Supporting our veterans
Ards and North Down Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2015 in recognition of the cross-party support for our local Armed Forces personnel. This covenant is our public pledge to continue to support the local Armed Forces community: the Army, the Naval Service and the Royal Air Force.
We are committed to supporting veterans in our council area. Many veterans face challenging times after leaving the Armed Forces and we want to ensure that all veterans receive the support and care they deserve. Working closely with the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland and The Northern Ireland Veterans' Support Office, the council has put together this web page to ensure that our local veterans can access support and services to assist them in adapting to civilian life after retirement.
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Vetrans Day 17
Veterans' Champion
A Veterans' Champion is a volunteer role held by an elected member of the council. There are 11 Veterans' Champions throughout Northern Ireland, representing each constituency across the province. Veterans' Champions have a deep-seated passion for aiding and uplifting veterans. They serve as a point of contact and support for veterans and their families, understanding the unique challenges veterans may face, and working to bridge the gap between veterans and their communities. These champions are advocates, connectors, and sources of advice and support.
The Veterans' Champion in Ards and North Down is Alderman Trevor Cummings.
Contact Trevor on 07889 678490 or trevor.cummings@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Alderman Trevor Cummings | Facebook
Veterans' Commissioner for Northern Ireland
The position of Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, acts as an independent point of contact to support and enhance outcomes for veterans in Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, has recently announced the appointment of a new Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone.
Contact details:
Veterans' Commissioner for Northern Ireland
NI Veterans Commissioner's Office
Stormont House
Belfast
BT4 3SH
Tel: 028 9052 7734
Email: info@nivco.co.uk
www.nivco.co.uk
Below are some helpful links to support in the Ards and North Down area
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependents.
SSAFA
This charity supports regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service. They are all entitled to lifelong support from SSAFA, no matter how long they have served. It is a national charity operated on a regional basis. All branch members are highly trained volunteers who give their time freely.
www.ssafa.org.uk/northern-ireland
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry OBE to provide lifetime support to those wounded in the service of their country. No matter when someone served, they believe that those prepared to put their lives second, deserve a second chance at life. Serving in the Armed Forces takes strength, but it takes a different kind of strength to live with life-changing injuries.
Every course and activity that Help for Heroes offers aims to empower veterans to look beyond illness and injury, regain their purpose and reach their potential. Together we can help them, and their families, find the strength they need to live the lives they deserve.
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. Its network of community teams across the UK can help you find support through social contact and drop-ins. These groups, many run by veterans, offer comradeship and companionship for those who need it. To find groups in your area, contact Combat Stress at:
Tel: 0800 138 1619
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
www.combatstress.org.uk
Recovery Together
This programme run in conjunction with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust tackles serious stress in veterans, families and carers. It has been designed on and prioritises a 'whole family approach.'
To find out more call: 03308 089 294 or download the information booklet
Benefits and pensions
Make the call
You can check if you're getting all the money, supports and services
you're entitled to by contacting the Make the Call team.
Tel: 0800 232 1271
www.nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall
Veterans Welfare Service
The Ministry of Defence's Veterans UK provides free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.
Through its helpline it provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare. Normal Service 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday. Please email outside these hours using the address below.
For Pension Advice please call freephone 0808 1914 218 (UK only) - you must be able to provide your National Insurance Number. If calling from overseas the number is +44 1253 866 043.
https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/veterans-welfare-service
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
When the helpline is closed, callers in need of immediate emotional support will be given the option to be routed to The Samaritans 24 hour helpline on 116 123.
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