Veterans support

Working together in Cheshire East to support the Armed Forces Covenant community

Cheshire has a long history of armed forces being based within the county. Our covenant is a voluntary statement of support between our communities and the armed forces community. The Armed Forces Covenant: Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

The aims of the covenant are to:

• encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces Community in their areas
• nurture public understanding and awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community
• recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community
• encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces Community into local life

Following the successful Armed Forces Silver Award received in 2022, this year we are proud to announce that we have received the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.

Veterans Support

Armed Forces Champion

Each local authority has a named officer who supports the Armed Forces Covenant and can direct you into local services. Our contacts in Cheshire East are:

• Ashley Farrall (Councillor) 07496 362542
• Richard Stephenson-Evans (Armed Forces lead)
  richard.stephenson-evans@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Veterans Groups

Veterans Gateway

There is a huge network of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community, so finding the right one for your needs can be difficult. Veterans Gateway make it quick and easy by being your first point of contact whatever support you need.

Many of the team are veterans themselves so understand the issues that people face after leaving the Armed Forces. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to put you in touch with the help you need, or direct you to the information you are looking for.

Call 0808 802 1212, visit the Veterans Gateway website for more information or visit the NHS Mental Health Support for Veterans.

Armed Forces Veteran Card

You can prove you served in the UK armed forces with a HM Armed Forces Veteran Card. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.

For information on how to apply for a HM Armed Forces Veterans card.

Veterans Support Hotline - supporting homelessness

We are working with the Central Government to end Veterans homelessness by working with housing providers and local armed forces headquarters.

For more information see the government news page or contact our dedicated Cheshire East Armed Forces lead richard.stephenson-evans@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

If you or a Veteran you know, is at risk of homelessness call the Armed Forces Hotline Number - 0800 952 0774

Other services and organisations offering support to veterans

• Housing Options
• School Admissions
• Family Information Service
• Armed Forces Covenant (GOV.UK)