Greater Manchester, Armed Forces Covenant Guide 2022/23.

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Introduction

by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Thank you for picking up this second edition of our guide to the Armed Forces Covenant in Greater Manchester. I hope you will find it useful, whether you are looking for support, understanding what is out there as a member of the Armed Forces community, or are just curious about what the Covenant is.

In Greater Manchester, we continue to strive to do things differently, especially when we can see a better way of doing things. This is what we are doing to deliver a Gold Standard offer for those who are serving or have served across our city-region. We have a rich history of supporting the Armed Forces by sending many of our young men and women to join up. It is our responsibility to be ready to help them come back to Greater Manchester, having served our country with pride, especially if they need some help and support.

In this guide, you will see what is out there in each of the localities that comprise Greater Manchester and across key areas such as health and welfare. In this latest edition, we are showing you what we have done to to improve what we do, how we do it and embed the Armed Forces community at the heart of how we transform our offer across the public sector in our city-region.

It has never been more important that we support members of the Armed Forces Community. Covid-19 highlighted how communities pull together, no matter how they are formed, and the current Cost of

Living crisis will be long and hard for everyone. We have already seen a greater uptake in support from Veterans and their families in our City Region and this will no doubt continue well into 2023.

I hope you enjoy reading about what we do in Greater Manchester for those who gave up so much for the rest of us. More importantly, if by reading this, you can think of a way for us to improve what we do, we would love to hear from you, so please get in touch on armedforces@greatermanchesterca.gov.uk

Foreword

I am delighted that you are reading this second edition of the Guide to the Armed Forces Covenant in Greater Manchester. It is an excellent way to summarise the huge amount of work that is taking place in the area, backed by strong leadership politically and in all areas of the partnership. Greater Manchester is leading the way in terms of coherent Armed Forces Covenant delivery and this Guide most definitely showcases this.

Of course, there remains much more to do and the ways in which the public and charitable sectors can support you, members of the Armed Forces community. It is clear that Greater Manchester is determined to not only deliver the Armed Forces Covenant to the best of its ability now, but also in the future.

This guide will give those families leaving Service an idea of what is out there in Greater Manchester; more importantly, it will give you points of contact if you need advice, guidance or support. I sincerely hope that if you need to, you will use them. Whatever your circumstances, I hope that this guide is of use to you.

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Lighten MBE National Chair of the Veterans’ Advisory and Pensions Committee

"GREATER MANCHESTER IS LEADING THE WAY IN TERMS OF COHERENT ARMED FORCES COVENANT DELIVERY AND THIS GUIDE MOST DEFINITELY SHOWCASES THIS."

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

In Greater Manchester, the Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment by the ten local authorities that make up our city-region and their partners from across all sectors, to support members of the Armed Forces community in their area.

We continuously strive, as a partnership to embed and sustain activity, ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community receive the support they need in their local communities in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice. Additionally, continue to nurture public understanding and awareness of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community, and encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces community into local life.

For Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the Covenant is the vehicle to bring knowledge, experience and expertise to bear on the provision of help and advice to members of the Armed Forces community. It is also an opportunity to build upon existing good work on other initiatives. In that way, a common approach to meeting the needs of this identifiable community within Greater Manchester is being adopted, ensuring that the three underpinning principles of the Armed Forces Covenant are upheld:

n Those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

n The Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of services.

n Military service and the sacrifice inherent in it should be recognised.

Across Greater Manchester, each local authority has a lead officer. Together with the GMCA lead, they form the strategic group to deliver the Greater Manchester Armed Forces programme. Additionally, GMCA has instigated a quarterly Armed Forces Partnership Forum that brings together the public and third sectors operating in support of the community in Greater Manchester.

We believe that the veteran population in Greater Manchester numbers over 90,000 people and this is soon to be ratified by the publishing of the Census 2021 data, in which residents of the UK were asked if they had previously served in the Armed Forces. When you add serving personnel and reservists, as well as family members of those who have served or are serving, we believe that we are looking at a total of 250,000 people who are members of the Armed Forces community. This is almost ten per cent of the total population of our city-region. Given the massive amount of support and resources available to the Armed Forces community, this is why it is our mission to raise awareness and develop meaningful and enduring partnerships

to better support this hugely important community.

In order to raise awareness, we have launched a website with significant content for the Armed Forces community. It is always being added to and can be found at www. gmarmedforces.com. If you have any ideas about what should be on there, then please let us know. The website also includes a GMCA E-learning Package and will shortly host a further series of development packages that are useful for professionals, volunteers and members of the Armed Forces community alike. These packages are really useful tools to highlight the differences between those that have served in the Armed Forces and their counterparts in the wider community.

We have also been working hard to make progress in the area of health, mental health and social care as part of the commitment made by the NHS in the Long Term Plan Implementation Framework. Armed Forces leads across the public sector in Greater Manchester are huge advocates of the Royal College of GPs Veteran Friendly practice accreditation and advocate strongly for Primary Care to take up the challenge of demonstrating their Armed Forces Covenant credentials. In Greater Manchester, all NHS Trusts

are now accredited with Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance status which demands that Hospitals and Mental Health Trusts identify Veterans and recognise that they may have bespoke needs. Greater Manchester Combined Authority has played a key role in delivering Gold Standard social care for our Veterans by investing in the transformation of Broughton House, the Veterans’ Care Village in Salford. This state-of-the-art facility has 64 ensuite rooms and supported accommodation as part of its wider offer to the Armed Forces community and the North West.

In other areas, we are leading the way in terms of how we give those who have served the best possible offer if they live in Greater Manchester, or are thinking of moving here. Our place-based offer to the Armed Forces community is a key partner in the delivery of the Defence Transition Service (DTS) that launched late in 2019. The DTS provides a signposting service to those who are leaving the military with difficulties or issues they cannot resolve without help. In Greater Manchester, we have undertaken to work hand in hand with DTS to ensure that local services and support are made available to those leaving the Forces as soon as they need them and before their issues become too serious.

The Combined Authority’s relationship with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) continues to grow and strengthen. The respective lead officers work together to join up support at local and City Region level. Our partners in the VCSE sector introduced an Out of Court Disposal solution, so that all those identifying as members of the Armed Forces community work with Project Nova, to ensure that an action plan is completed that recognises the needs of ex-forces personnel.

GMP are leading the way nationally and are recognised by award nomination as demonstrating best practice in terms of policing the Armed Forces community as a recognizable Community of Identity.

Having been awarded the MOD Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme in 2021, Greater Manchester Combined Authority is determined to do its utmost to fulfil and surpass its duty to those who have served, via the Armed Forces Covenant. To demonstrate its commitment, the Combined Authority voted to retain a post permanently that is dedicated to enhancing Greater Manchester’s support to the Armed Forces

community, fully embedded at the heart of Public Service Reform. In this way, we will continue to do things differently and deliver our promise to those who have sacrificed so much.

Introducing the Armed Forces Covenant Act 2021

The Armed Forces Covenant Duty

The Armed Forces Act 2021 amends the Armed Forces Act 2006 to create a legal obligation on relevant bodies, when exercising relevant statutory functions, to have due regard to the three principles of the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC). This is the Armed Forces Covenant Duty.

Three Principles of the AFC

n The unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces;

n The principle that it is desirable to remove disadvantages arising for service people from membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces; and

n The principle that special provision for Service People may be justified by the effect on such people of membership, or former membership, of the Armed Forces.

Bodies Within Scope

The new duty will apply to specified persons or bodies, including local authorities, when exercising certain housing, education or healthcare functions (excluding social care). When these organisations develop, implement or review a relevant policy, or make decisions on their delivery of relevant services, it must consider the Covenant principles. As a result, they must consider whether the Armed Forces community experiences disadvantages attributable to the unique obligations and sacrifices of service life, that can be removed, and whether special provision is merited. The Duty is not prescriptive about the actions that should be taken in order to comply and it does not mandate specific

public service delivery outcomes or advantageous treatment of the Armed Forces community.

Timetable

The Act received Royal Assent in December 2021 and now requires the Secretary of State for Defence to lay draft statutory guidance before Parliament. The Ministry of Defence intends to commence the due regard duty in late 2022, but at the time of publishing this guide, the statutory guidance for the public sector had still not been approved. This will be published ahead of time to give councils time to prepare for its implementation.

The implications of the Act for Local Authorities

All local authorities in Greater Manchester have voluntarily signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The Act’s further enshrinement of the Covenant into law is an opportunity to build upon

work we are already leading to help serving personnel, veterans, and their families to have the same equality of access to public services as their civilian neighbours. However, there is no new government funding attached to the Act. We, like many other local government organisations, have indicated to the MOD that we will incur costs to get ready for and implement the new duty. The Ministry of Defence has committed to review potential new burdens costs for local authorities one year after the commencement of the duty.

Getting Ready for the Duty of Due Regard

Whilst the forthcoming statutory guidance will set out the detailed requirements for councils to implement the due regard duty, there are some practical steps that we have already taken:

n Raise awareness about the forthcoming due regard duty, and the anticipated implementation timeframe, with colleagues in housing, education and healthcare services, and with external partners from other in-scope organisations

n Convene initial local discussions, pending the publication of the statutory guidance, about the potential impact of the due regard duty on relevant council functions to identify potential gaps/areas to strengthen in local policies, processes and procedures across housing, education

n Identify potential training needs for frontline council staff working in housing, education and healthcare services – please note that e-learning modules for councils are being developed by the GM Leads Forum in partnership with Warwickshire Armed Forces Covenant partnership to take account of the duty

n Participate in regional discussions about getting ready for the due regard duty that may be happening at regional Armed Forces Covenant Partnerships

n Record costs that we may incur getting ready for the introduction of the Act and share these with the LGA to feed into the ongoing new burdens work

n Identify potential learning from the local introduction of other similar duties, such as the Public Sector Equality Duty

n Join the LGA’s Armed Forces Officer Covenant Network to hear latest updates from the Ministry of Defence, help shape the national statutory guidance and share learning with other councils

Functions in Scope of the Covenant Duty

The Covenant Duty applies to specific functions within the fields of healthcare, education, and housing services. These are key areas where disadvantages to members of the Armed Forces Community have commonly arisen. The focus of the legislation is on local – and, as appropriate, regional – provision of these services.

Healthcare

n Provision of services

n Quality of services

n Funding

n Co-operation between health bodies and professionals

n Functions concerning additional needs that healthcare bodies have a role in delivering.

Education

n Admissions

n Transport

n Attendance

n Additional Needs support

n Educational attainment and curriculum

n Student Wellbeing

n Use of Pupil Premium

Housing

n Allocations policy for social housing

n Homelessness

n Disabled facilities grants

n Tenancy strategies (England only)

Once the Covenant Duty is live, your local Armed Forces Covenant team will be able to explain more about what it means in terms of accessing services and what has already been put in place in your area.

Welcome to Bolton

Bolton is renowned across the UK as one of the friendliest places. The warmth and welcome visitors receive from local people is a major factor in the town’s success as a place to live, work, study, visit and invest.

Bolton’s great location and transport links, down to earth approach to life, beautiful countryside, strong sense of history and heritage, and passion for sport, make it one of the most diverse towns in the North West. With the masterplan for regeneration in the borough underway, Bolton’s future is set to be bigger, bolder and more exciting than ever.

Economy and Employment

Bolton has a thriving economy with an output worth over £4.6bn.

It’s home to Logistics North – the largest logistics and manufacturing site in the North of England and a distribution hub for major international names including MBDA, Aldi, Lidl, Amazon and Whistl.

Getting around in Bolton is simple, with a state-of-the-art transport interchange making it easy to transition from bike, bus or train. Our connections with Greater Manchester and the North of England provide us with a perfect location for the movement of people and their knowledge and skills.

The town itself is a major shopping destination with the jewel in the crown being the Market Place – a Victorian former market hall that has

undergone a £27m transformation to create a buzzing retail and leisure destination.

Bolton also houses Middlebrook, the largest leisure and retail complex in Europe and the location of Bolton Wanderers FC, one of the most historic football clubs in the country. We saw a real testament to the Bolton spirit in the support of the club over recent years.

Education

From Early Years, right through to Higher Education, Bolton provides education for all. With top quality primary and secondary schools, academies and the independent Bolton School, we provide young people with a wide range of learning opportunities.

