North Lincolnshire Council will launch the biggest ever conversation with the armed forces community in the New Year – designed to help shape the support needed across the next decade.
The council – which is recognised nationally in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – is committed to supporting serving members of the military, veterans, and their families.
The consultation will invite the armed forces community and local organisations which provide support to have their say on how the council delivers further support as part of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, champions the armed forces community, he said:
“People who serve or have served in the armed forces sacrifice so much for our country; this deserves to be honoured and recognised. We are fully committed to helping those in the armed forces community.
“Significant progress has been made with the North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Covenant to ensure those who have served – and their families – are treated with fairness and respect.
“We are currently in the process of developing a specialist hub for the North Lincolnshire armed forces community. People will be able to access support, meet others from the armed forces and be signposted to other relevant organisations and in the New Year we want to hear from as many current and former members to help us shape the future design.”
In 2020 the council received the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award – the highest accolade – because of a commitment to armed forces reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, ex-serving personnel, the military, and their families.
Cllr Elaine Marper, Armed Forces Champion for North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“I am a strong advocate for the armed forces community and want to ensure that they are recognised for their sacrifices and dedication.
“The council has made great strides in recent years to provide support and guidance through the North Lincolnshire Armed Forces Covenant and will continue to build on this.
“A consultation will take place in the New Year to identify if the current level of support provided is fit for purpose and determine how services are provided in the future.”
For further details on the Armed Forces Covenant and signposting provided, visit www.northlincs.gov.uk/armedforces or email the Armed Forces Covenant Officer at armed.forces@northlincs.gov.uk.
