City of York Council marks Armed Forces Day and honours service community
City of York Council is joining communities across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June, recognising the vital contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families.
The council is proud to support the Armed Forces community through its commitment as a Gold Award signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, working with partners to ensure those who serve or have served are treated fairly and with respect.
As part of this commitment, the council provides a range of local support, including welfare services, access to advice and community networks, and collaboration with organisations across the city. York also continues to strengthen its role as a welcoming and supportive city for the Armed Forces community.
To mark Armed Forces Day, the Armed Forces Day flag will be flown above the Mansion House, recognising the dedication and sacrifice of service personnel and their families.
Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council and Armed Forces Champion, said:
“On Armed Forces Day, we join communities across York and beyond in thanking all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and recognising the sacrifices made by them and their families.
“We are proud of our commitment as a Gold Award signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that the Armed Forces community in York is supported, valued and respected. This is a responsibility we take seriously all year round.
“Ensuring those in this unique role, who must often move at short notice with their work, can access the right support here in York is hugely important to me as the city’s Armed Forces Champion”.
Regular support for the Armed Forces community in York includes:
- A weekly Armed Forces Drop-In Centre at the Spurriergate Centre providing social and welfare support
- Access to a comprehensive Armed Forces Community Information Directory
- Partnership work with local and national organisations to improve wellbeing, employment and community connections
Connections with the military remain a consistent feature of civic life in York through Lord Mayor, Civic Party and councillor attendance at events involving the military, including Remembrance Sunday and the exercising of Freedom of the City.
Find out more about support in York: https://www.york.gov.uk/ArmedForcesCovenant
The council will also be supporting a range of activities across Armed Forces Day and the week ahead and is working with partners across the city to host an Armed Forces Football Festival at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday 12 July. Entry will be free for all.
Pictured: Cllr Claire Douglas, Lt Col Tom Skinner Commanding Officer 2 Signal Regiment, the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, the Sheriff of York, Geoff Cossins, The Sheriff’s Consort, Stuart Jarman, the Lord Mayor’s Consort, Trevor Gant.