Located in the heart of the town, the University of Bolton is one of the fastest-growing higher education institutions in the UK. The university has a growing reputation for delivering excellence through its industry standard courses and world class facilities: a £31m health, leisure and research centre, a new business school and a law school. Bolton College is part of the wider University of Bolton Group, which is one of the largest education providers in the country.

“WITH THE MASTERPLAN FOR REGENERATION IN THE BOROUGH UNDERWAY, BOLTON’S FUTURE IS SET TO BE BIGGER, BOLDER AND MORE EXCITING THAN EVER.”

Our Children’s Services perform strongly, with Bolton rated as one of the best authorities in the country when it comes to looking after its most vulnerable children.

Culture and leisure

Bolton is rich in culture and leisure opportunities and caters for all kinds of interests.

You could watch a show at the awardwinning grade II* listed Albert Halls or visit the Octagon Theatre, another award-winning attraction, or attend a concert at the Bolton Wanderers Stadium.

Visitors and residents alike are flocking to the museum to see the worldrenowned Egyptology gallery that has been a magnet for experts from all over the world for years. The collection contains an extensive array of artefacts from Ancient Egypt, including a fullsize reproduction of a pharaoh’s tomb. Other activities you can enjoy here range from toddler tales to book speed dating.

Bolton has a thriving community sector with over 1,500 amazing voluntary and community sector groups and organisations with almost 47,000 volunteers contributing 113,500 volunteering hours each week.

Bolton also hosts an extensive range of cultural events throughout the year, such as Bolton Food and Drink Festival, which is the largest of its kind in the North West, attracting more than 460,000 people over August Bank Holiday weekend. The streets of Bolton are bursting with market stalls, food vendors, street entertainers, children’s activities and great live music!

“BOLTON HAS A THRIVING COMMUNITY SECTOR WITH OVER 1,500 AMAZING VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS WITH ALMOST 47,000 VOLUNTEERS...”

We are home to Ironman UK, the 4th largest Ironman triathlon in Europe, and which includes a military division; the world’s largest Ironkids race and a 5km Night Run UK.

We have great leisure facilities for all sports including football, swimming, cricket, golf, tennis, running and active community clubs in every discipline. We’re a world class sporting destination hosting the Rugby League World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Tour of Britain and the World Triathlon.

Making Bolton Your Home

Bolton is building on its rich industrial and cultural heritage to meet the needs of a growing population –currently 280,000 and projected to exceed 300,000 by 2025 – and provide a modern, well-connected base for a diverse range of employers and residents.

There’s lots of choice for housing from town centre apartments to countryside manor houses and everything in between. We’ve a strong social housing market too with support given to applicants.

Bolton and the Armed Forces

Bolton has a long and proud history of service with the armed forces which continues with the 216 Royal Artillery TA of the 103rd Royal Artillery Regiment today. Residents have served in conflicts throughout the world including during both world wars.

Notably, the entire Bolton Wanderers team of 1939 signed up and served in the 53rd Field Regiment of the Bolton Artillery, fighting in France, North Africa and Italy, and became a successful regimental football side.

During the war the residents of Bolton also raised enough money in one week to pay for a new naval destroyer.

In 2019, Bolton Council honoured the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment with the Freedom of the Borough, the highest honour the town can bestow.

In 2022, the council signed an affiliation with the 820 Naval Air Squadron, a dedicated Merlin helicopter squadron, delivering support and warfighting strength, deployed with the Royal Navy’s awe-inspiring new breed of aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth, and her sister aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

Bolton Council is committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and works in partnership with the Armed Forces community to honour, recognise and remember the contributions made in the service of our country. Many of Bolton’s largest employers are signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Employer Recognition Schemes and we are encouraging more to do so. Returning to civilian life can be difficult for members of the Armed Forces community, so we endeavour to provide as much support as possible.

There are a whole range of social activities, clubs, charities and civic events for members of the Armed Forces community to get involved with in Bolton.

Bolton Wanderers in the Community

Their mission is to use the power of Bolton Wanderers Football Club to inspire, support and deliver positive change.

Through intervention, prevention, and targeted engagement they create sustainable pathways that transform lives. By working together, they connect people, enabling communities to thrive and succeed.

Bolton Wanderers in the Community offer the local Armed Forces community access to projects/sessions that support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Members of the Armed Forces community can also get involved with civic ceremonies and events in Bolton such as Armed Forces Day by contacting the Mayor’s Office.

For further information about local support, visit www. bolton.gov.uk/ armedforces or call 01204 333333.

“BOLTON COUNCIL IS COMMITTED TO THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT AND WORKS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY.”

Bury has undergone a transformation in recent years, with multi-million pound investment turning a traditional market town into a modern hub for business, retail, tourism and living.

With a population of 191,800, Bury may be the smallest of the ten Greater Manchester districts, but it has big ambitions and punches well above its weight.

Bury the Place

Our borough is the place we are proud to call home. It includes six towns built within areas of extraordinary beauty. It is a place rich in possibility which we must preserve, improve and cherish for future generations. We recognize the distinct identities of our townships and the diversity of each community that call these towns home. This means that Bury is a diverse place and is now a town of many cultures, languages, races, religions and lifestyles.

Open for Business

Being well connected is vital for business, and Bury is perfectly located next to the M60, M66 and the wider motorway network. It is also served by the hugely successful Metrolink tram system.

Good planning and partnerships between the public and private sector means the borough is embracing the opportunities for growth, alongside the ambitious plans created under devolution for Greater Manchester.

Following considerable investment, Bury town centre has been ranked as the third best retail destination in Greater Manchester, behind Manchester city centre and the Trafford Centre. It is also the only town centre in the conurbation to be awarded Purple Flag status, in recognition of its night-time economy, whilst the World Famous Bury Market –famed for its black pudding stalls –is top of the list of places to shop on TripAdvisor. The market scooped Britain’s Favourite Market award in 2022 – marking the second time it has won this award.

Further investment has been committed to Prestwich, where we will see high-quality sustainable housing, more community spaces and a new library. In Radcliffe we will see a new secondary school, new housing and a new leisure centre.

As one of the borough’s most famous daughters, Victoria Wood (Prestwich-born and Bury-raised) once said, “Let’s Do It!” And Bury intends to!

"OUR BOROUGH IS THE PLACE WE ARE PROUD TO CALL HOME. IT INCLUDES SIX TOWNS BUILT WITHIN AREAS OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY."

Bury Council has invested in the digital infrastructure through fullfibre broadband as part of the GM Local Full Fibre network, ensuring that infrastructure is ready and able to accommodate future development.

Getting Out and About

The borough is the perfect base for outdoor types too, boasting vast greenspaces and surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside. Walkers can enjoy a walk up Holcombe Hill to Peel Tower or an enjoyable day out at Burrs Country Park.

The borough’s 10k race takes place at the end of the summer. For those who enjoy the theatre and live music, Bury has the Met theatre which has a varied array of shows and music on offer.

The borough has many independent food outlets as well as the established high street eateries. The world-

famous Bury Market also hosts many food stalls, including Bury Black Pudding stalls, for you to try our local delicacy.

The annual World Black Pudding Championship held in Ramsbottom is not one to be missed with Bury folk throwing Black Puddings at large Yorkshire puddings to try and knock them over! For chocolate lovers, the annual Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival is a must.

Fancy a bit of dressing up? Then dig out your 1940s outfits and head over to the annual East Lancashire Railways 1940s weekend which is a vibrant celebration of everything 1940s! Or why not pop into to the Fusiliers Museum?

Bury is also an easy drive to the Lake District, Blackpool and other areas of the North West and Yorkshire.

Moving here?

n Bury boasts a wide range of quality and affordable housing

n The schools in Bury are amongst the best in the North West. Bury also boosts two sixth form Colleges

n Many of our parks are Green Flag parks and offer varied sporting facilities within them.

Did You Know?

Bury is home to famous faces, past and present: from Sir Robert Peel, founder of the modern police force, to modern day celebrities such as film director Danny Boyle, the rock band Elbow, the late comedian and actor Victoria Wood, the sporting Neville Family and Kieran Tripper. Last but not least, Anthony Cotton MBE of Coronation Street fame is a proud and vocal supporter of Veteran Charities.

Military History and Support to Veterans

The area has always had a proud military connection with the Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment (later the Fusiliers) based at their headquarters on Bolton Road in Bury. Since their founding 300 years ago they have many battle honours including Gallipoli in the First World War when the famous saying ‘Six VC’s before Breakfast’ came from. The Fusiliers Museum based in the town is a fascinating day out for all and boosts many artifacts and historical items.

As with many northern towns, Bury is a proud, friendly, welcoming town and is extremely proud of its military heritage, as is the Council. In 2021 this led to the re-signing of the

Armed forces Covenant and receiving the Silver Employee recognition award, with plans to achieve Gold in 2023.

Bury Council employs an Armed Forces Lead Officer, who is responsible for delivering our Armed Forces Covenant commitments in co-production with the members of our Covenant.

A number of Armed Forces events are held through out the year, including parades on Remembrance Sunday and Gallipoli Day. Events are held to commemorate Armed Forces Week and Day.

Bury is not just a Fusiliers town though. Bury has Veterans from all military services living within the borough, enabling the town to have a thriving and active Veterans community which support both Veterans and their families.

This support comes from our two Veterans groups: Bury Veterans HUB and BOBVA (Borough of Bury Veterans Association). The support offered comes in many forms from counselling, support with benefits and housing issues as well as social activities, from days out to camping trips and fishing trips and breakfast clubs hosted across the borough.

For further information: email: k.hoyle@bury.gov.uk

Manchester – the most liveable city in the UK

Don’t just accept our word for it, take the word of 553,000 Mancunians and The Economist, which for three years running has positioned Manchester as the No.1 UK City in the Global Liveability Index.

It’s not just because we have a modern and exciting city centre, a destination for global companies, with a vibrant retail and restaurant offer, an everexpanding cultural and sporting scene and a thriving night-time economy. The ranking is measured by factors which are important to you and your growing family - environment, healthcare, education, culture and transport – OK, we are not yet the finished article but we are getting there and the chances are we need your skills.

Be first in the queue!

Manchester is a young, diverse and thriving city with a range of welcoming communities which work together to create a strong sense of “Our Manchester”. Lots of people have heard about us and our population is destined to hit 635,000 by 2025.

That growth should tell you something, that we are a destination for those seeking opportunity.

Manchester sits at the heart of the Greater Manchester City Region, with in excess of 400,000 jobs, two major universities, including the largest clinical academic campus in Europe. In addition, we have international recognition across a range of sports with first-class facilities which make a significant contribution to our economy and global reputation.

Strong career prospects, highquality affordable housing, safe communities and an excellent cultural and entertainment offering enables us to continue attracting worldleading companies and talent to Greater Manchester.

All routes lead into the city

However don’t worry, wherever you choose to settle within Greater Manchester you will be welcome in Manchester’s beating heart as a place to do business, to work, to learn or to play.

Leave the car at home, take advantage of our exellent and improving rail links to Leeds or Liverpool or our state-of-the-art “metro” tram system, which will connect you to the rest of the world through Manchester International Airport.

Manchester has strong links to our Armed Forces, and a long history of military service. Our appreciation of such is kept ever present by the cenotaph that sits proudly within the Civic Quarter, a space for both civic and personal remembrance, and a reminder of sacrifices made.

Manchester City Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in June 2013. Since then, we have developed a network of employers, third sector organisations, and public bodies that work together to help and support the Armed Forces community.

We strive hard to support Veterans, Reservists, and their families but we also want to grow and maintain links with active units and serving personnel. The city is only a stone’s throw from our local reserve regiments, who bring a range of skills, qualities, and experience from the military over to the region’s civilian work force.

We are very proud of the Canada Street Military Veterans’ Village, co-ordinated by Walking With The Wounded and the support of Haig Housing, alongside a number of other brilliant Manchester

partners. However, we don’t just support those directly transitioning from military to civilian life, we help members of the Armed Forces community no matter what their situation.

We have partnered with local organisations to support veterans leaving the criminal justice system, those who need support with housing, mental health, physical health, employment and more. We at Manchester City Council aim to make certain that we can help any veteran, in any situation.

Manchester City Council, Armed Forces Covenant Enquiriesafcovenant@manchester. gov.uk

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

In 2021 Oldham’s population reached 242,100, making it the seventh largest borough in Greater Manchester.

Oldham is a vibrant and diverse borough, a place where people want to work, invest, live and visit. Oldham is located at the foot of the Pennines, close to Rochdale and Tameside and is a 30-minute drive from Manchester town centre.

Oldham is proud to be a co-operative borough that works in partnership with its residents, communities and businesses, with everyone being passionate and committed to working together to make Oldham thrive.

There is a vibrant Armed Forces and Veterans community in Oldham, including regular breakfast clubs and social networks. There is a range of information and support around housing, health, wellbeing, skills and jobs from a range of organisations including Royal British Legion, SSAFA, MIND, Action Together and a number of housing providers.

Oldham also has excellent bus transports links and a tram service linking Oldham to Bury, Manchester and Salford.

Jobs, skills and opportunities

Oldham is a place where everyone has a fair and real chance to access opportunities and improve their own lives through employment. Oldham Council supports significant progress in living standards, wages, and skills for everyone.

Oldham has 7,295 businesses, employing 90,000 people. The Local Authority and NHS together provide more than 20% of jobs in the borough.

With business start-ups increasing, Oldham has an excellent reputation as a place for entrepreneurs and new industries to flourish. The Get Oldham Working scheme, Oldham Education and Skills Commission and the Oldham Enterprise Trust have made a real difference to investment and support for local entrepreneurs.

Oldham’s Lifelong Learning Service helps individuals to gain the skills

needed to get a job, career progression or perhaps start a new business.

Oldham has several colleges and facilities offering further education including:

n Oldham College and Oldham Sixth Form College

n University Campus Oldham which is part of the University of Huddersfield

n The Regional Science Centre Oldham - the first facility of its type in the country - providing state-of-the-art scientific education

n The Green Technology Centre at Oldham College offering students the latest skills needed in this growing area of the UK economy.

Culture and leisure in Oldham

Whether it’s art, culture, history or nature, Oldham’s attractions offer something for all ages and interests.

n Gallery Oldham houses a collection of artworks and objects dating back to 1883 as well as current exhibitions, newly commissioned art, international work, touring exhibitions and work produced with local communities.

n Gallery Oldham also hosts talks, tours, art and craft workshops and works with schools.

n Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery in Uppermill offers the fascinating story of Saddleworth with brilliant displays, including an 18th century cottage reconstruction, Victoria Mill gallery and a vintage vehicle exhibit.

n Castleshaw Roman Fort is built on a Roman military road and has reconstructed banks and ditches to discover.

n Oldham Coliseum Theatre offers a mix of drama, comedy, musicals and traditional pantomime.

n Oldham Council regenerated its Grade II listed Old Town Hall and introduced ODEON Cinema into the town, providing the perfect

opportunity to enjoy blockbusters with family and friends.

Green spaces

Oldham is a place of spectacular natural beauty, breath-taking views, meadows, lush woodland and wild moorland. Its parks are amongst the best in the country, providing fantastic outdoor attractions for all visitors. Nearly a quarter of the borough lies within the Peak District National Park, offering some of England’s finest climbing, caving, walking and cycling.

The Northern Roots project in Oldham is an exciting opportunity to create the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park in the heart of Oldham. The mission is to transform 160 acres of green space into a destination for learning, leisure and growing to benefit the environment, and improve health, wellbeing and livelihoods, for and with local communities.

Shopping

Oldham Town Centre has a number of high street shops and brands, a shopping mall and a traditional market.

Tommyfield Market is in the heart of Oldham and has 200 stalls across indoor and outdoor locations. There are plenty of great value and quality products to choose from.

For more information: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/ info/200254/armed_forces_ personnel_support

Rochdale Borough Council

Rochdale Borough Council is committed to working with and supporting our Armed Forces Family. As cabinet member for the Armed Forces, I am proud of the work we do to support our Armed Forces community.

Pioneering projects like the Rochdale Veterans’ Breakfast Club, Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby Team, Sail After Service and Angling for Veterans are just some of the many ongoing projects we support. We work closely with charitable organisations and community groups who support the Armed Forces community. These projects are all supported by our dedicated Armed Forces team.

For those currently serving in the Armed Forces and for those that have left or are about to leave, families often need advice on issues including health, education, housing, training and jobs. As a proactive, caring council, we are always on hand to provide support on these issues.

You can find out more about our support for the Armed Forces and how to contact the team at www. rochdale.gov.uk/armedforces. I hope this information about the Armed Forces community, as well as wider council regeneration projects and pioneering plans, is both interesting and informative.

Lest we forget.

Councillor Janet Emsley Rochdale Borough Council - Cabinet Member for the Armed Forces

Our rich history

The borough of Rochdale has a rich history and heritage and is the birthplace of the Co-operative movement.

Over recent years, the borough has benefitted from pioneering regeneration projects, new investment and major schemes, helping to transform the look and feel of our communities.

Hundreds of thousands of people visit our borough each year to take in its stunning scenery, rich history and heritage. We have a packed programme of events including the Feel Good Festival, Rochdale in Rainbows and Pride in the Park, Christmas events, the Williams BMW Rochdale Half Marathon and much more.

Further information about the council, our fantastic events, services and much more can be found at www.rochdale. gov.uk.

“HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE VISIT OUR BOROUGH EACH YEAR TO TAKE IN ITS STUNNING SCENERY, RICH HISTORY AND HERITAGE...”

Gold Award

Rochdale Borough Council has received a top government award for its outstanding support to the Armed Forces community.

The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.

The council achieved the award after demonstrating its supportive policies for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Growing all the time

The council is working hard to make Rochdale town centre an even better place for shoppers, visitors and businesses. The exciting £250 million regeneration programme has already brought improvements such as a new transport interchange, the Number One Riverside building and the awardwinning Revealing the Roch project.

We are proud that we have 16 organisations within our Borough that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. We continue to work closely with the Council’s partners ensuring that we are working together in support our Armed Forces family. We continue to be proactive in our approach in supporting the Armed Forces family and we continue to support businesses and individuals to ensure no member of the armed forces family are disadvantaged as a result of service.

Full steam ahead

With a history stretching back to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the East Lancashire Railway is the steam-powered heart of the Irwell Valley. The line runs for 12 miles through scenic Lancastrian landscapes, from beautiful rural panoramas and pretty villages, to bustling Victorian towns and cotton mill dotted horizons, with Heywood its most easterly calling point.

Hollingworth Lake Country Park and Visitor Centre

Hollingworth Lake is the perfect day out for all the family, with boating, a nature reserve, trails, events, guided walks, Visitor Centre, community arts, environmental exhibitions, play and picnic areas.

The Water Activity Centre on Lake Bank caters for groups and individuals wanting instruction in windsurfing, dinghy sailing and other water-based sports, and now arranges training for groups in mountain biking and climbing. The lake is also a base for a sailing club and a rowing club.

Dippy on Tour

Rochdale was one of only eight venues across the UK to host Dippy the Dinosaur, with this top tourist attraction drawing people to the borough from far and wide.

To celebrate Dippy’s visit, the council created a garden that showcases some of the plants that were around when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Dippy on Tour was brought about by the Natural History Museum, in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation and supported by Dell EMC and Williams & Hill, working with partners UK wide to tour one of its most iconic exhibits.

Armed Forces commitment

We are very proud of our scheme to guarantee an interview for ex-armed forces personnel applicants where they meet certain qualifying criteria.

Reservist and adult Cadet Instructors who notify us of their status or those employees who are made known as Reservists to the Council will not be disadvantaged as a result of service. We offer two weeks’ additional leave each year for training.

The aim of these proposal is to deliver the council’s commitment to further the Armed Forces Community Covenant to ensure that ex-armed forces personnel are not disadvantaged as a result of their service.

Making a splash with free leisure scheme

Your Trust is the council’s leisure partner and offers armed forces personnel free or discounted use of its fantastic fitness facilities and swimming pools.

Serving Armed Forces personnel, Reservists and Veterans in unemployment (proof of receipt of Universal Credit or JSA required) can use these facilities free of charge. All veterans can benefit from use of the YourExtra Card scheme which gives up to 50% discount.

Rochdale Veterans’ Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club is a friendly and welcoming place where veterans of all ages are able to meet, eat, reminisce and have a laugh. It helps to reduce social isolation, encourages veterans to talk and engenders involvement, as well as getting people outdoors to attend,

all of which promote a better mental health and attitude overall. We meet every Thursday morning and the first Saturday of the month.

Rochdale Branch – Fusiliers Association

The Rochdale Branch was formed from local Fusiliers returning from World War II. It exists to foster the spirit, comradeship and traditions of the Regiment and the Army among all ranks past and present.

We have members from a variety of other Regiments, Corps and other Services, not just Fusiliers. We also have members in other countries as well, such as Canada.

Throughout the year, we organize various events to enable us to reach and engage with veterans and serving members of the Regiment and the Army as we wish to ensure that serving and ex-serving Fusiliers and veterans from the area join us.

We meet in The Flying Horse Hotel on the second Thursday of the month, starting at 20:00.

Angling For Veterans

Many veterans and those still serving haven’t picked up a rod since childhood. It doesn’t matter if you have never picked up a rod or you are an experienced angler, all are welcome. We have partnered with Walton Angling club who have two waters and a stretch of the canal. Free membership is offered or if you prefer to contribute they offer 50% discount to the armed forces family. Please visit Rochdale Walton Angling website for further information.

WW1 Poppy Garden

A temporary Poppy Garden to commemorate the end of the Great War, the war to end all wars, was built in Rochdale town centre. Commemorating 100 years since the end of World War One, the poignant garden includes engraved poems, benches, soldier silhouettes, a picture frame and a fantastic floral display, including poppies and other symbolic plants. We are proud that the garden has now found a permanent home in Rochdale’s Memorial Garden on The Esplanade.

For further information or support contact us: by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/ armedforces or email: armedforces@rochdale.gov.uk

Our Services for the Armed Forces Community

In June 2021, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) was named a Veteran Aware Trust in recognition for our commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the armed forces and their families.

Veterans in Mind

Our aim is to contribute to improving the mental health and wellbeing of ex-forces personnel and their families. The service provides psychological therapy and recovery interventions for veterans who are registered with a GP in Cheshire or Merseyside (excluding Liverpool).

To make a referral, you can complete a simple online referral form by visiting gmmh.nhs.uk/military-veterans-services or call 0151 908 0019.

Join our team

We employ more than 6,400 staff, who include doctors, nurses, psychological therapists and allied health professionals. The Trust is also supported by managers, administrators, operational and security staff, logisticians, IT, engineers and maintenance staff.

We’re proud to employ veterans in many roles throughout our organisation and we want to make GMMH the ‘destination of choice’ for veterans and their families embarking on a new career.

Have a look at the roles we have on offer at gmmh.nhs.uk/vacancies

Welcome to Salford

Salford is a growing city – the people who live, work and play in Salford are passionate about our city’s exciting future as a thriving cultural, economic and residential location.

From urban buzz to greenbelt tranquility, we have it all, with a perfect mix of waterfront, urban and countryside environments and neighbourhoods.

Salford is about 200 miles north west of London with excellent road, public transport and nearby airport links to all parts of the UK. The city is well placed for residents, visitors and businesses.

Areas of Central Salford are a brief walk from Manchester City Centre, and this proximity has attracted major businesses to Greengate, New Bailey & Embankment.

Salford offers a wealth of leisure opportunities including country parks and nature reserves, as well as Greater Manchester’s waterfront at Salford Quays, nestling next to

MediaCityUK, home to the BBC and ITV. The regenerated former docks offer organised watersports as well as world class attractions like The Lowry - with the largest public collection of L.S. Lowry’s work - theatres, river cruises, modern architecture, restaurants and bars, plus a range of quality hotels.

Sports enthusiasts can join the crowds for football and rugby. The A J Bell Stadium is home to Super League rugby and Premiership rugby union, alongside the stars of Salford Football Club backed by the Class of ’92 at Moor Lane.

Over half the city is made up of green space and in 2021 the new Royal Horticultural Society Bridgewater Garden opened its doors, providing a stunning 156-acre space and the only RHS garden in the North West.

“SALFORD HAS SEEN UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS OF GROWTH, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL 40,000 JOBS OVER THE NEXT TWO DECADES.”

Salford is well-known as a channel for innovation in tech, academic research and business talent, with a first-class university. The city also has an NHS Foundation Trust delivering high quality care and specialisms for the whole of Greater Manchester.

Salford has seen unprecedented levels of growth, with the potential for an additional 40,000 jobs over the next two decades.

