In Derbyshire a collaborative approach was taken to develop a Derbyshire wide covenant based on the national framework.

Derbyshire County Council and all Derbyshire districts signed up and adopted the covenant during 2012 and have worked together to deliver on pledges.

The covenant was updated and re-signed in 2019. We have worked with a range of partners to look at the provision, co-ordination and promotion of services to improve access to our own services and enable frontline officers to signpost the armed forces community to a range of support available.

We have also enhanced our remembrance and recognition activities with a variety of ceremonies including freedom of entry of the borough for local regiments, commemoration of Armed Forces Day, Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

We are proud to commit to the Armed Forces Covenant for Derbyshire, recognising the efforts made by our Armed Forces Community including:

• those currently in service (including new recruits and reservists)
• people of working age who have left the Armed Forces
• those who have performed National Service
• veterans beyond retirement age
• cadet organisations
• the dependents of these groups
• Armed Forces Charities

We work with other local authorities, charities and services providers through the Derbyshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership to develop the provision and promotion of local services for our Armed Forces Community, whether through improving our existing offer or creating new projects and ways of working.

Armed Forces Hub

We support the Armed Forces Hub - a one-stop shop event for the armed forces community. Events usually take place every three months at Chesterfield Town Hall. At the event there is both information and support available over a range of matters from re-employment, volunteering, housing, health and well being, funding and representation from the forces welfare charities.

For further information:

Phone: 07827 233143
Email: veterans.armedforceschampionatdwp@dwp.gov.uk

Help and support

You and your family

• Veterans Gateway puts veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.
• Buchanan Trust aims to help those who have served in the armed forces, enabling them to transition into civilian life by offering short term accommodation, accredited training, skills, work experience and employment opportunities in the rural and construction sectors.
• Royal British Legion helps members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, Reservists, veterans and their families and also campaigns to improve their lives, organises the Poppy Appeal and remembers the fallen.
• ABF The Soldiers’ Charity provides lifetime support to British Army soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.
• Army Hives provides information on behalf of the chain of command to the Service community and welcomes enquiries from serving personnel, dependants, partners, extended families, and the wider military community including veterans and MOD civilians.
• RAF Benevolent Fund RAF's welfare charity for all serving and former members of the RAF as well as their partners and dependent children.
• Naval, Army and RAF Families Federations are the independent organisations that act as the voices of Naval, Army and RAF families.
• SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their family.
• Royal Air Forces Association offers friendship, help and support to the RAF family.
• STAND TO provide Veteran Support by providing the Veteran Information Point (VIP), a one stop shop for veterans, families and professionals seeking information on all things related to veterans; an Alcohol Treatment Service dedicated to Derbyshire’s Ex-Forces community; CONNECT provides the opportunity to get involved with fellow veterans and the missed camaraderie of being together for social events, meet up for coffees or join our MESS (Mutual Ex Services Support) meetings; and Veterans Awareness Training. For more information visit the website or call 01246 959333.
• Tom Harrison House provides a specialist addiction recovery programme for UK Armed Forces veterans and emergency services personnel. The bespoke 12-week residential programme is designed specifically for those who have served and who may struggle to engage with mainstream, civilian rehabilitation services. The programme has three key stages – 1. Open Access Referral and Mentor Programme. 2. 12 week Residential Recovery Programme . 3. Aftercare and Resettlement Support. For more information or to make a referral for yourself, friend or family member visit the website, call 0151 909 8481 or email info@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk

Injury and illness

• Blesma helps all serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or lost the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
• Blind Veterans UK supports anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, or who has done National Service, and who is now living with significant sight loss.
• Help for Heroes supports those with injuries and illnesses attributable to their service in the British Armed Forces.

Bereavement

• Forces Support aims to ensure that the parents, widows and children of families bereaved through a military death can access practical support throughout the UK.
• War Widows Association of Great Britain is a pressure group to improve the conditions of War Widows and their dependants in Great Britain.

Financial

• Turn2Us advice on benefits, grants or other financial support available to serving members of the armed forces or a veterans and their families.
• Veterans UK administers the armed forces pension schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service

Homelessness

If you're leaving the armed services, or you are a former member, you may be entitled to extra help if you become homeless. Key advice is to check Chesterfield Borough Council’s housing allocation scheme and get help with housing or contact the Councils Homelessness Prevention service before you're discharged. Don’t leave it too late to get help. To speak to a member of the team regarding your situation, call us on 01246 345825 or email homelessness.prevention@chesterfield.gov.uk.

How local businesses can support the Armed Forces Community

Businesses can support the armed forces community in the borough by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Templates, advice and support are available on the Armed Forces Covenant website.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

We have achieved the Silver Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the Armed Forces Community and defence by going above and beyond their covenant pledges. You can find more information about the scheme.  As an employer, Chesterfield Borough Council provides up to 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Community employees for military training as well as the potential for additional unpaid leave for armed forces duties subject to the needs of the service.

Covenant Fund

The Covenant Fund grants up to £10 million per annum to community projects that are mutually beneficial to the Armed Forces community and the civilian community. It is managed by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust who also run wider funding programmes that support the Armed Forces Community. You can find more information about the scheme.