Armed Forces Community Support
Armed Forces Community Support
Support for the Armed Forces Community
The Armed Forces Community refers to any serving, or former member (often referred to as a veteran) of the Army, Navy, Royal Mariners or Royal Air Force, including families, dependents, reservists or veterans. Newcastle City Council recognise the sacrifices that members of the Armed Forces have made during their time in service and are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community in Newcastle. The commitment was cemented through the signing of the Newcastle Armed Forces Community Covenant on the 1 February 2012.
What Support is Available
Many servicemen and women may require advice and support on issues such as housing, healthcare, education, training and employment. Newcastle City Council work in partnership to provide the Armed Forces Outreach Service helps veterans make the transition from military life back into civilian life and also supports serving members of the Armed Forces and their families. The service is available Monday to Friday, offering help with benefits, employment and housing.
To find out more and to speak to an Armed Forces Community Outreach Worker please visit the Armed Forces Outreach Service website.
Employer Recognition Gold Award
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was established by the Government to recognise an employer’s support for the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. Newcastle City Council were recently awarded the Gold Award in recognition of its support for employees who are active in the Armed Forces.
For further details of other local employers who are recognised for their support, please visit the Government Defence Employer Recognition Scheme website.
Newcastle Armed Forces Community Covenant
The Armed Forces Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between the civilian community and its local armed forces community. It is intended to compliment the Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the moral obligation between the nation, the Government, and the Armed Forces at a local level.
The Newcastle City Council Armed Forces Covenant shows the cities commitment to the Armed Forces community, and binds us to the key principles of the covenant committing the Council to ensure:
- that members of the Armed Forces community are not to be at a disadvantage when they try to access public services such as education, employment, housing, or health care; and
- that they are given special consideration where appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.
Newcastle Armed Forces Forum
The Newcastle Armed Forces Forum brings together the Council, the Armed Forces, local charities, business and partner organisations to help members of the Armed Forces community and deliver on the principles of the Newcastle Armed Forces Community Covenant. The work of the forum is set out and agreed by its membership in the Newcastle Armed Forces Forum action plan.
The Chair of the Forum is the Newcastle City Council Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Linda Wright.
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