​The Armed Forces Covenant

Halton Council h​as signed the Armed Forces Covenant and we have pledged to supp​ort our Armed Forces Personnel/Community.

The aims of the covenant are to:

• Encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces Community in their areas
• Nurture public understanding and awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community
• Recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community
• Encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forc​es Community into local life

For more information please see the link below:

Home - Armed Forces Covenant

What is the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. Halton Council is a member of this scheme and currently holds the Bronze level accreditation. For more information please see the link below:

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK

Who is our Armed Forces Champion

Here at Halton Council we have an Armed Forces Champion who can help signpost you to local services. Our contact is: Jim.yates@halton.gov.uk

Support for Veterans

Veterans Gateway

The Veterans Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans seeking support. For more information please see the link below:

• ​​Veterans’ Gateway to be refreshed and taken into the Office for Veterans’ Affairs - GOV.UK

Help For Heros

Providing veterans with carefully tailored and holistic support for their physical and mental health, along with their welfare and social needs. For more information please see the link below:

• About Us - Learn More About Help for Heroes and What We Do | Help For Heroes

Royal British Legion

Can help with local community connections, care & caring, financial support and physical & mental health. For more information please see the link below:

• Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity

SSAFA

SSAFA can help with various situations such as transitioning into civilian life, mental health & wellbeing, welfare & benefits etc. For more information please see the link below:

• SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity

Armed Forces Veteran Card

An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK Armed Forces – this card can make it easier to apply for support as a veteran. For more information please see the link below:

• Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card - GOV.UK

Housing

Contact Halton Council’s housing team: Housing & Homeless Advice

Education

• Contact Halton Council’s education team: School information

Health & Wellbeing

• Where to get urgent help for mental health - NHS
• Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS
• Support for war veterans - GOV.UK
• Improve Your Health

Employment, Training & Benefits

• ​ Halton Council Careers | Halton Council Careers
• Information on how Halton BC can offer employer support
• Forces Families Jobs - Forces Families Jobs
• Career Transition Partnership - GOV.UK
• We support veterans | Forces Employment Charity
• The Warrior Programme | Building Your Future
• Riverside College - Widnes & Runcorn - Further Education
• Check benefits and financial support you can get - GOV.UK
• Benefits and concessions for the armed forces, veterans and their families - Citizens Advice
• Getting discounts as a veteran - GOV.UK