Support for the armed forces community
We are proud to support all members of our armed forces community. This includes serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families and carers.
We recognise the sacrifices you and your families have made in service and the valuable contribution you continue to make to our area.
The commitment we have made to the Armed Forces Covenant ensures that our armed forces community is treated fairly and able to access support, services, and opportunities when needed.
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Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the nation’s moral obligation to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.
It states that the armed forces community should not be disadvantaged when accessing public or commercial services due to their service.
Covenant duty
The covenant is supported by the Covenant Legal Duty. It is a legal obligation requiring public bodies, such as councils, to ‘have due regard’ for the particular needs of the armed forces community when delivering local services.
It also recognises that special consideration is needed in some cases, especially for the injured and the bereaved.
Support hub for veterans and service leavers
We provide funding to Assistplus CIC and the Bristol and South Gloucestershire branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airforce and Families Association (SSAFA).
These organisations jointly run the Veterans Advisory Service Hub (VASH) to provide support and advice for veterans and those who are leaving the services. You can get help via:
• phone and email helplines
• monthly drop-in sessions
• booked appointments
• home visits from case workers
The hub advises on:
• education, retraining and employment
• accessing health and social care
• finding housing and managing the risk of homelessness
When and where
Monthly drop-in sessions take place at The Jubilee Centre in Bradley Stoke.
Booked appointments are available at Kingswood One Stop Shop and Patchway One Stop Shop.
Full list of VASH dates, opening times and locations.
Contact details for Assistplus CIC and SSAFA are available on their respective websites.
Other support available
Alongside local partners and national organisations, we are here to support our armed forces community during and after service.
If you are a British Sign Language user you can contact us using the Convo Now UK app.
Housing
If you are at risk of homelessness, contact us on 01454 868005 or homelessness@southglos.gov.uk.
For advice on social housing contact our HomeChoice team on 01454 868005 or email homechoiceteam@southglos.gov.uk.
You may be able to apply for a disabled facilities grant to meet the costs of adaptations to your home. Email psechousing@southglos.gov.uk for more information.
Op FORTITUDE is a national support and advice service for single veterans at risk of homelessness, struggling to manage their tenancy, or in need of supported housing.
Education, retraining and employment
Get education and employment support by contacting our community learning team on 01454 884613 or community.learning@southglos.gov.uk.
Free employability support is also available from Skills Connect. Email connect@southglos.gov.uk for more information.
Council vacancies and apprenticeships are advertised on our Careers website.
Health
Our adult social care, occupational therapy and assistive technology services can help if you are living with a long-term illness, condition or disability. Contact us on 01454 868007 or CSODesk@southglos.gov.uk for more information.
Op COURAGE is a veterans’ mental health and wellbeing service provided in the South West by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP). Contact details are available on the AWP Op COURAGE webpage.
Developing Health and Independence (DHI) is a regional charity providing free and confidential support for those impacted by drug or alcohol dependence.
Yuno Sexual Health offers free, confidential sexual and reproductive health services.
Find out how the NHS can help the armed forces community.
Schooling and childcare
Our school admissions policy recognises the particular needs of children of serving personnel or those who have recently left the armed services.
For support to move your child between schools during the school year or to secure a school place, contact us on 01454 868008 or admissionsandtransport@southglos.gov.uk.
Search our directory of local registered childminders and information about childcare options.
Cost of living and financial help
Check if you are eligible for benefits or council tax reduction and explore cost of living support available to residents.
If you need financial support you can call our freephone line 0800 953 7778 or visit one of our One Stop Shops.
You may qualify for a concessionary travelcard (bus pass) or a Blue Badge for discounted parking.
Armed Forces Day
Our annual Armed Forces Day event shows our support for all members of the armed forces community.
For information about the event visit the South Gloucestershire Armed Forces Day website.
Celebrations on Armed Forces Day are coordinated by our local Armed Forces Day committee.
You can contact southglosafd@gmail.com for more information or if you are interested in becoming a member of this committee.