Salford is already home to a number of global organisations including the BBC, BUPA, CGI, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, ITV, Deloitte, Kellogg Group, Moorepay, Swinton Insurance and TalkTalk.

MediaCityUK has changed the face of the city, as a globally important home for creative, digital and media industries with a University Campus for 700 students and staff.

Salford has a proud and pioneering heritage as one of the world’s first industrial cities. The Bridgewater Canal was the focus for the transport revolution, Peel Park was one of the first free public parks to be opened in the country and Salford was home to the world’s first free public library and unveiled the first street to be lit by gas.

Ordsall Hall and Salford Museum and Art Gallery complement the city’s evolving and burgeoning independent arts and culture scene. The city has a range of small and large performance venues and regular music and community festivals.

The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant on 2 October 2013 provided the platform to develop the council

and partners’ commitment to allow easy access to services for Armed Forces personnel and their families past and present.

Salford’s champions, Councillors Barry Warner and Margaret Morris, have overseen a series of policy changes to assist Armed Forces personnel.

Salford City Council has a dedicated full time officer providing housing and welfare support to Armed Forces personnel and their families.

The city has a network of organisations that are committed to supporting our Armed Forces.

Victoria Coomber is the Armed Forces Engagement Lead at The University of Salford and can be contacted at V.K.Coomber@salford.ac.uk

Broughton House is a dedicated charity and nursing home for veterans

choosing to live their remaining years amongst friends and comrades, with a team committed to serving all those who served us.

Broughton House Veteran Care Village provides a complete holistic service for veterans and their families with the implementation of the Armed Forces Support Hub to engage with veterans living in the community.

Foundation 92 have launched a programme to support veterans across Greater Manchester, in partnership with the Veterans Foundation and Salford City Council, Foundation 92 are offering 1-to-1 mentoring support for our Armed Forces, Police, and the Fire Service.

The city has a strong network of former service personnel that provide support to our veteran communities, including breakfast clubs, allotments and many social events.

Several armed forces events are held throughout the year including Armed Forces Week and Remembrance events. Our Covenant work has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence when Salford City Council was awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2021.

Please see the council’s webpages for further information

www.salford.gov.uk/armedforces

Stockport – a great place to live, work and visit for the Armed Forces community

This is an exciting time to be living and working in Stockport. With ambitious regeneration of our town and district centres, proud local business and communities, access to great education, increased investment in the Borough’s infrastructure, the growth of our local business community or our thriving Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise networks, and a growing Armed Forces community.

Our Armed Forces community

Stockport council is committed to the Armed Forces Covenant, having signed up in 2013. Some of Stockport’s largest employers are also signed up to the Covenant and the Employer Recognition Scheme, of which the Council is currently working towards submitting a nomination to the MOD for a Gold Award in 2023. We have an Armed Forces Covenant steering group which works in partnership with our local Armed Forces community to deliver our shared priorities on the following themes: Connecting to Support, Leadership & Advocacy, Supporting Transitions, Promoting and Celebrating our Armed Forces community.

Stockport has an active Armed Forces community which includes those that are currently serving, service leavers and veterans. We love to celebrate Armed Forces day, and this year, saw six Armed Forces Day events led by local organisations across the Borough. Through an event hosted during Armed Forces Week, MODE Rehabilitation was able to raise money to provide support and rehabilitation to veterans. We are

looking forward to even bigger and better things to come for Armed Forces Day 2023.

We also have an active Veterans’ Breakfast club which takes place on the first Saturday of each calendar month. You can get an “All you can eat” breakfast for £5 plus a “bottomless” mug of tea or coffee for £2. This also comes with some great military banter and comradery. The Council

and Veteran Food Company jointly sponsor the Veterans’ Morning at the Stockport Produce Hall every Friday between 10am – 12pm. These events are just a few welcoming spaces for people and their families to eat, chat and come together as a community. There are also monthly meet ups in Stockport by a range of Armed Forces organisations. Some of these include: The Royal Air Force Association, Royal Signals Association, Stockport Mercian Regimental Association and The Royal Naval Association.

We understand that those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces and for those that have left or are about to leave, including their families, often need advice on issues including health, education, housing, training and jobs. There is a range of voluntary and community services that complement statutory services delivered by public sector organisations such as:

• Disability Stockport’s Live at Ease program reaches out to ex-Armed Forces community who may need support for Disability benefits claims or appeals, homelessness or at risk of homelessness, employability support and so much more. No appointment is needed and Gavin is based at Stockport Homes, Cornerstone every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month between 10.00-13.00.

• Project RECCE is a charity which offers a free two-week training course to veterans, regardless of experience, to help them develop the necessary skills and advice to apply for jobs in the civilian construction industry. Veterans can get the coaching and help they need to adjust to civilian life, find employment and access to a fantastic support network. 70% of those that attend a Pathways into Construction Course will start full time employment in the construction industry within 3 months of attendance.

Further information on what is available can be found via the Armed Forces portal on our website www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/ stockport-armed-forces-covenant

Stockport – a place of opportunity

The town of Stockport is in an unbeatable location, lying seven miles south east of Manchester City centre. London can be reached by direct train in two hours and Manchester in under 10 minutes. The town is also close to Manchester International Airport and directly off the M60 Motorway, making it a prime location with excellent connectivity to the North West and beyond.

Stockport is undergoing an ambitious £1bn investment. Central to this is the creation of the Mayoral Development Corporation, the first of its kind nationally to focus on a town centre. The MDC is a new approach to tackling the challenges that town centres face and it will lead to the creation of a new urban village with up to 3,500 new homes and 1,000,000 sq.ft. of employment space, incorporating a mix of office, workshops, retail and leisure, health and education, as well as up to 5,300 jobs.

In addition, located throughout the borough are many communities, each with unique neighborhoods, local villages and district centres. We’re part of Greater Manchester but we’re also lucky to have Cheshire and the Peak District on our doorstep, sharing wide open countryside and farmland. Our proud history is a shared history which is woven throughout our architecture and communities. Stockport also boasts more than 300 parks and green spaces, including eight parks with Green Flag Awards.

Local Economy

Stockport is home to over 11,000 businesses, including big business, creative industries and start-ups from a variety of sectors. The town centre is arguably one of the UK’s prime and best-connected business locations. A growing number of jobs are being created as businesses recognise the skilled workforce and key location. To support this growth, Stockport boasts a range of innovative support services aimed at both employees and businesses to sustain a dynamic, thriving economy that works for everyone.

Launched in Spring 2020, Stockport Jobs Match provides local jobseekers with access to local job opportunities across a range of sectors. Support with jobs search, CV preparation and online interview coaching is also available. The website includes a resource hub that includes sector specific Careers Guides and advice, as well as information on local training provision.

In order to support budding local entrepreneurs, the Build a Business programme in Stockport Central Library, provides popular workshops to support business start-up and growth within a peer support network.

Leisure & Sports

Stockport is being transformed into a great place to visit for people of all ages and backgrounds with an influx of new bars, restaurants, microbreweries and cafés choosing to set up business. Stockport residents benefit from a wealth of leisure facilities right on their doorstep.

Stockport also hosts a thriving sector of museum attractions, from Bramall Hall to the Stockport Hat Museum and Stockport Air Raid Shelters, which offer an intriguing network of underground tunnels offers visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940s.

The War Memorial Art Gallery hosts a range of temporary exhibitions from contemporary artists and local art groups. The building was constructed in 1925 by public subscription to commemorate the fallen of the Great War and houses Stockport’s War Memorial which also records those who fell in subsequent conflicts.

Stockport’s Life Leisure Centres offer a range of membership options to Armed Forces personnel, allowing members of our community to make use of a wide range of health and fitness facilities at affordable prices.

“STOCKPORT BOASTS A RANGE OF INNOVATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES AIMED AT BOTH EMPLOYEES AND BUSINESSES TO SUSTAIN A DYNAMIC, THRIVING ECONOMY...”

Education

Our children and young people are our future and Stockport is a great place for them to grow up. We want all children and young people to have the best start in life, be happy, safe and be able to build healthy relationships which will enable them to thrive. Our early years settings, schools and colleges will give them the foundations they need to prepare them for adulthood and achieve their aspirations. We want our families to feel supported, empowered and connected to their community.

As children move through the phases of education, we want them to develop strong skills and aspirations both for themselves and for the benefit of wider society. Our schools produce higher than average educational outcomes across the Borough, compared with similar schools in other parts of Greater Manchester.

Our schools are aware of the Service Pupil Premium programme, which allocates additional funding to the children of actively serving Armed Forces personnel, and children registered on the school census as a ‘service child’ at any point from 2016. This additional funding is in place to provide additional pastoral support & boost attainment for children from service families.

Housing & Support

Stockport has provisions in place to support serving personnel and those who have previously served across housing, education, employment and more, including our Revenues and Benefits service. This provides Council Tax discounts for any property in Stockport where service personnel are living away from home in Armed Forces accommodation. For Housing and Council Tax Benefits more broadly, there are provisions to disregard certain incomes and types of capital.

Stockport Council’s updated allocation policy acknowledges that service leavers can face unique challenges in accessing housing. The Stockport Allocation policy recognises these challenges and factors in the circumstances of Armed Forces personnel when calculating housing needs.

Stockport also has a wide support network available. Through Job Centre Plus and the Careers Advice, veterans can get guidance and support on benefits available to them, as well as developing skills to transition back to work. If more specialist employment advice is required, Stockport Homes provides specialist, long-term support for veterans to build their confidence, integrate into civilian life, and find employment that works for them.

We are One Stockport

This is an exciting time to be living and working in Stockport. With ambitious regeneration of our town and district centres, proud local business and communities, access to great education, increased investment in the Borough’s infrastructure, the growth of our local business community or our thriving Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise community - Stockport really is a destination of choice for many.

United in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic, our communities have worked hard to create an ambitious, connected and caring Borough. In 2020, a range of people and organisations came together to develop our One Stockport Borough Plan. This ambitious plan is based on what we heard about what was important to local people – including jobs, climate change, education, equality and fairness, living and aging well and supporting our young people.

To achieve the ambitions in the plan we are working together in partnership – public sector bodies, businesses, voluntary and community organisations and local people - working together as One Stockport. You can find a video about the plan and read the full plan at www.onestockport.org.uk

“THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME TO BE LIVING AND WORKING IN STOCKPORT. WITH AMBITIOUS REGENERATION OF OUR TOWN AND DISTRICT CENTRES, PROUD LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITIES...”

Tameside - Gold Award Ex-Service Employer

Nestled in some of the most picturesque areas of the Pennines, Tameside have modernised its old terrace housing, offering some stunning places to live and visit.

By rejuvenating these areas when they were taken back into re-use by local organisations to preserve the local heritage and history, Tameside Borough Council (TMBC)is committed to delivering services and working with the Armed Services Covenant. Being one of the first Boroughs to sign up, it has already achieved the Employer Gold Award for Ex-Service in the borough and is responsible for leading Greater Manchester (GM10) with innovative Projects like “Moving Forces”.

”Moving Forces” is a project that was launched a few years ago to involve ex-service men and women in sport and activities, activated as “Staying Active After Service”, and highlighted through football, sailing, yoga, rugby, fishing, archery, climbing & running. This has created an environment that enables professional agencies, national charities and community groups to deliver a wide range of support services and is enshrined in business as usual. The advisory group set up, Tameside Armed Services Community (TASC), was trialled in Tameside first and is now being rolled out to the other nine boroughs of Greater Manchester, such as Oldham and Rochdale.

Delivery of the Covenant in the Borough is fresh and vibrant with a wide range of organisations working together for the benefit of the Armed Forces community in Tameside.

From allotments to football teams, hospitality to dining opportunities, all working in together.

For over 400 years the Towns that make up Tameside have provided men and women for the Armed Services; from the Civil War in the 17th century which saw men and women go to fight for Manchester when it was besieged, through to the characterful men who returned from Waterloo, ordinary men doing extraordinary things and known to Wellington by name.

In the middle of the 19th century, a Garrison Barracks was built housing a regiment or Cavalry, and from then, it maintained a history of many Regiments of Foot until the 63rd and 96th of Foot became the Manchester Regiment and was based at the barracks for 86 years until 1958. The area is now the site of housing retaining the gateway and currently maintained by Tameside Council.

