Our Commitment
North Kesteven District Council is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and Armed Forces veterans living across the District.
The District Council is a signatory of the Lincolnshire Armed Forces Community Covenant, and in partnership with others, upholds the principles of the Covenant that ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces – and their families - are treated fairly.
The District Council has appointed an Armed Forces Champion, and every year hosts a programme of events to celebrate Armed Forces Day, recognising the crucial role that the Armed Forces play in our everyday life. These events always include the presentation of Veteran’s badges to former servicemen and women.
For further information on North Kesteven’s Armed Forces Day celebrations, including how to register for a Veteran’s badge, please contact: 01529 414155 and ask to speak to the Partnerships Team or email: armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk. This year, our poster design competition for Armed Forces Day celebrations has the ‘80th Anniversary of the end of World War II with VE (Victory in Europe) & VJ (Victory over Japan) Days’ as a theme. Open to all school aged children, the deadline for competition entries is the 4 April and the entry form can be downloaded here. Good luck!
Welfare Advice for the Armed Forces Community
Connect to Support Lincolnshire offers an effective directory lists a wide range of national, regional and local organisations providing support and advice to the Lincolnshire Armed Forces Community. You can call them on 0300 303 8789 Monday–Friday, 9am to 4pm
The Royal British Legion supports serving members of the armed forces, veterans and their families. If you need help, call 0808 802 8080 Monday–Sunday, 8am to 8pm
SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity offers welfare advice and support to the Armed Forces and their families. Contact their helpline on 0800 260 6780 Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm
The Veterans’ Gateway offers a range of support for Veterans. Their helpline number is 0800 802 1212 Monday – Sunday 8am to 8pm
The Armed Forces Community Covenant
Lincolnshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership has identified aims and objectives to guide our activities and future direction in support of Lincolnshire’s Armed Forces community.
NKDC host the post of the Lincolnshire Armed Forces Covenant officer and is an integral partner in delivering change and support to our armed forces communities.
The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and their families and is fulfilled by many organisations that have committed to making a difference. Other signatories and supporting organisations include:
- Local NHS partners
- Central and local government
- Single services such as Royal Navy, Royal Army and Royal Air Force
- Charities
- Businesses
- Cadet forces
The Covenant’s two principles are that:
- The Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services,
and that:
- Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given more, such as the injured or the bereaved.
How is it delivered?
A partnership group that includes representatives from all interested parties has been created to support the delivery of the Lincolnshire Armed Forces Community Covenant. Through this arrangement, partners work together in order to meet the aims of the Covenant by:
- Encouraging local communities to support the Armed Forces community in their area,
- Developing public understanding and awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces community,
- Recognising and remembering the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community,
- Encouraging activities which help integrate the Armed Forces community into local life, and
- Encouraging the Armed Forces community to help and support the wider community through participation in events, joint projects and other initiatives.
Does it apply to you?
If you are a member of the Armed Forces, a veteran, or a family member, the Armed Forces Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are being treated fairly. To get support on issues, such as healthcare, housing, finance, relationships etc, visit the Veterans Gateway
If you would like further information on any matter relating to the Armed Forces, please contact the Partnerships Team on 01529 414155 or email armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk.