Armed Forces Community
Service life can impact the Armed Forces community in many ways. Frequent house moves, being away from support networks for long periods of time or unfamiliarity with civilian life - accessing public services can be challenging. Finding work, somewhere to live, a purpose, and a place in society, can feel overwhelming.
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.
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.
The East Riding Community Covenant Delivery Group (ERCCDG)
The Delivery Group is a partnership 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.
VCSE Groups offering support in the East Riding
There are many groups and charities providing support to veterans and serving personnel in the region in a range of different areas - including employment, mental health and well-being, physical health, and recovery and support for service families.
East Riding Council has a dedicate website for the Armed Forces Community that includes information on local community groups and volunteering opportunities.
To include your group please email community.covenant@eastriding.gov.uk or call (01482) 391426.
Funding - The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
The Trust supports the Armed Forces Covenant by delivering funding programmes that create real change to Armed Forces communities across the UK. The Trust has four broad funding themes:
- Non-core healthcare services for veterans
- Removing barriers to family life
- Extra support, both in and after Service, for those that need help
- Measures to integrate military and civilian communities and allow the Armed Forces community to participate as citizen
Useful resources
Forces Connect - A free mobile app that signposts members of the armed forces community to support and advice. You can download the app via Google Play or the Apple App Store. Search ‘Yorkshire East’ to find out about:
- Crisis Support
- Employment, Education & Training
- Family Support, Care & Benefits
- Health & Wellbeing
- Housing & Homelessness