The Manchesters and The West Riding (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment with the Cheshire Regiment formed and raised over 11,000 men to fight in The Great War 1914-18, the Second World War, Korea and the Malayan

New Town Centre shots

Emergencies. It maintained a link through The King’s Regiment from 1958, and since 2006 with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment with ceremonies such as their marching through the town with ‘Flags Flying, Bayonets Fixed and Bands Playing’ held in the town. The Armoury on Old Street still holds many events, and is currently used by the Cadets.

One of our prestigious events, Armed Forces Day, is held in Denton’s Victoria Park at the end of June each year. A variety of supporting organisations that are based within Tameside provide opportunities to network and get involved in activities and events, helping to reduce isolation and loneliness. We also have our Veterans Food Company providing lunch on the day.

The area and towns of Tameside have some outstanding panoramas within a short drive or walk. In fact, all the towns have wide open green spaces to visit, it makes for great walking at all levels.

Who would believe that such places are within 40 minutes of our major cities, within the motorway network, 2 hours 40 minutes from London by rail and between two of the north’s major ports of Liverpool and Hull?

Today, with links from all the towns, public transport connections are maintained into the modern industrial areas of the Greater Manchester Conglomeration, offering rural living within a 40-minute journey to the city of Manchester. This includes being part of the £5 billion Tram system which connects the towns of Tameside to the 2.2 million people living in the area, as well as a rail system connecting you to the West Coast, the North East, East and West Riding and Derbyshire. There

is also a direct feed onto the motorway network running through the borough.

The whole area has risen from its industrial heritage of mining, cotton and woollen mills in the 19th century and moved through the eras, like a list of industrial who’s who with many of those industries’ innovations originating in our areas. The 200 mills in Tameside have now given way to some prime vistas highlighting their significant passing, a history that can be seen in Tameside’s Industrial Museum.

With all the historic buildings and history, from the Mesolithic & Bronze Age and Tribal Brigantine occupation, through the Romans to the Knights and Roundheads then on to the Canals of Portland Basin, discovering Tameside through its history is a fascinating walk through English Heritage and its people, where even the street names give away its past.

From the High Sherrif of Lancashire (1486) to the High Sherrif of Manchester (1988), Tameside people have taken their responsibilities of office seriously, as do the councilors and Members of Parliament. They are developing and planning a modern future like the new bus, rail and tram system enveloping the public transport facilities in one Terminus so that an onward journey through the borough to Greater Manchester means a greater opportunity for work.

Transitioning to working and civilian life can be hard, and both the Council and the people of Tameside understand and want to help. They believe that the support offered by the area warrants it being considered as a place to put down roots in one of the best spots in Greater Manchester.

Veterans at the Flag raising June 2019

Mottram in Logendale from Werneth Low, Hyde

Mossley in Tameside, great walks

Photograph by John Ashworth

“ONE OF OUR PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS, ARMED FORCES DAY, IS HELD IN DENTON’S VICTORIA PARK AT THE END OF JUNE EACH YEAR.”

Look a little deeper into any town or city in the North West and you will find a strong military presence in its families. During the Great War, the 16 Regiments of the North West raised over five hundred thousand men; that amounts to a lot of families! With its garrison at Ashton Barracks, Tameside raised many additional battalions, so scratch the surface of Tameside and you will find a strong element of service. Tameside continues to understand and support the men and women of all our services, those who offer themselves for the protection of ourselves and others. For this sacrifice, the people of Tameside are prepared to give help to those who need it.

The nine Victoria Crosses, over 40 Military Medals, Distinguished Conduct Medals and many other decorated personnel from our Armed Forces have originated from Tameside. Whilst all towns and boroughs have such people, we honour ours with ‘The Museum of the Manchesters’, holding the main museum of our local regiment in our Town Hall which is currently being renovated to display its history.

This year the Borough has declared that there will be no ex-service personnel sleeping rough and we are determined to keep this record. GPs

are signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant so as to highlight each one of them within our community and ensure that someone with an understanding of veterans’ needs is available to discuss their needs, whatever they may be. GPs understand that service men and women who leave the service do not want to be prioritised, just understood better and with significance and dignity.

TMBC website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/ armedforcescovenant

TMBC email: covenant@tameside.gov.uk

TMBC telephone: 0161 342 4080

TASC website: https://tamesideasc.org.uk/

TASC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ TamesideArmedServices Community/

The Portland Canal Basin which is also home of Tameside's Industrial Museum

High Sherriff of Manchester Col. Arthur Axford born in the West End of Ashton-u-Lyne.

The War Memorial Stalybridge

“THIS YEAR THE BOROUGH HAS DECLARED THAT THERE WILL BE NO EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL SLEEPING ROUGH AND WE ARE DETERMINED TO KEEP THIS RECORD.”

Greater Manchester Further Education Colleges

Offering training to all for careers in key sectors, from entry to post-graduate including:

BUSINESS, ADMINISTRATION AND LAW

ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING

CONSTRUCTION

CREATIVE AND DIGITAL

LEISURE, TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE RETAIL

Designer ’s note: In your email you requested that we take information for the artwork from our vacancies section of the website but as this will be time senitive. I thought it would be more appropriate to use information from the about us section and point the reader towards the vacancies section as some vacancies may be already gone by the time we publish the guide. Thanks

To take the next step find your local College now at gmcg.ac.uk

Exciting new opportunities at North West Fire Control for Control Room Operators!

See our Careers / Vacancies visit www.nwfirecontrol.com

North West Fire Control receive all 999 calls for our partners in Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. Fire Control is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We are responsible for mobilising fire engines and resources to incidents, liaising with the incident ground and recording important details.

North West Fire Control is an accredited Disability Confident Employer. Our organisation is seeking to lead the way in our community, by supporting and developing the skills of colleagues with a disability

We are proudly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion for all its sta and communities. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability

Welcome to TraffordERS Gold Award Holder

The borough of Trafford is one of the most prosperous and exciting places to live in Greater Manchester.

Comfortably nestled between the vibrant city of Manchester and affluent Cheshire, it has a strong economy with low levels of unemployment and above national average weekly income (the only borough in GM to boast this).

Trafford’s reputation for being a place where people do well is cemented by the fact it is home to the world’s first industrial park – spread over five square miles of former deer park and woodland. In 1897, Trafford Park was built on land purchased from one of the area’s most noble families, the De Traffords. At the height of its success,

in 1945, it employed 75,000 people. Today it remains a great place to do business; it is the largest industrial park in Europe, home to more than 1,300 businesses employing more than 35,000 people.

The borough is also home to Trafford General Hospital - the proud birthplace of the NHS. Opened in 1948 by Aneurin Bevan, it was used by the Armed Forces from September 1939, during World War II, initially as a British military hospital. The first casualties arrived in early 1940 following the German invasion of Norway. In November 1943,

the hospital was transferred to the US Army, becoming the 10th US Station Hospital treating service personnel from across the world. Glen Miller and his US Army Air Force Band entertained troops on the lawns. The Americans left in July 1945 and the hospital returned to the care of the local council. On 5th July 1948, the hospital was officially opened by Aneurin Bevan as the first NHS hospital.

But Trafford isn’t just attractive because of its economy; its green spaces and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors also make it extremely appealing. The famous Dunham Massey - a National Trust property comprising of a Georgian house and acres of parkland that is home to the famous red deer - can be found in Trafford. There are also 37 beautiful parks across the borough for residents, families and visitors to enjoy - and 11 of them have achieved the coveted Green Flag status for setting the benchmark for well managed parks and green spaces.

The arts are equally well represented in Trafford. The borough’s Waterside Arts Centre in Sale is well-known for putting on an exciting programme of dance, theatre, comedy and music throughout the year. In addition, some of the world’s most influential and iconic musicians have called Trafford their home. Ian Curtis from the seminal Joy Division was born in Old Trafford and The Smiths’

frontman Morrissey lived in Altrincham (which luckily for Mozza is also the home of the Vegetarian Society)!

Love reading? There are 11 libraries across the borough and Trafford is one of the few authorities who doesn’t issue fines to those returning books late. The borough’s libraries also host a wide variety of social groups, and there’s something for all ages from toddler story time to knitting groups.

The award-winning and world-famous Imperial War Museum North sits next to the set of the popular soap, Coronation Street on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal in The Quays area of Trafford.

The IWM, which was founded in 1917, is one of the most visited places in the city region and was purpose built to tell the stories of war.

The legendary Old Trafford football ground, home to world-famous Manchester United Football Club, is also situated in Trafford Park and visited annually by millions of people from across the world. Another world class sporting venue for cricket is just minutes away at Emirates Old Trafford. As well as club matches, the ground hosts international test matches, and the Cricket World Cup.

You can find world class athletics in Trafford, too. Trafford Athletics Club members have competed at major events including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Gold Winning Olympian Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has represented Trafford.

From unique independents to the giants of high street, there is a host of options for shoppers in Trafford. For those wanting designer and high street shopping all under one roof, plus a wide variety of restaurants, the Trafford Centre offers all this and more.

If independent style shops are your thing, then take a tram to Altrincham, which was crowned England’s champion high street in the Great British High Street awards in 2018. The town is home to “Altrincham Originals” a range of shops that offer unique products that you won’t find on the high street. It also boasts Altrincham Market where you can browse stalls packed with stylish vintage items.

Altrincham is just one of Trafford’s four town centres, each with its own distinctive personality. Stretford, another popular Trafford town, offers an affordable option for young families and university graduates and is becoming an increasingly popular place to live, thanks to its fantastic community feel, proximity to Manchester city centre and excellent transport links. The area is also undergoing a multi-million pound regeneration to make it even more popular.

The lowest crime and the best schools in Greater Manchester make Trafford a popular place for families. Our primary schools are in the top 10 in the country for phonics screening, with our primary school children recently achieving an impressive 86.3% in tests to assess their reading and writing.

There’s never been a better time to enjoy higher education in Trafford; alongside the successful Trafford College, the borough now boasts its own university. University Academy 92, the brainchild of Class of 92 footballers (including Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs

and Paul Scholes) opened its doors to students in September 2019. UA92 degrees are designed to lead students into successful careers in the world of media, business, sports and computer science. Trafford Council is among the university’s partners.

And for those who have the environment close to their heart, Trafford is the best performing district in Greater Manchester for recycling domestic waste.

Trafford employs an Armed Forces Lead Officer who is responsible for delivering our Armed Forces Covenant commitments and the Trafford Armed Forces Partnership. Our covenant work was recognised by the Ministry of Defence in 2019 when we were one of the first authorities in Greater Manchester awarded the Employee Recognition Scheme Gold award. We offer bespoke individual support from the Armed Forces Lead officer on housing, health and employability issues.

A number of Armed Forces events are held throughout the year in Trafford including Armed Forces Week, the Poppy Appeal launch, military exhibitions at our annual community festival - Trafford Live, and of course, the eight Remembrance Day Services held across the locality.

Trafford benefits from working with both national and local Armed Forces organisations to enhance facilities for the community, by hosting an Armed Forces Partnership meeting each quarter. The support provided by Trafford Council and their Armed Forces Partners covers a wide range of activities, here are just a few of them:

Statutory Support

All statutory support is provided by the Council’s Armed Forces Lead, this includes housing, health and educational issues. Working with partner agencies, including the police, prison service and DWP, the Council is the first point of call for information

“IF INDEPENDENT STYLE SHOPS ARE YOUR THING, THEN TAKE A TRAM TO ALTRINCHAM, WHICH WAS CROWNED ENGLAND’S CHAMPION HIGH STREET IN THE GREAT BRITISH HIGH STREET AWARDS IN 2018.”

relating to the Armed Forces Community in Trafford. The Council is a proud holder of the ERS Covenant Gold Award, presented in 2019 for the outstanding work to the veterans’ community.

We are committed to work with partner support organisations in Trafford, here are just a few of them:

Groundwork Greater Manchester –Operation Re-Org:

Based in Trafford Park, Operation Re-Org provides support on a variety of issues faced by members of the armed forces community, with an emphasis on employment. Since conception, Op Re-Org has assisted over 600 veterans with a wide variety of support needs, and continues to grow from strength to strength. OpRe-Org is a valued and well-established member of the Trafford Armed Forces Partnership.

Shark Forces

Sharks Forces works annually with over 200 veterans, serving personnel and their families to help promote positive mental well-being and community cohesion. They run a consistent

weekly timetable that includes coffee mornings, welfare walks, physical activity sessions and an allotment project. Shark Forces has excellent outcomes and previous veteran participants have benefited from taking part in activities.

