Armed Forces Community

Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, his Majesty’s government and all those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families. The first duty of government is the defence of the realm. Our armed forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty.

Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our armed forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families.

They deserve our respect, support, and fair treatment. Those who serve in the armed forces, whether regular or reserve, those who have served in the past, or their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.

Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those injured and bereaved. This obligation involves the whole of society, and includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the armed forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution and has no greater expression than in upholding this covenant. The armed forces  covenant pledge outlines the agreement between Fylde Council and the armed forces community.

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Armed Forces Champion
Cllr Frank Andrews is Fylde’s Armed Forces Champion. If you would like to contact him for advice and information please email frank.andrews@fylde.gov.uk

Armed Forces Officer
Paul Deacon (veteran) is the council’s armed forces officer.
Email: paul.deacon@fylde.gov.uk

Aims of Local Armed Forces Covenants

The aims of the local covenant is to:

  • encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in Fylde
  • nurture public understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the armed forces community
  • recognise and remember the sacrifices faced by the armed forces community
  • encourage activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life
  • encourage the armed forces community to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint projects, or other forms of engagement

Events and activities

Cllr Frank Andrews, a former regular serving officer in the Royal Navy, was appointed Armed Forces Member for Fylde Borough and outside body representative to the Reserve Forces Association.

We have established a ‘Hub’ – Moments Cafe, Wood Street, St Annes on the Sea, where veterans and those seeking to support veterans can call in. From this hub we are connected to over 100 sources of support.

Contact can be made by telephone 01253 658658, or by email to listening@fylde.gov.uk or visit Fylde Council, Town Hall, St Annes Road West, St Annes, FY8 1LW.

We are keen to contact all veterans, help with any problems and bring together both serving and former serving members of the Armed Forces and welcome any introductions.

Armed Forces Week

Armed Forces Week is an established national event in which Fylde Borough plays a local part. In 2024 as in previous years we intend to hold a flag raising ceremony on 24th June, including a Mayoral Reception and presentation of Veterans badges starting at 10am at the Town Hall. Members of the public are welcome to attend this ceremony.

Veterans mental health and wellbeing support

Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, these support groups can offer expert advice. For immediate support in an emergency please call 999. For urgent mental health support you can call:

  • Combat Stress 24 hour helpline 0800 1381619
  • The Samaritans 24 hour helpline  116123
  • Your GP

Combat Stress – for Veterans mental health

Combat Stress provides a range of community, outpatient and residential mental health services to veterans with complex mental health problems. Services are provided in-person, and via phone and online.

The Samaritans

Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Op Courage: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

Op Courage is a new NHS service that provides specialist care for those Armed forces veterans suffering from a mental health crisis. The new service  combines the Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS), the Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and the Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS).

This means that veterans can access the most suitable level of service for them.

Op FORTITUDE – Veterans Homelessness Service

Op FORTITUDE is funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund to deliver a centralised referral pathway into veteran supported housing. An organisation called Riverside, will work nationally with individual veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, supporting them either into suitable accommodation, or supporting them to maintain their current home.

Further details can be found here.

Referrals to Op FORTITUDE

Make a referral via the online referral form here, or call Op FORTITUDE on 0800 9520774