Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network
What is the Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network?
The Armed Forces Support Network was set up in response to the commitment made by Forest of Dean District Council to the Armed Forces Covenant. The network identified that there is a need for a support network for serving and non-serving members of the Armed Forces and their families, particularly when the 2021 census figures showed 3915 residents in the Forest of Dean District identifying as a veteran – 5% of residents aged 16 and over.
How the network will work
The new Armed Forces Support Network will see officers from the Communities Team at the Forest of Dean District Council work with partners and all Armed Forces members to establish communications with one another and ensure that they are aware of events and services that they are eligible for.
Forest of Dean District Council will continue to assist with Armed Forces events, including Remembrance Sunday and both Armed Forces Day and Armed Forces Week. The Armed Forces Network will also host several in-person events for the Armed Forces community and charities throughout the year to introduce our Armed Forces families to local support groups.
The team will also speak directly with the Armed Forces community across the district to ensure they are aware of benefits such as the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, and the Veteran Aware accredited programme through GP surgeries which can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.
Useful links
Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network
Email: Armedforces.network@fdean.gov.uk
Help for Heroes
Website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Email: getsupport@helpforheroes.org.uk
Tel: 0300 303 9888
Op Nova – Forces Employment Charity /Supporting veterans in the Justice System
Website: www.forcesemployment.org.uk
Email: info@forcesemployment.org.uk
Tel: 0121 262 3058
NHS Op Courage Veterans Mental Health Service
Website: www.veteranaware.nhs.uk/op-courage/
The Warrior Programme
Website: www.warriorprogramme.org.uk/
Email: enquiries@warriorprogramme.org.uk
Tel: 0808 8010 898
Wilde Earth Journeys CIC | A Nature Based Wellbeing Organisation
Website: www.wildeearthjourneys.org/
Email: hello@wildeearthjourneys.org
SSAFA – Gloucestershire
Website: www.ssafa.org.uk/gloucestershire
Tel: 0800 260 6780 (support)
Royal British Legion
Website: www.counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/gloucestershire-county/
Veterans Card
Website: www.gov.uk/guidance/using-a-veteran-card-as-a-service-leaver
Veteran Aware – NHS Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance
Website: www.veteranaware.nhs.uk/contact/