Stockport Council reaffirms armed forces pledge

Stockport Council has renewed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant in a ceremony at Stockport Town Hall.

Established in 2011, the Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge to the armed forces community, including current and ex-service people and their families, to ensure they are treated with fairness and respect, and that they are not disadvantaged or discriminated against by their service. Over 10,000 organisations in the UK have signed up to the scheme, with the John Lewis Partnership becoming the 10,000th signatory earlier this year.

The renewal of the Covenant came ahead of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday this weekend on the 11th and 12th November respectively.

In attendance at Stockport Council’s renewal of its Covenant was: the Mayor of Stockport, Cllr Graham Greenhalgh; Leader of Stockport Council Cllr Mark Hunter; Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport, Cllr Frankie Singleton; Cllr David Wilson; Chief Executive of Stockport Council, Caroline Simpson; Senior Responsible Officer for Stockport Council’s Armed Forces Covenant, Vicki Bates; Deputy Commander of the Army for the North West, Colonel Lindsey Forbes;, Ministry of Defence Regional Employer Engagement Director for Greater Manchester and Cheshire, Louisa Blakemore; members of the local armed forces community; and representatives from the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

The ceremony signified the importance of recognising the unique obligations and sacrifices made by current and former members of the armed forces.

Stockport Council’s renewed Covenant offers support for housing, education, employment, and health and well-being. Support is also available for those who wish to apply for community activities under the Ministry of Defence Covenant Grant Fund.