Armed Forces Support Officer Caen Matthews and Councillor Alan McCarthy praised for their work

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces

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Following meetings of all four townships this week, councillors have praised Armed Forces Support Officer Caen Matthews and Lead Member for the Armed Forces, Councillor Alan McCarthy for their continued hard work.

A report to all of the townships explained the work carried out in relation to the Armed Forces family since the Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in November 2012. The report also discussed the amount of support given to members of the Armed Forces Family and the number of activities and high profile events that it has been possible to deliver since the recruitment of Caen Matthews as the full-time Armed Forces Support Officer.

Rochdale Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in November 2012.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/73900/heywood-signs-armed-forces-community-covenant

In doing so the Council gave a commitment to do all that it could to assist former service personnel in the Borough, in recognition of the huge sacrifices they and their families have made for their country.

On 15 May 2013, Councillor Alan McCarthy was formally appointed to the position of Lead member of the Armed Forces. In January 2014 a temporary 18 month post was created to support Councillor McCarthy and the Armed Forces work. This post has been extended until December 2015.

Since the post was created, Rochdale Borough has been at the forefront of Armed Forces activities and events have received both regional and national recognition. The Council was awarded a National Silver Award at the North West Armed Forces Business Awards in June 2015.

Councillor Colin Lambert said: “In my four years as leader I was proud of a lot but in the top six things is the creation of an elected member for the Armed Forces. Over the years Rochdale has done a lot and I am glad that it has paved the way and raised the bar and Councillor McCarthy and Caen should be proud of that.”

Councillor Robert Clegg said: “I am very proud to see what we have done.”

Councillor Amna Mir said: “It makes your heart warm to read about all of this work.”

Councillor Jane Gartside said: “The support is great and I am glad to hear that we won a national award. It is marvellous.”

Councillor Malcolm Boriss said: “I think Councillor McCarthy and Caen are doing a good job.”

Councillor Neil Emmott said: “This is something to be proud of. Councillor McCarthy is doing a sterling job and deserves the kind words he is getting from us and so do the officers that work beside him. They provide recognition of the Armed Forces and because of the Council's success, it is nice that it is officially recognised.”

Councillor Phil Burke said: “It is fantastic to see Rochdale taking a stand and leading the way on something like this.”

Councillor Pat Greenall said: “It shows that Rochdale is doing something that our government should be doing. We should be very proud that Rochdale Borough is leading the way.”