Posted on: Wednesday 20 November 2024
The council has renewed its commitment to support members of the armed forces across the borough.
Council leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt signed the Armed Forces Covenant with Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Tancock of the 104th Regiment, Royal Artillery (The Welsh Borders) at a full council meeting this week.
It means the council renewed its Gold Pledge to offer support for members of all the armed forces across Torfaen including those currently serving as well as veterans.
Cllr Anthony Hunt said: "I welcome this signing of the renewal of the Armed Forces Covenant. We owe service personnel, both those currently serving and our veterans, a huge debt of gratitude for their service to our country. By reaffirming our commitment to them, we give our thanks to them and pledge our ongoing support."
The Armed Forces Covenant sits alongside the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which encourages wider support for the armed forces community.
Torfaen was one of the first local authorities in Wales to provide priority housing support for veterans and armed forces families. The council also guarantees an interview for veterans applying for jobs within the organisation.
Cllr Gaynor James, the council's armed forces champion said: "If you are a member of the armed forces, a veteran, family member, or a widow or widower, Torfaen is committed to providing easy access to the support and entitlements you are entitled to. From our veterans' hubs to practical advice, we take our pledge to the armed forces very seriously."
Lt. Col. Stephen Tancock said: "The Armed Forces and the Council have so much in common, including delivering real outputs for our people and the Nation. However, none of this is possible without a highly skilled team, exceptional teamwork and leadership. So I’m delighted that Torfaen council had pledged to recognise, support and draw on the wealth of talent represented by our people and veterans.”
There are two veteran's hubs in Torfaen that meet regularly, offering the chance to make new friends, share experiences and get support.
The hub in Cwmbran meets every Wednesday (10am-noon) and in Blaenavon on every third Monday of the month (3pm-5pm). Contact Zoe.Gibbs@torfaen.gov.uk for more information.
For find out more about the support available to members of the armed forces, and their families, visit Torfaen's Community Covenant | Torfaen County Borough Council