Why armed forces veterans need our support after serving their country

Friday, 8 October 2021 17:35

Cllr John Cotton talks about why service men and women need support and the help that is available ahead of a Veterans Community Day in Birmingham next week.

Next month we remember the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their today for our tomorrow, but when servicemen and women return to ‘civvy street’ they often need support.

In August, Birmingham City Council renewed its Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, which is awarded to employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant – a wider commitment to support the wider community in our city.

Organisations that sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant do so to acknowledge, understand and support those that served or continue to do so, who should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, society and workplace.

As a society we have a duty to look after our veteran community and to support those who have made sacrifices on behalf of our country.

That’s why I’m pleased to see the charity Stepway is playing a vital role in supporting our veterans in adjusting to civilian life through a range of initiatives – including a seven-step civilian skills programme, along with help housing, education, employment and wellbeing.

They have brought together more than 50 agencies for a Veteran Community Day, taking place at Millennium Point in Birmingham on Friday 15 October, which will provide a showcase for the support and services available and how they help our veterans.

This is a free event which will run from 10am to 3.30pm and is open to armed forces personnel preparing to return to civilian life, as well as veterans who have served.

Along with the rest of the council, I am proud to support those who have made sacrifices on behalf of the country and will continue to offer support in both the workplace and wider community.

For more details of this free event, please visit Stepway’s website: www.stepway.org/veteran-community-day