Ryde Town Council is said to be leading the charge by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
In September last year, Armed Forces Champion Councillor Ian Dore and Armed Forces Lead, Jayne Tyler, sent out a letter to Island businesses, parish and town councils urging them to support Armed Forces personnel by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Last night at a Full Council meeting of Ryde Town Council, it went to the vote. Following a passionate explanation by Councillor Dore as to why it’s so important, the motion was proposed by President of the Royal British Legion Ryde, Councillor Charles Chapman, and it went through unanimously, salutes raised aloft.
Cllr Dore has said:
“Last night was a real moment for my stomping ground as Ryde Town Council lead the charge. The Armed Forces Covenant has a myriad of benefits attached to it so I am chuffed to Naafi breaks, that we are the first on the Island as a Town Council to sign on the dotted line. For all Town and Parish Councils, its the right thing to do as its about ethical employment and good HR practice as much as anything”.
Support is provided in a number of areas including education and family well-being; having a home; starting a new career and access to healthcare, financial assistance and discounted services.
The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families and is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference – central government, the services themselves, businesses, local government, charities, communities, cadet forces and their adult volunteers.
Ryde Town Council is also signing up for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which the Isle of Wight Council currently holds the Silver Award for – and going for Gold this year.
Ian adds:
“It is accepting that the role of the Armed Forces is essential in our day to day life. A lot of what goes on to keep up safe at night, is done in the shadows or goes unreported. There is no credit sought, its the job. But for those that carry out such tasks, there is great sacrifice for them and their families.
“Forces personnel need to know that when they leave, we have them squared away, treated equally with no discrimination. Aside from the benefits this brings to Ryde Town Council itself, to those individuals we are saying Yes. We have your back.”
If you would like to know more then visit https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.
About time Service men and Veterans are given the help and support they deserve and have
earned when they need it …Sick and tired of scum bags given this and given that when they have done nothing for it !!!
good – so they can kick out and deport all those illegals clogging up hotels and other accommodation and give it to homeless veterans who need the support. If not, then the councils word is not worth a thing.