Staffordshire Police have pledged their commitment to military veterans by signing an agreement with Veterans Aid.
Veterans who are in crisis, whether they are victims of crime or part of the communities we proudly serve, will now receive bespoke support from the force and a specialist charity that supports veterans in crisis.
Chief Constable Chris Noble and Wing Commander, Dr. Hugh Milroy, Chief Executive of Veterans Aid, signed the agreement at Staffordshire Police headquarters recently. It promises provide support and services to veterans in need, including specialist addiction services and assistance with housing as well as general assistance for those in crisis.
Staffordshire Police is working hard to improve its service to all communities within the county and last year the Chief Constable signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the force. The Covenant pledges to provide support to serving members HM Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Last month, the force was awarded the Silver Employer Recognition Award by the Ministry of Defence in recognition of its work to deliver on the Armed Forces Covenant.
The new partnership with Veterans Aid is an important step in delivering on their Armed Forces Covenant pledges.
Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “I’m delighted to be able to sign this agreement and start what I am sure will be a very effective partnership with Veterans Aid. This partnership will allow us to provide bespoke support to serving and former members of HM Armed Forces who are in crisis and is a further development as we work to deliver on our Armed Forces Covenant pledges.
“Veterans Aid come with over 90 years of experience providing specialist support to meet the needs of veterans in crisis and I’m sure their outstanding work in other parts of the country will benefit the veteran community of Staffordshire.”
Dr Milroy said: “Veterans Aid has been developing relationships with police services in London and around the UK for some time and I’m delighted that Staffordshire has now become one of them. Working together in this manner is the way forward. I am delighted to have the Chief Constable’s formal support in this initiative and deeply grateful for his commitment to ensuring that former service personnel and their families get the help that they need, when and where they need it.”
The force currently employs more than 40 veterans or members of military families who can access specialist support, reservists are granted additional leave to allow for training alongside dedicated Armed Forces Network.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Staffordshire Police encourages all organisations who haven’t signed the covenant to do so.
More information is available from: Armed Forces Covenant: guidance and support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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