Armed Forces community covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The aim of the community covenant is to encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their area and promote understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the armed forces community and veterans.

Purpose of the community covenant

The overarching aims of the covenant are:

• Encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces communities in their areas
• Nurture public understanding and awareness amongst the public of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community
• Recognise and honour the sacrifices faced by the Armed Forces community
• Encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces community into local life
• Encourage the Armed Forces community to help and support the wider community

The Essex covenant includes:

• Contributions made by the Armed Forces’ community is recognised, celebrated and honoured
• Fair access to public services in Essex for serving and former members of the Armed Forces
• Past and present members of the Armed Forces experiencing difficulties get the help and support they need

Essex Armed Forces community covenant

The Essex Armed Forces Community Covenant (EAFCC) looks to bring together the range of excellent work being done across the county to support the armed forces community and to build stronger relations with the civilian population.

This includes in-Service and ex-Service personnel their families and widow(er)s in the Harlow district.

The EAFCC was signed in November 2012. It is one of the largest-ever Armed Forces covenant pledges made by the public, private and voluntary sectors including:

• Essex County Council
• Essex’s city, borough and district councils
• The Lord Lieutenant of Essex
• Representatives of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force
• Essex Police
• Essex Fire and Rescue Service
• The NHS
• The business community
• Armed Forces charities

Veterans’ Gateway

The Veterans’ Gateway provides a single point of contact for veterans seeking advice and support about a range of issues including:

• Housing
• Finances
• Employment
• Mental Wellbeing
• Physical Health
• Living Independently
• Family and Community