£246,000 grant will help army veterans in Shropshire
An army hub to help veterans get jobs and gain access to benefits, housing, health and military community networks will open in Shrewsbury, thanks to a Ministry of Defence grant.
Working in partnership with Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council along with Worcestershire Council have accepted a £246,820 grant offer from the MoD.
The councils won a bid for funding to develop a first veterans’ hub for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The cluster bid 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 pay for a dedicated armed forces veterans’ 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.”
A promise from the nation
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
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.
It means working with businesses, local authorities, charities and community organisations to support the forces through services, policy and projects.
The Covenant Fund is a £10 million grant given by the government to projects that will benefit the armed forces and the community generally. Projects range from building new nurseries in civilian areas where many armed forces families live, to funding military themed activities that increase understanding between military and civilian communities in the same area.
The covenant focusses on helping members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
It supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families. And is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference.
Funding is limited, so it is only be able to fund the very best projects. As this is an enduring fund, there will be plenty of opportunity to apply in the coming months and years if your project is not quite ready yet.
If you are unsure whether your organisation or your project is likely to be funded, you can contact: enquiries@covenantfund.org.uk
A spokesman said: “We rejected many applications last year so would not wish you to waste your time on an application that stands little chance.”