Trafford Veterans CIC

The group provides peer support, signposting, and a number of social activities including a monthly veterans’ breakfast, an allotment, and a craft and model making group. Trafford Veterans benefits from a newly opened Armed Forces Hub which will enable the group to enhance the services provided.

Details of how to become involved in any of the local activities is available from the

Armed Forces Lead Officer: Trafford Council, Armed Forces Lead Officer, Sue Wright.

Email: sue.wright@trafford.gov.uk

Office email: armed.forces@trafford.gov.uk

Mobile: 07980 965 635

Armed Forces Champion: Cllr. Mrs Judith Lloyd

Judith.lloyd@trafford.gov.uk

http://www.trafford.gov.uk/ residents/armed-forces/ Armed-Forces-in-Trafford.aspx

“WE OFFER BESPOKE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT FROM THE ARMED FORCES LEAD OFFICER ON HOUSING, HEALTH AND EMPLOYABILITY ISSUES.”

Wigan Borough

Wigan is a vibrant and diverse borough, a place where people want to work, invest, live and visit. Centrally located between the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool, Wigan offers excellent transport links and with HS2 on the horizon, there’s never been a more exciting time to live in the borough.

The town is steeped in history, with Roman bath ruins on display in the town centre and beautiful Tudor style architecture and cobbled pavements lining the streets. Alleyways lead to microbreweries and independent eateries where a warm welcome awaits. Tales from the battle of Wigan Lane and the Industrial Revolution are told with pride and glory.

Like many other northern towns, Wigan has a rich heritage and fascinating history. During the Industrial Revolution, Wigan was transformed as it became an important centre of textile

manufacture. In the 1800s, cotton factories started to spread across the town and these landmarks are still visible today. From the end of the 18th century, coal mining around Wigan vastly increased and remnants of the collieries can still be seen today.

In 1937 George Orwell put Wigan on the map when he wrote The Road to Wigan Pier. The book painted a grim picture of poverty and unemployment in the town. Nowadays the picture couldn’t be more different with exciting proposals to turn the Pier into a leisure destination, complete with gin distillery.

“WIGAN IS HOME TO OVER 12,000 BUSINESSES, OF WHICH A LARGE PROPORTION ARE SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.”

Wigan is home to over 12,000 businesses, of which a large proportion are small and medium business enterprises. Traditional logistics and manufacturing continue to be a pillar of the local economy, with the food and drink sectors being particularly strong.

The borough is also fast becoming known as a place for entrepreneurs and new industries to flourish. Digital and creative, health, environment and professional services are all increasing in importance. Real ale in the area also continues to thrive, resulting in a steady increase in the number of local microbreweries.

Wigan also has a large number of public sector employers, the most notable being Wigan Council, NHS and Wigan & Leigh College.

For sports fans, there’s lots to get involved with. The borough is home to two rugby league teams – Wigan Warriors and Leigh Centurions and Wigan Athletic Football Club who shot to fame in 2013 when they won the FA Cup Final against Manchester City. The Rugby Clubs are also used as venues each time the Rugby League World Cup is held in the UK.

The borough is the perfect base for outdoor types too, boasting vast green spaces and idyllic canal side walks to enjoy by foot or bicycle. The Ironman

competition comes through Pennington Flash each year, attracting adrenalin junkies from across the region, and the borough’s two 10ks take place at the end of summer, giving the whole family lots of physical activities to get involved in. Wigan is also an easy drive or train journey to the Lake District.

The schools are among some of the best in the North West and house prices are reasonable, with local council schemes designed to help potential buyers get on the property ladder. Plans to build more affordable homes are in the pipeline. Council Tax is the cheapest in Greater Manchester, so it’s no wonder that people are choosing to live in the borough.

“THE BOROUGH IS THE PERFECT BASE FOR OUTDOOR TYPES TOO, BOASTING VAST GREENSPACES AND IDYLLIC CANAL SIDE WALKS TO ENJOY BY FOOT OR BICYCLE.”

As with many northern towns, Wigan is a proud and welcoming town. It has a thriving Armed Forces community with over 22,000 members across the borough. The council is committed to fulfilling the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant that was signed in 2014 and has recognised that the Armed Forces population of the borough deserve recognition for their contribution to serving our country. The council recognises that transitioning to civilian life can be difficult, which is why a whole package of support has been made available.

The creation of the Wigan Borough Armed Forces HQ (Hub), is a tangible legacy and has given Wigan a focal point for the delivery of support to Veterans and the wider Armed Forces community. Overseen by the Council but operated by a partner organisation, it creates an operational environment that enables professional agencies, national charities and community groups to deliver a wide range of support services and is enshrined in business as usual for Wigan Council.

Since opening in November 2018, the HQ has provided a wide range of services supporting Military personnel

and their families transitioning into the Wigan area with housing, schooling and employment needs, as well as offering wider support to the Veteran community on health, wellbeing, social isolation, housing, employment and mental health. It has also provided a focal point for the Armed Forces community to simply get together, organise events and generally support each other in a comfortable and familiar environment.

For further information or support contact the team:

HQ Reception Molyneux House: 01942 821293

email: molyneux-house@outlook.com

Wigan Council Armed Forces Key Worker: 07825 115300

email: g.burchall@wigan.gov.uk

Wigan Council Strategic Manager

Armed Forces: 07791 061711

email: matthewjones@wigan.gov.uk

“WIGAN IS A PROUD AND WELCOMING TOWN. IT HAS A THRIVING ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY WITH OVER 22,000 MEMBERS ACROSS THE BOROUGH.”

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust

Every year, we provide NHS veterans’ mental health services to over 800 British ex-serving personnel (including reservists and families) who are experiencing mental health difficulties, related to their time and experiences in the Armed Forces.

acknowledges our work to ensure the Armed Forces community is never disadvantaged compared to other patients. Relevant staff are trained on veteran needs, and we support the Armed Forces as an employer.

transferable skills Armed Forces personnel can bring to the organisation.

NHS Military Veterans’ Service is our community-based specialist psychological therapies service for British Armed Forces veterans and reservists who live in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

NHS OpCOURAGE provides three mental health services and we host the transition, intervention, and liaison service which works across the North West of England. We give timely support and advice, and link veterans, reservists and families into the most appropriate service, as quickly as possible.

A veteran friendly Trust

We’ve been named a Veteran Aware Trust for our commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists, members of the Armed Forces and their families. The accreditation, from the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA),

We support employees who are reservists, with up to 3-weeks’ paid leave for their required forces training and recognise the

Now, and over the next few years, we’ll be looking at more ways we can support the Armed Forces community – through increased employment opportunities, reducing health inequalities and ensuring the voice of our patients shape our every decision.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, presents colleagues from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust with our Veteran Aware Trust accreditation

Our partnerships

We’re proud to work in partnership with Walking With The Wounded and our team includes individual placement support workers. They work alongside us to support veterans who have had mental health support to get back into work.

Tom Knight, Regional Manager at North West, Walking With The Wounded, said: “My role is to support with the delivery of employment, mental health, care coordination and volunteering programmes in collaboration with the NHS to get those who served, and their families, whether mentally, socially or physically wounded, back on their feet and making a positive contribution once more.”

Peter served in the RAF from 1984 to 1989 and was posted to the Falklands when he was 19 years old. He is currently receiving support from the Military Veterans’ Service.

“I got help from the Military Veterans’ Service at Pennine Care. I needed someone to trust and finally, someone kept a promise and called me back. The staff were able to connect with me and not only that; they were able to make calls to people on my behalf. I started to feel connected to people that cared.

Made me a friend of the world again

Walking with Pride

Team members joined in with Pride events across Greater Manchester over the summer – including the Bury Pride 2022 Rainbow Walk.

The service has given me someone to rely on, who will not let me down. The biggest thing for me is that I can call Rachel and I know that she will call me back if she is not available. No other service does that. I no longer felt alone.

Who we are

Here are some members of our team:

Chris Barry, highly specialist psychotherapist

“I’m passionate about delivering psychological therapeutic interventions to military veterans, having done so since 2010. I have also been involved in setting up and developing NHS veteran mental health services.”

Alie Salford, regional services lead

“My role is to lead services to deliver specialist mental health treatment and support to veterans, reservists, those transitioning out of the forces with a discharge date and their families/ carers. Our aim is to make this as accessible, seamless, and coordinated as possible.”

Rachel gave me a way forward and the encouragement, genuine care, support and nudges in the right direction when I needed it. Rachel visited me and met my mum, she walked with me and laughed with me, shared my woes and put a smile on my face when times were rubbish.

They saved my life and made me a friend of the world again. I no longer drink to excess and I am a better friend and carer to my mum. I laugh a lot more. I now want to live and I can see a glimmer of a future. Above all else, I don’t feel alone now.

For anyone who finds themselves in a similar position, don’t feel guilty about asking for help. Reach out and keep trying until you find the right people/ person for you.”

Rachel McDonald, mental health nurse

“I’m a registered mental health nurse with a particular interest in addiction and substance misuse. I am an advocate for the Armed Forces community and I help people access the treatment they need for their recovery and reintegration back into a life that has meaning, where they feel connected to society.”

How to contact us

W: penninecare.nhs.uk/militaryvets

T: 0300 323 0707

E: the.MVS@nhs.net

Facebook @PennineCareNHS

Twitter: @MVS_GM @Pennine CareNHS

Forces Employment Charity

The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

individual. We offer a unique experience bespoke to the specific requirements of our clients.

Find out more below about the range of support we provide.

Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

We understand the challenges faced when transitioning into civilian employment. We provide life-long support to ex-Forces personnel including Early Service Leavers through to older veterans who have spent the majority of their working life in the military.

With a stunning track record, the Forces Employment Charity is uniquely positioned to offer long-standing expertise with a modern approach to recruitment. We also increasingly work with families, veterans in the criminal justice system, wounded, injured and sick Service leavers and more, through an unrivalled range of programmes and practical tools all tailored to each

Supporting veterans into employment

We provide veterans with life-long career advice and support sourcing job opportunities from employers who understand the true value of exmilitary recruitment.

Using regional advisors, many of whom have served and all of whom have mental health first aid training, we can provide expert knowledge on regional job markets as well as a personalised service. Our advisors offer honest and considered guidance and advice that is tailored specifically to each individual and the pathway that they wish to take.

Whether advice is needed in the early stages of transitioning into civilian life or each time you take the next step in your career, we stand by all veterans and will always be there to support you.

Support for military partners and families

We are supporting veterans, military partners and for the first time, their children, in the Surrey and Hampshire areas by focusing on growing a skilled population in digital enterprises, medical technology, medical science, gaming, sustainable construction and the space and satellite industries. Our aim is to provide specialist employment support to aid economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Forces Employment Charity’s teams understand the needs of the Armed Forces community and caseworkers, therefore, work to provide support that is designed to suit individual participants’ needs.

Our teams are vast and comprise of a range of specialist advisors who all have tremendous amounts of lifeexperience as spouses and veterans, as well as professional experience within the Forces employment sector. As such, they are able to draw upon their own life experiences whilst raising the aspirations of others.

Supporting vulnerable veterans

We offer help to veterans who have been arrested and enter Police Custody. We also support veterans who have selfreferred or been referred by specialist police teams or other statutory organisations, because they are at risk of arrest. We currently provide this support for vulnerable veterans across South Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East, North West, Midlands, South West and East of England. In Greater Manchester we work in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and other organisations who refer veterans to our service.

Upon receiving a referral, our caseworkers undertake a needs assessment to establish what support is required by the individual, followed by practical support offered through a network of local charities. Our caseworkers understand the experiences of ex-Service personnel both during and after their military careers – empathy which gives veterans the strength they need to make changes to their lives and access support through health and specialist services.

Find out more about how we can help you at www.

forcesemployment.org.uk

Call us on 0121 262 3058 or email info@rfea.org.uk

or follow us on social media

Twitter: @ForcesEmploy

Facebook:

Forces Employment Charity

LinkedIn:

Forces Employment Charity

YouTube:

Forces Employment Charity

Instagram: forcesemploymentcharity

All images UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Walking With The Wounded

Be they mentally wounded, socially wounded or physically wounded, Walking With The Wounded ‘WWTW’ believes those who have served, deserve. Veterans have earned the right to the support they and their families need to function in the wider community. To have their sense of purpose reignited. And to make a positive contribution to society once more.

