Burnley Council receives national award for armed forces support

The council has achieved a Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme run by the Ministry of Defence. It previously held the Bronze Award.

The honour recognises the council’s commitment to support and work with veterans to help them when they move from the armed forces to civilian life.

Coun. Lian Pate, the council’s armed force champion, said: “Our servicemen and women deserve our support after their bravery and hard work in the armed services.

"It’s absolutely right that we do our best to help them during their transition to Civvy Street and as they make a new life as a civilian, and that we recognise and nurture the talents they bring with them.

“The council is committed to working with partners to provide help and support as our veterans adapt to live outside the military, with regard to housing and employment or by signposting them to places where they can find the support and advice they need.

“We will continue our work with partners to support ex-forces men and women.

“Next stop is a Gold Award!”

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Together with other agencies and local organisations, Burnley Council has signed the covenant that shows support between the civilian and the armed forces communities.

The voluntary agreement complements the national Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines the support offered to in-service and ex-service personnel from the nation, the Government and the armed forces.

The local covenant allows the Burnley community to collectively use their knowledge, experience and expertise to help and advise members of the armed forces community.

It also recognises and remembers the sacrifices made by members of this community, including their families and widows / widowers in Burnley.

The covenant involves:

- coordination between those providing welfare support for members of the Armed Forces community

- working with housing associations and the NHS to ensure fair access to accommodation and health services for service and ex-service personnel

- liaison with employers and employment agencies to take action to assist Armed Forces personnel to make the transition into civilian life.

The council is working with a wide range of partners, including ex-servicemen's associations, Burnley FC in the Community and local businesses to help support men and women who have come out of the armed forces and are settling into life in “Civvy Street”.

For more information about the Armed Forces Community Covenant in Burnley, contact Catherine Swift: [email protected]