Rochdale unveils Armed Forces support

Photo: Jan Harwood

Armed Forces personnel and veterans

Rochdale Council is launching a new online resource and dedicated email address with the aim of providing increased support to Armed Forces personnel and veterans.

Rochdale was one of the first councils in the country to sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant last November, aimed at encouraging local communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help integrate Armed Forces personnel back into civilian life. It also encourages authorities to work more closely to support those in service and their families, ensuring there is no disadvantage associated with serving in the Armed Forces.

Plans have since been announced to rename a section of Church Street in Heywood in honour of local man Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw, who was awarded the Military Cross last month.

A Veterans Parade will be staged in Heywood on 26 May organised by The Lancashire Veterans Association.

The council's Armed Forces Lead was invited to march with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in London last month and the borough will mark National Armed Forces Day in June with a series of special events.

Rochdale Council is also providing local groups and charities the opportunity to access the Government’s £30 million Community Covenant Grant Scheme for projects which strengthen ties or mutual understanding between the Armed Forces personnel and local residents.

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces and Chair of Heywood Township said: “These new web pages are already proving very popular.

"Rochdale is leading the way in support of our returning heroes and we are one of the first in the UK to put words into actions, with practical support measures.”

“We want to make a real difference to service personnel and their families.

"We have a full programme of events and activities this year and I’m delighted the council is rolling out this new support as it will enable us to strengthen the work already being done to target help to service families and personnel.

"By working together we will make a difference.”

Richard JP Jordan, Commanding Officer with 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery said: "I welcome the progress that has been made in Rochdale so servicemen, servicewomen, families and veterans receive the support they need where they live and work.

"The Armed Forces are an integral part of the borough of Rochdale.”

Councillor McCarthy added: “To help us deliver this support most effectively we need Armed Forces personnel to tell us what they need.”

Current or ex Armed Forces personnel who encounter difficulties when accessing services from the council or their partners are asked to email armedforces@rochdale.gov.uk