We recognise the value of serving personnel, veterans, Reserve Forces and military families, and promises to ensure those that serve or have served, and their families, will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged by their military life.
The Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is enshrined in law.
The covenant says we we must recognise the unique nature of armed forces service and ensure that there is no disadvantage as a result of service, for example in accessing our services.
We also have to allow special treatment where justified, such as in the case of the bereaved or injured.
The Armed Forces Community Covenant is the local level version of the Armed Forces Covenant. We have signed up and pledged our support for it.
The Armed Forces Community Covenant aims to meet the needs of Armed Forces communities, by enabling public services, charities, businesses, communities and individuals to work with the military to provide the most appropriate advice, support and services.
The Royal British Legion have a best practice guide to the covenant in the community.
Support for armed forces personnel
Armed forces champions
Our armed forces champions are Councillors. You can contact them if you need support or if you want to know more about the work we do to help armed forces personnel in our area.
Contact details for our armed forces champions:
- Cllr Suzanne Pender, South Lakeland area
- Cllr Bill McEwan, Barrow area
- Cllr Michael Eyles, Eden area
Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans applying for jobs in our council
We value the skills of military personnel and veterans, and understand the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. We're committed to supporting personnel and veterans in reaching their potential.
We have a guaranteed interview scheme for Armed Forces personnel and veterans. If you've served in the British Armed Forces and meet the essential criteria for a council job, we guarantee you an interview when you apply and identify yourself as a having served in the Armed Forces.
While this program doesn't guarantee a job, it provides an opportunity for personnel and veterans to showcase their abilities. Our commitment to the Armed Forces has earned us a Ministry of Defence employer recognition scheme gold award.
Find jobs and information about careers at Westmorland and Furness Council.
Veterans Health Hub
The Veterans Health Hub works with GP practises so they have a better understanding of veteran needs.
Find Veterans Health Hub accredited GP practises in our area.
Veterans Gateway
The Veterans’ Gateway service is the first point of contact for all Tri-Service veterans, and their families. It covers welfare areas: housing, employment, finances, living independently, mental wellbeing, families and communities, and physical health.
Its unique support (both in the UK and abroad) is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant. It is also supported by charities and organisations and individuals, including the the National Health Service (NHS), the Government of the United Kingdom (GOV.UK) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Royal British Legion cost of living grant
This cost of living grant is designed to assist people who need help in a quick and easy way with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs.
You can find out, if you can get their support if you are struggling to pay for items and services you need and apply on their website: Royal British Legion cost of Living Grant
Armed Force Covenant Fund Trust
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust awards grants that support the Armed Forces community.
They are both a charity and a Non-Departmental Public Body, or NDPB. They deliver high impact programmes, including administration of the £10 million Armed Forces Covenant Fund, each year.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund has four broad funding themes:
- non-core healthcare services for veterans
- removing barriers to family life
- Extra support, both in and after Service, for those that need help
- measures to integrate military and civilian communities and allow the Armed Forces community to participate as citizens
Support in moving in to civilian life
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is an organisation, recognised by the MOD, that provides support and advice to leavers of the armed forces who are moving in to civilian life.
Support for older veterans in care homes
The Veteran Friendly Framework supports care providers in identifying veterans and their wellbeing needs.
Op COURAGE
Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is the NHS mental health specialist service designed to help veterans and their families in England.
Op PROSPER
Op PROSPER is a government-backed employment scheme for veterans and their families, designed to ensure equal access to employment opportunities for ex-service personnel across the UK.
Op FORTITUDE
Op FORTITUDE is the government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Apply for or replace a medal or Veterans Badge
You can apply for or replace, a medal or veterans badge.
Armed forces personnel support - News
News stories on what we're doing to support armed forces personnel in our area.
Discounts for veterans
Find out about discount schemes available to veterans of UK armed forces at gov.uk getting discounts as a veteran.
HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.