Everyone welcome at event to launch Armed Forces Community Covenant
About 60 organisations will be providing support and advice at an event to promote the Shropshire Armed Forces Community Covenant next week.
The event will take place at RAF Shawbury on Tuesday 30 April from 4pm to 7pm, and is aimed at members of the armed forces, reservists, ex-service personnel and their families, as well as the local community in general.
People are free to drop in to the Roland Wycherley Force Development Centre any time between 4pm and 7pm to browse the stalls and information on offer, as well as enjoying musical entertainment from the Shawbury Military Wives choir and the Royal Irish Bugles, Pipes and Drums military band.
The aim of the event is to launch the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which is a pledge by all public service organisations in Shropshire to work together to build links between the armed forces and civilian communities.
A major part of this involves working with the various support groups and organisations that aim to help people find housing, employment or business opportunities when they leave the armed forces.
Organisers are delighted that so many different groups will be at RAF Shawbury on Tuesday to talk to people about the support they can offer.
As well as talking to people at the event, the organisations in attendance will also be encouraged to build links amongst themselves about how their work can support the Community Covenant.
Exhibitors planning to have stands include Jobcentre Plus, Shropshire Council’s business support team, the Royal British Legion and local schools and colleges.
There will also be advice about the Community Covenant grant scheme, which provides funding for projects which help to bring armed forces and civilian communities together.
Mike Hyatt, head of strategy, research and performance at Shropshire Council said:
“We are really grateful to the many groups and organisations taking the time to come to the event, and are keen that anyone with a link to the armed forces comes along to see the support that’s on offer. It’s also important to make clear that the event is open to anyone interested in how the Community Covenant will support the local community too, so everyone will receive a warm welcome whether they are connected to the armed forces or not.”
For more information about the event, call Sue Thomas, community action officer at Shropshire Council, on 01939 237453 or email SAFCC@Shropshire.gov.uk.
Information about the Community Covenant can be found at shropshire.gov.uk/safcc
Media notes
Reporters and photographers are very welcome to attend the event. Please contact Simon Alton, senior communications and marketing officer at Shropshire Council, on 01743 252809 for more information.
The full list of exhibitors planning to be at the event is as follows:
- 20 Army Education Centre, Tern Hill
- A4u
- Albrighton Trust at the Moat & Gardens
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Alzheimer’s Society
- Autism West Midlands
- Benefit Options Team, Shropshire Council
- British Red Cross – Young Carers
- Business Support, Shropshire Council
- Citizen Engagement Company
- Citizens Advice Shropshire
- Community Council of Shropshire
- County Training, Shropshire Council
- Energize Shropshire & Telford
- Fairshare Credit Union
- Family Information Service, Shropshire Council
- Girlguiding Shropshire
- Headway Shropshire
- Healthwatch Shropshire
- HomeStart
- Jobcentre Plus
- Just Credit Union
- Kit bags
- NHS Preventative Health Team
- North Salop Wheelers
- North Shrewsbury Friendly Neighbours
- Parents & Carers Council
- Perry Riding, Driving and Vaulting Group
- PTSD Resolution Charity
- Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
- Royal Air Forces Association
- Royal British Legion
- SCAT
- Shropshire Childminding Network, Shropshire Council
- Shropshire Community Directory
- Shropshire County Trainers Ltd
- Shropshire Disability Network
- Shropshire Fire and Rescue
- Shropshire Homepoint
- Shropshire Housing Support
- Shropshire Seniors Forum
- Shropshire Support Partnership
- Shropshire Volunteering Team
- South Shropshire Furniture Scheme
- SSAFA
- Staffordshire University
- Sure Start Childrens’ Centres, Shropshire Council
- Taking Part
- Tern Hill Hive
- The Marches School
- Thomas Adams School
- Together for mental wellbeing
- Veolia
- Victim Support
- Walford & North Shropshire College
- Wem Safer Neighbourhood Team
- West Midlands Veterans Housing Group & Stonham part of Home Group
- Young Advisors West Midlands
