Worcester City Council has reaffirmed its support for the armed forces community by signing a renewed covenant.
The covenant is a strong commitment to support the city’s military forces, ex-service personnel and their families.
It also recognises the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to Worcester and to the country.
Twelve years ago, the City Council joined other local authorities and organisations from across Worcestershire in signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant - a voluntary pledge of mutual support between local communities and the armed forces.
The covenant aims to support armed forces personal and ease the transition from military to civilian life, ensuring that armed forces members have access to vital services and encouraging their integration into the local community.
The Council now joins organisation who have independently signed the covenant and will be registered on the gov.uk Ministry of Defence website.
Councillor Pat Agar, Worcester City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, acts as an advocate and spokesperson for the armed forces community.
She said: “Worcester City Council is committed to supporting the armed forces community, and I am proud to serve as the Armed Forces Champion.
“Our veterans, service personnel, and their families have made immense sacrifices, and it is vital that we continue to support them in every way possible.
“As part of this renewed covenant, the City Council is dedicated to ensuring that no member of the armed forces community faces disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to other Worcester residents.
“Additionally, the council acknowledges that, in certain circumstances, special treatment may be appropriate, particularly for the injured or bereaved.”
As part of her role, councillor Agar, plays an important part in helping the City Council organise events to mark key dates in the military calendar.
This has included the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Commemoration Event in Ghulevelt Park; Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade, including a Poppy Drop at the Guildhall; and a Flag Raising event to mark Armed Forces Week.
The City Council has also set aside a pot of money to help support local activities and initiatives that further the aims of the covenant and improve the relationship between the council and the local armed forces community.
