Armed Forces Community Covenant
In December 2021 we renewed our commitment to the Armed Forces Community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant which is a commitment to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in accessing public services as a result of their military service.
The covenant complements the national Gov.uk: Armed Forces Covenant which aims to make it easier for service personnel, their families and veterans to access help and support.
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.