After life in uniform, the adjustment to civilian life can be tough. For a significant minority, it can be unmanageable.

We’re here for them. Whatever their rank, however long they served. We’re here to get ex-servicemen and women back on their feet. Our employment, mental health, care co-ordination and volunteering programmes play a vital role in empowering veterans to thrive once more.

Walking With The Wounded supports veterans from the practical - getting a job or securing a roof over their head; to the emotional - securing therapeutic help with mental health issues, or alcohol dependency or drugs. As well as sourcing expert advice on legal or domestic problems, or utilising our quick relief fund to source boots or a bus ticket for an interview - the small steps unlocking the big differences.

“WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED SUPPORTS VETERANS FROM THE PRACTICALGETTING A JOB OR SECURING A ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD; TO THE EMOTIONAL...”

It’s not easy. We do the gritty but rewarding work of supporting NHS mental health teams, working with police custody suites, homeless hostels, local employers and private therapists to deliver immediate, 1-2-1 support for those who served.

Many of us are veterans ourselves and we are all professionals. Our innovative programmes help the NHS do things it can’t do on its own and collaboration is at the heart of what we do - which enables us to achieve significant social results that ripple beyond the immediate veterans we support.

Project Nova, created in partnership with the RFEA, is a ‘best-in-class’ programme reducing reoffending of veterans in police custody.

Step Into Health, created in partnership with the Royal Foundation, was the first

official employment pathway between the military and the NHS and is now operational in over 100 NHS Trusts.

We are also regenerating communities – such as buying a run-down street in Manchester for £1 as part of BBC DIY SOS’s biggest-ever-build, creating ‘Veterans Street’, including a new office for us to support veterans across the North West.

And our Queen’s Award-winning volunteering initiative OP-REGENuniting our beneficiaries, supporters and corporate volunteers to deliver meaningful positive impacts on local environments.

Our expeditions turn heads but are corporate-funded vehicles to raise funds for what we do.

The reality is, we fulfil an important social need. Re-harnessing skills, reuniting families and keeping veterans who are struggling, out of police cells, off the streets and out of hospital wards - to instead become assets to the community.

Experience has taught us that the sooner we can get involved, the better the likely outcome. A small investment early on can save society a huge amount later, because these individuals have a lot to offer.

But economic arguments aside, the fact is, these are people who served.

Which means they deserve our support and respect.

Registered Charity Numbers: England: 1153497 Scotland: SCO47760

Trustees: Richard Turpin, James Hibbert, Flora McLean, Emma Peters, Guy Disney, Damian Beeley, Susan Walton, Luke D’Arcy, Louise Kavanagh, Paul Nanson

Tel: 01263 863 900 www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk Facebook:

@Walking With The Wounded LinkedIn:

@Walking With The Wounded Instgram:

@Walking With The Wounded Twitter: @SupportTheWalk

“WE’RE HERE FOR THEM. WHATEVER THEIR RANK, HOWEVER LONG THEY SERVED. WE’RE HERE TO GET EX-SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN BACK ON THEIR FEET.”

Help for Heroes

What do we do - We champion the Armed Forces Community and help them live well after service.

Why are we needed?

Between 1999 and 2019, more than 40,000 servicemen and women were medically discharged from the Armed Forces. Every day, four more military careers come to an end as a result of injury or illness. For some veterans, the effects of their service only come

to the surface in the months and years after it has ended. Recent research suggests that between now and 2025, up to 14,000 individuals may seek our support for the first time. We anticipate most of these will need help to address mental health issues or issues related to the management of their physical health, such as pain management. Many will also be seeking the sense of connectedness and community they often feel they lose when they leave the Armed Forces.

Since 2007, we’ve transformed the lives of more than 26,500 men, women and their loved ones and we know that many more will need our support in the future.

How do we support veterans and their families?

We put the needs and priorities of our veterans and their families at the heart of everything we do, and we take a ‘whole person’ approach to recovery. The combination of services and support we offer – all delivered by our health professional teams – and our approach to recovery, is unique.

Everything we do is to enable those we support to feel:

Secure – we empower veterans to feel safe in their homes, comfortable in their relationships and able to face the world.

Healthy – we empower veterans to feel as physically and mentally fit as their injuries and illnesses allow.

Purposeful – we empower veterans to lead productive and fulfilling lives and contribute to society.

We partner with every individual we help to agree a combination of support that is tailored to them and in most cases, assign them a dedicated Case Manager. Our wounded and their families have access to:

One-to-one support

We give one-to-one support to veterans and their loved ones for issues related to their physical and mental health and welfare.

• Our Case Managers assess need, identify priorities with each veteran and agree an individual Recovery Plan. Case Managers also offer information, advice and guidance on a range of issues including money, health, housing and benefits.

• Our Hidden Wounds team offers guided support including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling to support common mental health problems that affect quality of life. Together, our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Counsellors and Psychologists support veterans and their families living with a range of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, anger, and those who wish to change their drinking habits.

• Our Clinical and Medical Services team works with veterans with long-term physical health conditions such as musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions and serious complex injuries. They provide nurse-led guidance and occupational therapy, help individuals navigate

health care systems and support them to re-engage with their community.

• Our Very Seriously Injured Programme (VSI) supports veterans living with catastrophic injuries who need round-the-clock care. The programme helps them gain access to appropriate support such as speech and language therapy, financial assistance with carer costs and specialist equipment, so that they can achieve a level of independence and a quality of life that many of us take for granted.

• Our Grants team work closely with our Case Managers and Clinical and Medical Services team when a solution has been identified to relieve, resolve or prevent a welfare or medical wellbeing issue. They may provide financial relief of hardship or provide specialist equipment.

Recovery College

When a military career comes to an end for medical reasons, the future can seem overwhelming. Our Recovery College, co-created with veterans and their families using their lived experience, is the first of its kind specifically for wounded veterans and their families and offers educational courses that empower veterans and their families to achieve their recovery and life goals.

Activities

Fellowship

Many veterans and their families suffer from social isolation as a result

of their circumstances and miss the camaraderie and stability of the Armed Forces network they’ve had to leave behind. To tackle this and promote mutual support, our Band of Brothers Fellowship provides an opportunity for veterans to meet and share experiences, often around specific, structured activities. Our Band of Sisters Fellowship provides support and events for close family members.

Sports

Our Sports Recovery Programme is a great way for veterans to motivate and challenge themselves, keep fit and manage their condition. Whether they want to explore a new activity, join a local club or even have their sights set on representing their country again, we can help.

For further information on Help for Heroes, or to get support, visit helpforheroes.org.uk and watch our Help for Heroes film

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/HelpforHeroesOfficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/ HelpforHeroes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/help-for-heroes/

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion is here to help members of the Armed Forces community.

• Any member of Voluntary Aid Societies who has served full-time and in uniform in direct support of the United Kingdom Armed Forces

• Any British subject (by birth or otherwise) who has served one day in the Forces of an Allied nation during hostilities and received one day of pay from that nation

We support serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. We’ve been here since 1921 and we’ll be here as long as they need us.

We’re dedicated to supporting not only serving and ex-serving personnel but

the whole of the Armed Forces community, including dependants and carers. This includes:

• Serving personnel, or those who have previously served, who have received one day of pay and were aged 16 or over at the time of service

• Reserve or Auxiliary personnel, or those who have previously served

• Those who have served with the Mercantile Marine afloat in hostile waters

• Current or previous full-time members of Allied Civil Police Forces

• Those entitled to the campaign medal issued to the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force to those giving them direct support or under their command

• Any British subject (by birth or otherwise) who served in a resistance organisation of an Allied nation during hostilities in which the United Kingdom Armed Forces were engaged

• Any person who served in the Home Guard for at least six months, or in a Bomb and Mine Disposal Unit for at least three months

• Any person who was awarded the Defence Medal in respect of service in the Home Guard or in a Bomb and Mine Disposal Unit

We can also provide support for Commonwealth citizens who are residents in the UK, as well as past and present members of the Brigade of Gurkhas and their families.

Membership

Wherever you are, whatever you like to do, there’s a branch for you. All our members play a vital role in supporting the Royal British Legion. Members build relationships. They share experiences with like-minded people and have a say in the way we run the RBL by voting through our branch network.

But most importantly, they help us provide support to the Armed Forces community and their families.

From being at the end of a phone line and visiting veterans in their local area, to holding Remembrance and community events across the UK, our members help us reach those who need us most.

Remembrance

We remember those who lost their lives on active service in all conflicts, from the beginning of the First World War right up to the present day. We also remember all those who have served and their families.

Remembrance honours those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life. We unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth.

Remembrance in 2022

From veterans of the Falklands War and Second World War to those who continue to play a vital role in service to

Britain today, we are commemorating military and civilian service through a variety of anniversaries and events in 2022.

Service, the act of defending and protecting the nation’s democratic freedoms and way of life, is rarely without cost for those who serve. Physical, mental or emotional injury or trauma, the absence of time with family, or the pressures and dangers that come from serving, all highlight why the Remembrance of service is so important.

This year we are exploring the concept of service through a variety of anniversaries and events including the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War and the 78th anniversary of D-Day, as well as Commonwealth Day, South Asian Heritage Month and Black History Month.

From veterans of the Falklands War to those in our emergency services who have worked to protect us throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we commemorate the service of all those in military and civilian services.

Men and women from the Commonwealth have served, and continue to serve, throughout our Armed Forces and civilian services. We will remember their service throughout our commemorations.

Website: www.rbl.org.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/OfficialPoppyLegion

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ poppylegion

Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/royalbritishlegion

Moving Forces - Changing Our Lives Together

The Moving Forces Pilot Project was delivered by GreaterSport between September 2018 and December 2021.

The project aimed to engage veterans and their families in physical activity sessions to help with the integration back into civvy street after serving in

Moving Forces was funded for three years by Sport England, with additional financial support along the way from the Endeavour Fund (now the Invictus Games Foundation) and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

The aim of the project was to learn what works best when delivering a programme of physical activity sessions for military veterans, with particular focus on improving mental health and reducing social isolation and alcohol abuse. Over the three-year pilot,

Moving Forces directly supported more than 500 military veterans and their family members, with many others benefitting indirectly.

Now that the project has come to an end with GreaterSport, we have collected our learnings and reflections to produce the Moving Forces Guide. Our Guide is for anyone planning to deliver, or already delivering, physical activity sessions for military veterans. We have tried to cover all aspects of planning and delivery. Therefore, after working through the Guide, someone with very little experience of delivering activity sessions or working with veterans will be able to plan and deliver a successful physical activity project of their own.

The guide is broken down into several useful sections which include –

• Before you start: Before you start planning or delivering your project is important to research the current opportunities in your area. There are many projects and groups supporting veterans, so think about what they might be already delivering and whether your project might be similar.

• Delivery: In this section we look at what we consider to be the best way to deliver activities to veterans, based on what we found over the three years of the Moving Forces Project.

• Do’s and Don’ts: Physical activity on its own will not make veterans want to get involved. This sections looks at the other elements you will need to think about for your sessions and learn from the things that went well with Moving Forces, but also that didn’t go so well.

• Promotion: Looking at the best way to reach veterans; just because you’ve built it doesn’t mean they will come. Think about working with partners and organisations who have direct links with veterans who will be able to share your message.

• What to expect: Your project is now up and running, but what can you expect from the delivery of your project? To help you prepare for the bumps in the road ahead, we’ve included a couple of examples of challenges that you may be faced with during your project as well as positive reflections from when things go well.

The guide also helps to dispel myths associated with the veterans’ community.

• Many people when they think of veterans have an image of people over the age of 70. Two thirds of the attendees to Moving Forces sessions were under the age of 55.

• Many people presume that all veterans are men, whereas 17% of Moving Forces members were women.

• There is also a perception that all veterans are physically fit, because of the image of military training. Once veterans leave the forces some will face barriers such as the cost of keeping fit. Some will stop being active once they leave the services, because they no longer have to keep fit as required to do when in the forces.

The project was originally designed for veterans and veterans only. We quickly found that veterans’ families needed to be included in the project too. Feedback started to come in that being away from the family was a barrier to attending session, and it came up many times. In most case, veterans’ families need the support just as much as the serving member of the family and wanted to benefit in the same way from the sessions. Members of Moving Forces also wanted to be seen as role models to their children and grandchildren as well. So, with this in mind, changes were made to the activities on offer to include families.

