Guide offers free support to armed forces personnel

The guide sets out practical steps, contacts, and resources for veterans and serving personnel

A guide has been launched in a bid to improve support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in North Yorkshire.

The document sets out practical steps, contacts, and resources to help local authorities, employers, and community groups deliver meaningful support to those who serve or have served.

It was unveiled on Wednesday, after being produced by North Yorkshire Council, City of York Council and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The initiative was led by Green Party councillor Kevin Foster, whose ward includes Catterick Garrison, the largest British Army base in the country.

"Our armed forces community deserves nothing less than the strongest possible support," Foster said.

"Whether someone is transitioning out of service or currently serving, this guide is designed to make sure they can access the help they need, when they need it."

North Yorkshire Council leader, Carl Les, said the guide had come at no cost to the authority, other than some officer time in collecting the information.

"We hope [people] find it useful in dealing with issues in your communities to do with armed forces personnel and particularly veterans," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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