As the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Westmorland and Furness Council is calling on organisations across the area to help improve support for local veterans.
In 2023, the council demonstrated its commitment to the Armed Forces community by signing the national Armed Forces Covenant. Building on that pledge, the council is now launching a survey to better understand the health, wellbeing and needs of veterans living in Westmorland and Furness.
The insight gathered will contribute to a comprehensive veterans’ health needs assessment, helping to build a clearer picture of the health and wellbeing of local veterans and how this is influenced by social, economic and environmental factors. The findings will inform future priorities and ensure services are better aligned to the needs of the Armed Forces community.
The survey is being led by the council’s Armed Forces Board with support from its Public Health Team.
Services across the council, NHS and charity sector are being asked to contribute anonymised data on veterans and outline what support their organisations provide.
Linda Jones, Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer and Armed Forces Lead Officer at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This work is a key step in delivering on our Armed Forces Covenant commitments. We want to ensure veterans and their families in Westmorland and Furness receive the recognition, care and support they deserve. As we mark VE Day, it’s a timely opportunity to reflect on their contribution and improve how we support them now and into the future.”
Organisations working with veterans – whether formally or informally – are encouraged to take part, especially if they haven’t already been contacted.
To find out more about the survey or to contribute, please email: armedforces@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
