Family affair as Heywood Veterans’ Association signs key pledge

Councillor Alan McCarthy (middle left) signs the covenant with Councillor Peter Rush (right)

Heywood Veterans’ Association has underlined its commitment and support to the local Armed Forces family by signing a key pledge.

The association has signed up the Armed Forces Covenant, which pledges that no member of the Armed Forces or their family is disadvantaged as a result of service.

Heywood Veterans’ Association will now be actively working with Rochdale Borough Council’s armed forces team to support local veterans and their families.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, the council’s lead member for the Armed Forces, said: ”This is great news. Associations across the borough are at the heart of the Armed Forces community and everything it stands for. Partnership working is the key to success and the council is looking forward to working with Heywood Veterans’ Association in the coming months and years to make a positive difference to the lives of so many people.”

Christopher Harris, chairman of Heywood Veterans’ Association, said: "We are delighted to have signed up the Covenant, which underlines our commitment to supporting veterans in the local area. The pastoral role is absolutely vital in ensuring the armed forces family has vital support networks in place across the Rochdale Borough.”

The council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012, encouraging communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help military and ex-military personnel including dependants.

Heywood Veterans’ Association has open membership to anyone wishing to support the Armed Forces family.

For further information phone Caen Matthews at Rochdale Borough Council on 01706 924279.