Support event for the armed forces community

An event is taking place to promote the work of the Shropshire Armed Forces Community Covenant and how it can support the armed forces, reservists, ex-service personnel and their families, as well as the wider community.

The Shropshire Armed Forces Community Covenant launch event will provide an opportunity for local organisations to promote their services to the armed forces community and connect with a wide range of people that could benefit from the support and services they offer.

The event will be held at the Roland Wycherley Force Development Centre at RAF Shawbury from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday 30 April 2013, and will be in a ‘market place’ style with information stands, displays and rolling presentations for people to browse.

It will bring together local service providers from health care, housing, employment and education, as well as welfare and support agencies.  There will be information and advice on starting up a business, and stands from military and civilian organisations, key Shropshire Council service teams, service charities and the voluntary sector.

There will also be advice about the Community Covenant grant scheme, which provides funding for projects which help to bring armed forces and civilian communities together.

Council officials and representatives from local armed forces establishments will be present, and entertainments will include performances by the Royal Irish Bugles, Pipes and Drums military band and Shawbury Military Wives Choir.

Mike Hyatt, Shropshire Council’s head of strategy, research and performance at, said:

“The Shropshire Armed Forces Community Covenant is about supporting all serving forces personnel, reservists, veterans and the families of each of these, as well as cadets based in the county.

“We want to understand better what life is like in Shropshire for serving and ex-forces personnel and their families and help eliminate any unfair disadvantage they experience; for example, in housing or getting a job.  This event will be a great start, but it’s just the first step in helping understand the issues.”

Group Captain Chris Luck, the Station Commander at RAF Shawbury and lead military signatory, said:

“The Community Covenant represents Shropshire’s determination to cement the long-established military bond with the county.  It is a mutual act of respect and confidence and will provide a much needed focus for action; one that will be much appreciated by all those that serve and have served.  I am grateful to the council and to the people of Shropshire for their care towards our servicemen and women.”

The event in Shawbury is the first of many planned activities that will aim to grow the relationship Shropshire people have with armed forces families.

For more information, or to book a stall, please contact Sue Thomas, community action officer on 01939 237453 or email SAFCC@Shropshire.gov.uk.