Stroud District Council is actively working to improve relationships with the armed forces community and provide better resources for local veterans.
As part of its collaboration with local veteran groups, the council has invested in staff training and improved a number of resources for the armed forces community. These include a leaflet and poster which will be distributed to GP surgeries, libraries, and community hubs across the district, as well as training to help housing and customer service staff understand and anticipate veterans’ needs.
The leaflet, which was specifically requested by veterans to aid those who do not regularly use the internet, lists useful contacts and directs members of the armed forces community to local social groups, which offer support, camaraderie, and help to combat loneliness.
The leaflet also highlights support offered by the council to members of the armed forces community, such as a guaranteed face-to-face interview to discuss housing options, homelessness, and council tenancy issues. Additionally, the council’s leisure centre, Active Lifestyles Stroud District offers 20% off activities and gym membership at both Dursley and Stroud branches (formerly The Pulse and Stratford Park Leisure Centre). Members of the armed forces community should show their military or veteran ID card to staff to receive the discount.
The initiative was led by the council’s Armed Forces Champion group which includes representatives from veteran groups in the district, three district councillors, Cllr Kate Kay, Cllr Shyama Ananthan and Cllr Paul Turner, and council officers with useful skills, knowledge and experience, including housing and customer service officers. The group regularly meets with local veterans to ensure the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant are upheld. Veterans’ representatives can raise issues with the group to suggest improvements, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Chair of council and Armed Forces Champion Cllr Kate Kay said:
“This is a brilliant initiative, which is helping local veterans find support in an accessible format. Improving resources ensures members of the armed forces community are not disadvantaged and demonstrates our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.”
As part of the initiative the council has created a film featuring veterans who talk candidly about their service careers and some of the difficulties they have encountered adapting to civilian life. It will be shown to council staff to help them understand how to best help veterans. The film has already received positive feedback from council staff and local veterans and will be incorporated into further training and shared with partner organisations.
Improvements have also been made to the veterans’ page on the council’s website, signposting to funding and grants, useful contacts and details of social groups in the district, based on feedback and input from the veteran working groups.
Stroud District Council has signed and is wholly committed to the Armed Forces Covenant, a statement of support between the community and local armed forces representatives. It recognises the contribution of members of the armed forces, their families and veterans and finds ways the council can support them after leaving the services.
To find out more visit www.stroud.gov.uk/veterans
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