Support for the armed forces
Find out what support is available to the armed forces community in Buckinghamshire.
The National Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Buckinghamshire Council and the armed forces
Buckinghamshire Armed Forces Community Covenant
We have signed a covenant to the armed forces which contains a number of pledges.
In this covenant we promise to:
- recognise and honour the sacrifices made by the armed forces
- raise public awareness of issues affecting the armed forces and their families
- reduce any disadvantages suffered by the armed forces community as a result of their service or association
- encourage activities which help to integrate the armed forces with the wider community
Buckinghamshire Civilian Military Partnership Board
The Buckinghamshire Civilian Military Partnership Board are responsible for discussing how the pledges made in the covenant will be put into practice in our county. The board meets quarterly and is made up of representatives from the armed forces, the council, veteran's charities and a number of other public sector organisations.
Contact the board for advice and support on [email protected] or contact the councillors involved.
View the Buckinghamshire Civilian Military Partnership Board terms of reference.
The Defence Employers Recognition Scheme (ERS)
The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) acknowledges employers who have provided a high level of support to the armed forces community and defence by going above and beyond in their covenant pledges.
Buckinghamshire Council is proud to have been recognised with a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in July 2023.
Guaranteed interview scheme
We run a guaranteed interview scheme for serving reservists and all ex-service people. The scheme is available for anyone who meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Other sources of support
Central Government
Central Government provide a number of support services for members of the Armed Forces and their families. These include a service pupil premium, help with changing careers and a Forces Help to Buy scheme.
NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
The NHS mental health and wellbeing service supports veterans who have left or are due to leave the UK Armed Forces. The service assesses the veterans’ needs and aim to help them get the right support. This includes support for mental health issues including PTSD, depression, anxiety and anger. For full details visit the website. The centre in Berkshire covers residents across a number of counties including Buckinghamshire.
Contact the service:
South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA)
SERFCA provides support to the armed forces in the South East of England by:
- maintaining the defence estate
- connecting the defence sector with wider society
- helping to deliver the cadet experience
Regional Employer Engagement Directors (REEDs) support businesses, local authorities and charities to become ‘Armed Forces friendly’ through signing the Armed Forces Covenant and the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Veterans Gateway
Veterans Gateway is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant and offers support to veterans on a wide range of matters from personal relationships to housing and employment.
Get in touch by calling 0808 802 1212 or contact them using their live chat or email service.
War Widows’ Association of Great Britain (WWA)
The WWA is a campaigning group which works with government departments and the charitable sector to improve conditions for war widows.
Visit the War Widows website.