The guide may mark the formal end of Moving Forces for GreaterSport but we want the legacy of the project to continue and that’s why we are partnering with veterans’ charity, Walking With The Wounded. Working with their expert team, Moving Forces will live on, and Walking With The Wounded will be looking to support new and existing partners with their veterans’ work and projects. Working with Walking With The Wounded enables us to work with the real experts when it comes to veteran engagement and a name that veterans trust.

Web: www.greatersport.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ GreaterSport

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/ company/greatersport/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ user/sportsgreat

Help for the RAF community

The Royal Air Forces Association has, for more than 90 years, championed a simple belief – that no member of the RAF community should ever be left without the help that they need.

So, if you or your spouse served in the RAF, either full-time or as a reservist, for at least one day, then the RAF Association is here for you.

Our services provide practical, emotional and financial support to tackle loneliness, isolation, worry and poverty among all generations of serving and veteran RAF personnel and their dependants.

Every year, we help around 85,000 people, many of whom live in Lancashire. Our projects include: Connections for Life telephone friendship; retirement accommodation; Finding it Tough? mental wellbeing training; Navigating Dementia resources; holiday properties, and bespoke casework support.

Connections for Life

The RAF Association Connections for Life service aims to ease loneliness and isolation among older members of the RAF community by building telephone friendships between volunteers and isolated individuals.

Among those benefiting from the project is Marie Findlay, whose RAF veteran husband died shortly after they moved house in 2018.

Marie (71) said: “Brian’s death was a real shock, and, not having any local

friends, I could have easily ended up alone if I hadn’t heard about Connections for Life.”

Within a month of contacting the RAF Association, Marie was getting regular phone calls from volunteer Mal Hodgson, a retired RAF Chief Technician.

Mal (74) said: “Volunteering keeps me busy and helps me to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

RAF Association volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds and, while an RAF connection can be helpful, it isn’t necessary for working with us.

Connections for Life Manager Sam Squire said: “The main thing is that our volunteers are happy to chat about a range of topics, and use their conversations to brighten people’s day.”

Our volunteers are asked to give a regular commitment of at least a couple of hours per month, and online training is provided.

Please get in touch with the RAF Association if you’d like to find out more about volunteering, or you feel you could benefit from a regular chat with someone like Mal.

Marie Findlay benefits from the RAF Association’s Connections for Life service.

Retirement accommodation

For people looking to start the next chapter in their retirement accommodation journey, we may have just the place!

The RAF Association’s four beautiful independent-living complexes enable tenants to retain their independence while living among like-minded people sharing an RAF connection.

Each complex features self-contained apartments, available for an affordable monthly rent to RAF veterans and their spouses, widows or widowers aged 60 and over.

All apartments comprise a bedroom, bathroom and sitting area, along with space for a fridge and microwave. With shared lounges, dining rooms and gardens, there’s plenty of space to socialise, too.

We have availability at our properties in Rothbury in Northumberland, Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, Storrington in West Sussex, and Moffat in Scotland.

More information is available on the RAF Association’s website.

Casework support

We all face challenging situations from time to time, and occasionally we need a little extra help or advice from a professional. The RAF Association’s casework team can assist with anything from applying for an emergency grant to sourcing and understanding specialist information needed to help solve a problem.

If you think we could help you, please drop us a line.

Navigating Dementia

Research has shown us that many members of the RAF community are experiencing the challenges of dementia, either as a carer or as someone living with dementia.

Our Navigating Dementia website (dementia.rafa.org.uk) offers a wealth of information, and provides links to more specialist help and advice.

Holiday properties

The RAF Association runs several holiday homes where members of the RAF community can enjoy a lowcost break in pleasant and relaxing surroundings.

More information about all of our properties can be found on the RAF Association’s website.

Finding it Tough?

If you or someone you care about is struggling to cope with life’s ups and downs, our Finding it Tough? mental wellbeing training could help.

Specially designed for RAF veterans and their partners, along with the spouses, parents, siblings and adult children of serving RAF personnel, our free online course will teach you the practical steps needed for building resilience.

More details about the course are available on the RAF Association’s website.

Staying connected

As a membership organisation, we keep more than 70,000 members of the RAF family connected with each other and with the RAF through our local branch activities and the publication of Air Mail magazine.

Although subscribing to the Association brings some additional benefits, membership is not required in order to access our services. So, if we can help you in any way – or you would like to help others by volunteering with us – please get in touch.

Contacting the RAF Association

Email: enquiries@rafa.org

Tel: 0800 018 2361

Web: rafa.org.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ RAFAssociation

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/RAFAssociation

Northern Area Office

Royal Air Forces Association

Allen Building, UCLAN, Adelphi Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 7DR

Tel: 01772 598393

Mal Hodgson is an RAF Association Connections for Life volunteer.

Invictus Games Foundation

Through sports, we change lives, and save lives.

For those who have served, these injuries or illnesses, whether sustained during conflict or otherwise, can have the additional impact of dramatic and sudden changes to their chosen career or lifestyle, placing pressure on their family or home life.

The Invictus Games Foundation is the only global charity using sports and adventurous challenge as a recovery pathway for an international community of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women (WIS). This pathway provides opportunities for post-traumatic growth: enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury.

We use the Invictus Games and adaptive sports to inspire recovery

and showcase the resilience of the Invictus community. Sports recovery is proven to accelerate and reinforce rehabilitation, and participation in an Invictus Games is transformative for competitors and their friends and family.

Beyond the Games, we further help improve lives beyond injury by offering access to international opportunities for sports, esports and adventurous challenge, and building a supportive digital community.

Through sharing best practice and fostering international collaboration, we influence the development of research and knowledge around trauma recovery, rehabilitation, and the power of sport.

Serious injury or illness can significantly affect a person physically, psychologically and socially.

“I NO LONGER WANT TO TAKE MY LIFE, I WANT TO TAKE IT AS FAR AS IT CAN GO.”

Michelle P, Invictus Games competitor.

The Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation.

The Invictus Games Foundation is a force for good; influencing progress towards a better future. We change lives and save lives, while shifting people’s attitudes towards disability and mental health along the way.

Invictus Games further information

Returning from deployment in Afghanistan, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, watched as the coffin of a Danish soldier was loaded aboard for repatriation, alongside three injured British soldiers. That moment had a

profound impact on him and, following a visit to the US Warrior Games in 2013 and witnessing the power of sport, he was inspired to create the international Invictus Games to celebrate the unconquered human spirit, and shine a spotlight on these men and women who served.

The Invictus Games is a biennial multinational adaptive sporting competition now involving 21 nations, and 500 competitors. With a focus on participation rather than the medal table, the Invictus Games celebrate personal bests and making it to the start line.

“You could see with the public that not only the people who won the race were cheered. The ones who did not medal but did not quit were cheered. This is the Invictus Spirit.”

Laurentiu Serban, Team Romania.

“THEY ARE ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS. THAT IS SOMETHING WE CAN ALL ASPIRE TO. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A VETERAN WHO HAS FOUGHT BACK FROM INJURY TO BE INSPIRED BY THE INVICTUS SPIRIT.”

International Paralympics Committee President, Andrew Parsons.

Invictus:Endeavours

Invictus:Endeavours is a grant-giving programme from the Invictus Games Foundation to support the ambitions of international wounded, injured and sick (WIS) Armed Forces personnel, serving or veteran to undertake adventurous challenge in their recovery, or establish regular access to sporting recovery opportunities.

#WeThe15

We are a proud founding partner of the #WeThe15 campaign, the biggest ever human rights movement to represent the world’s 1.2 billion people with disabilities. With the Paralympics, Special Olympics, Invictus Games and Deaflympics, there will be at least one major international sport event for people with disabilities to showcase #WeThe15 each year between now and 2030.

We Are Invictus

The ‘We Are Invictus’ platform, supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, is a free platform for international wounded, injured and sick (WIS) Armed Forces personnel, serving or veteran, providing a safe and secure space for the community. The platform provides opportunities for recovery

through sports beyond the Games alongside a peer-to-peer support network. Activities range from sports, esports, adventurous challenge, employment, volunteering, speaking opportunities and more. We Are Invictus can be downloaded as an app or accessed via www.weareinvictus. co.uk

The Conversation

We host a regular series of international webinars and conferences, called the IGF Conversation. Our unique experiences and network of nations provide a platform to facilitate contemporary research such as through the Royal Society in London, and offer a timely input into issues, from advances in the treatment of trauma to employment opportunities and the role of families where we, and members of our community, can add real value.

“On my own personal level, this journey has meant a lot. I have travelled far outside my comfort zone and challenged what I thought I was capable of, physically and mentally. I’m 100% sure that the expedition was good for me. It’s something I can use for a long time.”

Michael Magill, Denmark, participant in the High Atlas expedition to Morocco, 2022.

Website: www.invictusgamesfoundation.org

https://www.facebook.com/ InvictusGamesFoundation

https://twitter.com/WeAreInvictus https://www.instagram.com/ WeAreInvictusGames/ https://www.linkedin.com/ company/invictus-gamesfoundation/

“THESE SPORTS EVENTS ADD GREAT VALUE TO THE CAMPAIGN AND UNDERLINE THE HUGELY POSITIVE IMPACT SPORT CAN HAVE ON SOCIETY.”

The University of Salford recognises and values the skills, training, and life experiences the Armed Forces Community can bring to all that we do. We welcome students with a Forces background, including:

• Members of Armed Forces Families (Service partners and children)

• Serving personnel*

• Veterans

• Reservists

* certain courses are open to current members of the Armed Forces

We are also dedicated to opening up employment and partnership opportunities with individuals and Forces related organisations.

We can offer:

• Dedicated staff supporting the Armed Forces Community

• Tailored student support and advice

• Help recognising transferrable skills and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning

• Support to access bursaries and help with utilising ELCAS options

• Support with accommodation

• Peer to Peer support

If you would like to know more please contact the University’s Armed Forces Engagement Lead, Victoria Coomber at v.k.coomber@salford.ac.uk

Greater Manchester Forces Online Directory

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority are proud to be supporting this directory of support organisations, charities and supporting businesses. The aim is to have a central database to help the forces veterans have easy access to key organisations across the Greater Manchester region, as part of the commitment of the GMCA to the Forces Covenant.

The directory works on all devices with a browser including mobile, tablets, PC, Laptop, Smart TV, Xbox and PlayStation. Simply visit the website www.gmforcesdirectory.com on any device to view the businesses and organisations listed for support. This will be continuously updated and added to.

There is no download or app to install. Simply visit the website and save this to your home screen for future use.

Or you can scan the QR code to link to the website.

If you’re a business selling products or services that will support veterans, a charitable organisation or health organisation in the Greater Manchester region, you can add your details directly, free of cost, by clicking on the add business/organisation button in the top menu. It will take around 48 hours to go live.

The Forces Directory is a part of Greater Manchester’s digital strategy.

Mayor Andy Burnham said:

“I want Greater Manchester to be a digital city with a difference – one with a bold digital economy which actively encourages businesses to invest and grow, and also one where technology is used to deliver positive change, from connecting young people with opportunities, to tackling social problems such as homelessness. This bold vision places the needs of people firmly at the heart of technological innovation.

“We’re already ahead of the game on this. Right here in Greater Manchester we are on the digital

frontier with some of the most cutting-edge tech firms in the world. This gives us a remarkable opportunity to take that expertise and innovation, and work with local people to create a smart digital future which has a unique Greater Manchester stamp.

“We want to fuse technological advancement with culture, ethics, communities and places to build a world which is connected, creative and cooperative, and a modern and prosperous Greater Manchester where no-one is left behind.

“I don’t want Greater Manchester to be just a smart city – I want it to be the smartest city.”

GM Digital Health and Care

We now live in a world where technology is part of our daily lives, from paying bills, to online shopping, to keeping up with news – the way we do things has been completely transformed because of digital technology. We want to bring this level of digital disruption into our public services to give you greater control over your own health and wellbeing and transform the way in which you use services so they better meet your needs.

www.gmforcesdirectory.com

My Business Client Ltd is proud to be working with the GMCA to help deliver the Forces Guide and Directory for Greater Manchester.

Energy saving

Switching off non-essential equipment in an office overnight saves enough energy to run a small car for 100 miles.

Saving energy saves you money, protects your reputation and helps combat climate change.

Your organisation could save up to 10% through housekeeping actions which cost little or nothing.

Source: www.carbontrust.co.uk