterans leave service each year with exceptional skills: composure under pressure, threat assessment, de-escalation, and an enduring instinct to serve. Yet many struggle to find meaningful ways to use those capabilities in civilian life.
How
How It Works
Simple for the Public. Structured for Veterans.
01.
Look For The Lion
When you’re out in public, on the high street, public transport, town centres, look for someone wearing the distinctive Lionheart badge. That badge tells you this is a verified veteran who has chosen to be available to help.
02.
Approach With Confidence
The Lionheart will take it from there: walking with you, standing nearby, helping you contact someone, or simply providing a calm presence until you feel better.
03.
Find Your Courage
If you’re a British Armed Forces veteran with an enduring desire to serve your community, we want you.
Join now — it’s free!
Who
Who It Helps
We Serve Everyone
The badge doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we.
Lionhearts
Will
• Stay with you
• Help you contact someone
• De-escalate
• Provide reassurance
Lionhearts
Won’t
• Intervene physically
• Replace police
• Carry weapons.
We Help:
The Elderly
A calm presence when intimidation or anxiety makes everyday activities feel daunting. Someone to walk alongside you.
Women
A verified, trustworthy person to approach when walking alone feels unsafe, or when you need someone to stand with you.
The Vulnerable
A trained individual who can recognise distress, provide reassurance, and help connect you with appropriate support.
Lost Children
A DBS-checked adult who can help a separated child stay calm, locate parents, and ensure they’re safe until reunited.
Commuters
A reassuring presence on public transport and in stations. Someone calm and capable nearby when things feel wrong.
All Communities
Everyone deserves to feel safe walking to the shops or waiting for a bus. Lionhearts serve all members of their communities equally.
Safe
Safeguarding
Our Cardinal Rules
Non-negotiable standards that every Lionheart must live by
Safety First
Your safety and public safety always take priority. No exceptions.
Proportionality
Any response must be proportionate to the situation. De-escalation, not confrontation.
Police Primacy
Call authorities immediately for serious crimes. We support police, not replace them.
No Weapons
Carrying weapons of any kind is absolutely prohibited. Our tool is composure.
Documentation
Significant incidents must be reported within 24 hours. Full accountability.
Verify a Badge
Is This Member Verified?
How to confirm they are a genuine, accredited Lionheart member.
Enter your badge serial number
Every Lionheart badge has a unique serial number etched into the metal. Enter it below to verify the bearer.
Field placeholder: e.g. LH-2026-0001
Button: Verify – TBD – Do you have a system set up that you’re currently using?
If so, I will need account access to link the verification system/create fields for the user to complete. We can remove this for the time being if nothing is set up yet.
Verification confirms the badge bearer’s first name, service branch and current accreditation status.
Scan the QR code
Every badge contains a unique QR code. Use our free app or any QR scanner to verify a Lionheart member instantly. The QR code links directly to our secure verification database. You’ll see immediately whether the badge is genuine and current.
Privacy: Verification never reveals personal details such as address or full service history, so it won’t ever compromise the veteran’s privacy.
Download the Lionheart App
For free instant verification, plus safety resources and community updates.
Veterans Don’t Stop Being Useful
They become needed somewhere else.
Contact Us
General Enquiries: info@pilgrimbandits.org
Call: +44 (0) 7749 969051
This number is not monitored 24/7, but you are welcome to leave a message or send a text. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible when we’re next in the office.
Media enquiries: sales@pilgrimbandits.org
Sales: +44 (0) 7702 852541
For sales enquiries, to request a fundraising pack, or to make enquiries about becoming an area representative.
Events: ops@pilgrimbandits.org
Accounts: accounts@pilgrimbandits.org
Social
Office Address
Pilgrim Bandits
Unit 2A
Queensway Ind Estate
Stem Lane, New Milton
Hampshire
BH25 5NN
Payments & Donations
Should you wish, you can set up a standing order for a monthly/quarterly contribution to Pilgrim Bandits. This can be done at any branch of Barclays, quoting:
PILGRIMBANDITS
Account: 63177750
Sort code: 20-53-53
Donate via Total Giving
Your donation directly supports injured service personnel and veterans, with the majority of funds raised going straight to our beneficiaries.
Donations are collected securely through TotalGiving, with automatic Gift Aid reclaim meaning every £10 donated can be worth £12.16 to Pilgrim Bandits.
© 2026 Pilgrim Bandits | Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1136166
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