New guide for Armed Forces personnel published
In the week of Remembrance Day, a new guide to services for Armed Forces personnel in York and North Yorkshire has been published.
The guide has been developed by North Yorkshire and City of York Councils for all veterans, serving members and reservists across our region.
A central part of the Armed Forces Covenant agreement is to work together across both council areas to ensure the Armed Forces community can access the same level of service as those outside the Armed Forces.
The guide gives essential information on services such as health including mental health; education and employment; plus housing and benefits. It also gives contact details for a number of charities which support past and present serving personnel.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council and Armed Forces Champion, said:
“We want to bring together all the support across the city and county that benefits the Armed Forces community into one, easy to access reference guide. This guide highlights the wide range of support we have on offer. No one who has ever served in the Armed Forces, or their families, should be disadvantaged because of their service, and this guide shows how we will we meet that commitment.”
Pictured left to right, North Yorkshire Council’s Armed Forces champion, Cllr Kevin Foster; Ripon City Band cornet player Jennifer Cash and North Yorkshire Council Leader Cllr Carl Les.
The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM, said: “Together, we’re reaching out to our valued Armed Forces community to support them. As someone who has served in the Armed Forces, I know how valuable this support is.
“Whether you’re newly posted to the area or being deployed away from home; whether you’re preparing to leave the forces or are adjusting into civilian life, this guide will help you and your family get the best of life in York and North Yorkshire.”
North Yorkshire Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “We are committed to doing all we can to support our military colleagues and veterans.
“North Yorkshire is home to nearly 30,000 armed forces veterans and one of the largest military garrisons in Europe. We recognise the significant value brought to our communities by our military colleagues and the debt we owe them.
“This Armed Forces Covenant Guide is a great way to showcase the services and opportunities across North Yorkshire that are available for all those who serve and have served our country so bravely.”
North Yorkshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Armed Forces Covenant Guide completed and ready to use.
“This has been a real team effort, showing what can be achieved through cross-party cooperation and partnership between three authorities.
“The guide will give councillors and officers the information they need to better support our Armed Forces community and veterans across North Yorkshire. It’s a clear demonstration of the strong respect and commitment we have to those who serve and have served our country.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said “Our armed forces are at the heart of who we are in York and North Yorkshire. I’m proud of our region’s commitment to those who serve and to helping them thrive when they return to civilian life.”
“The Armed Forces Covenant Guide highlights the services, opportunities and community pride that make our region such a strong home for our armed forces community. It reflects the gratitude we feel, and our determination to keep building a region where our armed forces community can truly flourish.”
Available as a printed version from community locations across the region and as an online ebook, the guide is being shared with the York and North Yorkshire Armed Forces community.
To see the guide, please click here or scan the QR code (see attached below).
