Published on:
10
September 2012
The Clackmannanshire Alliance have this week agreed in principle to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, following a meeting at Greenfield House last Friday.
The Covenant, which will be formally adopted later this month will be signed by and Clackmannanshire Council, NHS Forth Valley, Central Scotland Police, Central Scotland Fire Service, Forth Valley College and Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface.
An Armed Forces Community Covenant aims to ensure the Armed Forces and their families receive appropriate treatment in recognition of the role they play in the defence of civilians.
Provost Tina Murphy said: "The covenant aims to nurture understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces.
"It is a formal but voluntary agreement of mutual support between the Armed Forces community and the public, voluntary and private organisations and agencies in Clackmannanshire to help the Armed Forces feel part of the community in which they live."
The Community Covenant grant scheme, with funding of £30m over four years throughout Scotland, aims to support the process of integration.
Welcoming the agreement, Council Leader, Councillor Gary Womersley said: "It will fund activities which improve understanding, well-being, infrastructure and promote self-help,directed primarily at Local Authorities, Health Boards, charities and voluntary groups."
Among the projects that may attract funding from the grant are children's playground which would be used by children from both Service accommodation and the wider community; projects that integrate service personnel, veterans, their families and the wider community; and projects that improve the health, welfare or financial literacy of service personnel, veterans or their families.
Once the Covenant is signed applications can be accessed through the Ministry of Defence.
A formal signing of the Covenant by the Alliance partners is due to take place on 25th September 2012 at Alloa Town Hall.