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South Gloucestershire has a large military and civilian armed forces population made up of serving and former members and their families.

We take pride in recognising their contribution to the nation and the benefit that military families bring to the area.

We have been supportive of our armed forces for many years and this relationship was formalised in the signing of an Armed Forces Covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant

The government’s Armed Forces Covenant defines the moral obligation of the nation and the government to ensure no serving or former member of the armed services or their families should face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.

The covenant duty

The armed forces covenant duty is a legal obligation on certain public bodies to ‘have due regard’ to the principles of the covenant.

The duty requires us to develop and deliver services that consider the particular needs of the Armed Forces community.

It also recognises that special consideration is needed in some cases, especially for the injured and the bereaved.

We support the armed forces community working and living in South Gloucestershire by recognising and remembering the sacrifices they have made, particularly those who have given the most.

What it means

Our work includes:

  • help for those leaving or who have left the armed forces
  • a school admissions policy that recognises the needs of families of serving personnel and encourages schools to apply for available supportive funding.
  • holding events within the community such as Armed Forces Day

Support for veterans

Through the Armed Forces covenant we provide funding to Assistplus CIC and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airforce and Families Association (SSAFA). We also work with other local organisations to provide support to veterans living locally.

The veteran support service includes:

  • phone and email helpline
  • monthly peer support sessions
  • drop-in sessions at the Jubilee Centre in Bradley Stoke
  • home visits from case workers

It provides advice on:

  • education, retraining and employment
  • accessing health and social care
  • finding housing

How to get in touch

If you or a veteran you know needs advice or support you can contact:

  • Assistplus

Email: info@assistplus.org.uk
Freephone: 0800 678 5618 Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm

  • SSAFA

Online: Live chat or complete an online form
Freephone: 0800 260 6767 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm

Transparency

We publish all grant funding on the open data page to meet our obligations under the Local Government Transparency Code.

Armed Forces Day

Our annual Armed Forces Day event is to show our support for all men and women who make up the armed forces community.

For more information about Armed Forces Day events in 2023 visit the Armed Forces Day website or the local South Gloucestershire event website.

Celebrations on Armed Forces Day are coordinated by our local Armed Forces Day committee.

You can contact southglosafd@gmail.com for more information or if you are interested in becoming a member of this committee.

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