Armed Forces Covenant grant secured for veteran hubs

Ministry of Defence funding will strengthen delivery of the covenant across the West Mercia region

Herefordshire Council has accepted a £246,820 grant offer from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) following a bid to fund the development of pilot veteran hubs in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire and Telford & Wrekin.

The cluster bid, led by Herefordshire Council in consultation with Herefordshire’s Civilian Military Task Group and other covenant partnerships, will strengthen local government delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant across the West Mercia region. The funding will also cover the cost of two staff members; one to support the covenant partnership in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and the other to support Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

The grant will fund a dedicated Armed Forces veteran hub in Shrewsbury town centre, providing support and guidance on issues such as employment, benefits, housing, health and access to military community networks.

Councillor Karen Calder said:

“Shropshire Council has demonstrated again its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant by working along with other partners in the region to secure this important funding.

“The military community can sometimes find it difficult to access the advice they need once they leave the Armed Forces. The hub will give veterans and their families’ access to a support network which understands the background and needs of veterans of all ages- all under one roof. Through this targeted advice and guidance, veterans will be fully supported to lead independent lives within Shropshire.”

If you would like to find out more about this project or the Armed Forces Covenant please contact Sean McCarthy, Armed Forces Covenant Co-ordinator on 01743 255933 or email: sean.mccarthy@shropshire.gov.uk