Basingstoke Armed Forces Community Covenant

A pledge to support the Armed Forces community in Basingstoke and Deane was signed by the borough council on 24 June 2013, as part of the celebration of Armed Forces Day at the Civic Offices in Basingstoke.

The Armed Forces Covenant was signed by:

• Councillor Cathy Osselton on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
• Commander Brigadier Neil Baverstock OBE MA, on behalf of 145 (South) Brigade
• Station Commander Group Captain Dominic Toriati on behalf of RAF Odiham
• Commandant of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force Rod Lambert on behalf of South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association
• Regional Welfare Manager Andrew Hiscutt on behalf of the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency
• Pam Worsfold, chairperson of Basingstoke Voluntary Services, on behalf of the voluntary sector across Basingstoke and Deane

The Armed Forces Covenant

We do not have any military bases but that does not mean that we do not have any armed forces personnel. We have those who work elsewhere but live in the borough; we have veterans, cadets and reservists.

The aims of the Community Covenant that we have signed is:

• Encouraging local communities to support the Armed Forces Community in their areas, and vice versa.
• Promoting understanding and awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community.
• Recognising and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community.
• Encouraging activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces Community into local life.

We will support the services community in its area and ensure that they can access services that they are entitled to. Also to ensure that when services are being reviewed or designed that the issues armed forces personnel and their families face are considered.

We would also encourage and welcome the armed forces communities to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint projects or other forms of engagement. The covenant will also mean the borough can bid for between £100 and £250,000 in funding from the Ministry of Defence. This is to support initiatives for the armed forces community in Basingstoke and Deane and to help them integrate into civilian life in the area.

Action Plan (updated October 2021)(PDF)

The Armed Forces Community

Hampshire County Council's website offers a wide range of links to various supporting services and opportunities for those in the Armed Forces, including:

• Charities
  
• Discounts
  
• Civilian Military Partnership

Further links

Below are more links to sites providing help and guidance:

• Government’s webpage containing information on the covenant for veterans
  
• Veterans Gateway – app providing signposting to information, advice and support services including finances, housing, employment, relationships and health
  
• HeadFIT - online tools to help defence personnel take a more proactive approach to their mental health and fitness
  
• Funding opportunities for veterans and support organisations