Published on:
09
October 2013
Clackmannanshire Council is reiterating its support to working with and supporting former and serving Armed Forces personnel through the development of a new online information portal on its website, ClacksWeb.
Provost Tina Murphy is the Council's Armed Forces Champion. She said: "I am the Council's lead representative for the Armed Forces and carry out my role with passion and pride.
"Whether you are currently serving or have left the Armed Forces you may need advice on issues including health, education, housing, training and jobs. As a Council we know that your families and carers may also need support.
"The Council, along with our community planning partners, signed the Community Covenant in September 2012, ensuring the Armed Forces and their families receive appropriate treatment in recognition of the role they play in the defence of civilians."
The Council and our partners already enjoy a strong and important relationship with serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces and have held a number of activities to show local support.
The Freedom of Clackmannanshire was granted to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 2006. The Council plays a key role in the marking the annual Armed Forces Day locally, and helps to organise homecoming parades and Remembrance Sunday services.
A community covenant partnership group has now been established which meets quarterly. The group is chaired by Provost Murphy and the membership includes representatives from the Council, NHS Forth Valley, Jobcentre Plus, Forth Valley College, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Armed Services Advice Project, Royal British Legion, SSAFA and the Scottish Transport Regiment.
As well as looking to improve local services for current and former armed services personnel and their families, the group also consider proposals for applications to the Armed Forces Community Covenant grant scheme. Administered by the MOD, the scheme, with funding of £30m over four years throughout Scotland, aims to support the process of community integration. 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. A number of local applications have already been submitted, including a community garden and another aimed at improving community transport for veterans.
The online portal page brings together in one place, useful information, advice and support services available, both locally within Clackmannanshire and nationally. The page will be built on and developed over time.
Provost Murphy added: "Serving members and veterans make a significant contribution to our communities, and this new online portal aims to make it easier for them and their families to access help and support in the local community. I look forward to continued liaison with the Army and relevant local groups, reviewing areas of improvement which would further support the Council's relationship with the armed forces."
Colonel Alan Tapp, SSAFA branch secretary, said: "SSAFA wholeheartedly supports this Council initiative which assists us in our objective of giving lifelong support to our armed forces and their families."
Robert Hunter, Clackmannanshire branch secretary of the Royal British Legion Scotland, praised the Council's support and added that his organisation is using the online portal to raise awareness of their fundraising activities.
He said: "We have a few members who fought for their country in the Second World War and we are holding fundraising events to help these members to travel to the Normandy beaches for the 70th anniversary events.
"We are also working with other branches to help family and friends to apply for Travel Aid, which helps them to visit their loved ones who have been injured and are recovering in one of the military hospitals in England."