Armed Forces Community Covenant
We are in the process of refreshing our current Armed Forces Community Covenant, which is a local agreement to ensure that key partners in the county, along with the armed forces, work together to support members of the armed forces community – regulars, reservists, veterans and their families.
The covenant complements the national Gov.uk: Armed Forces Covenant which is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The covenant aims to make it easier for service personnel, their families and veterans to access help and support. The armed forces community is encouraged to support and help their local community.
We will endeavour to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- No member of the armed forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.
- In some circumstances special consideration may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.
Armed Forces Forum
An Armed Forces Forum has been set up to encourage all partners within County Durham to work together to take positive measures to prevent any disadvantage to individuals as a result of military service.
The forum involves representatives of the armed forces and organisations supporting ex-service personnel, as well as elected councillors and partner organisations.
Support and help for veterans
In Partnership with other local authorities, Durham County Council funds an Armed Forces Outreach Services (AFOS) which can provide help and support to all forces personnel, reservists, veterans and their families.
Find out how registered charities, armed forces units or statutory bodies can apply for a Covenant Fund grant to support the armed forces community.