What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

If you are serving, or have served in HM Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to make sure you and your family, as part of the Armed Forces community, are treated fairly when you access services, and do not face discrimination compared to other citizens. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.

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Who does the Armed Forces community include?

You are a member of the Armed Forces community if you are: 

• serving / regular personnel
• a reservist (volunteer and regular)
• a veteran (those who have served at least one day in HM Armed Forces)
• family of serving personnel, reservists and veterans (including spouses, civil partners, the children they are responsible for and, where appropriate, parents and unmarried partners) 
• immediate family of serving personnel and veterans who have died, whether or not that death has any connection with service.

What is the East Riding Community Covenant?

East Riding of Yorkshire is home to both current and ex-serving men and women and their families from across the Armed Forces. These men and women, and their families, form a valuable part of the East Riding's community, bringing with them skills and a contribution that is unique and valuable.

In 2012, representatives from various local statutory organisations, voluntary groups and military charities signed the ‘East Riding Community Covenant’. This was renewed again in 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force.

What is the East Riding Community Covenant Delivery Group?

This group (ERCCDG) was established to consider the issues facing the local Armed Forces community and any support that is required to meet their needs.

The group meets quarterly and is chaired by the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor David Elvidge, councillor.elvidge@eastriding.gov.uk.

How can you help us to help you?

When you access a service, such as healthcare, housing or benefits, it is important to let professionals know that you are a member of the Armed Forces community if you feel able to. This will make sure that you can access certain services or support that are specifically aimed at members of the Armed Forces community.

Does the East Riding work with other local authorities?

We work with our neighbouring local authorities wherever possible to improve the support for the Armed Forces community across the wider region. Follow the links below to find out what other local authorities in the region are doing to support the Armed Forces Covenant:

Doncaster Council (external website)

https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/adult-social-care/support-for-our-armed-forces-community

Hull City Council (external website)

https://hull.connecttosupport.org/stay-healthy/support-services/veterans/

North East Lincolnshire Council (external website)

https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/armed-forces/

North Lincolnshire Council (external website)

https://www.northlincs.gov.uk/community-advice-and-support/armed-forces-covenant/

What other support and advice is available?

A wide range of services and support is available to help you, whatever your needs.

These pages are also useful if you support members of the Armed Forces community as part of your job, or as a friend, carer or family member.

Community and relationships

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-community-and-relationships/

Employment, education and skills

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-employment-education-and-skills/

Families, children and young people

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-families-children-and-young-people/

Health and wellbeing

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-health-and-wellbeing/

Housing

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-housing/

Money advice

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-money-advice/

General advice and support

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-general-advice-and-support/

Supporting the Armed Forces community

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/supporting-the-armed-forces-community/