The first regional Armed Forces and Veterans partnership event will take place later this month, bringing together military personnel, reservists, veterans, businesses, the voluntary and community sector and members of the five Local Authorities, as well as Lord Mayors from across the region.
Partners are coming together to strengthen the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant which aims to honour the commitment of the Armed Forces community, take positive measures to prevent disadvantage and recognise, respect and show gratitude for the military services.
The partnership is working to improve the support available for the Armed Forces community including health and wellbeing, employment, skills and training and housing support and financial advice.
The conference will showcase the successful work that has been achieved throughout the region and identify the challenges which can be faced by members of the Armed Forces and veterans community.
Hull City Councillor Alan Gardiner, Armed Forces and Veterans lead said:
I am honoured to act as Armed Forces Champion, on behalf of Hull City Council. Our local authority is committed to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.
This is the first time we have held a regional conference with our partners in East Riding, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire and Doncaster to focus on partnership working to support the Armed Forces community.
We hope to inspire more businesses to pledge their support for the Armed Forces Covenant. Employers can help by doing things such as offering flexibility in granting leave to spouses during deployment and offering discounts to members of the Armed Forces community.
Amongst those speaking at the event will be Colonel Andy Hadfield who will talk from a military perspective, members of the Ministry of Defence and Michael Coates, Veteran, who will discuss employment and training opportunities. The conference will be closed by music from the Military Wives Choir.
Private, public and voluntary organisations of all sizes who wish to demonstrate their support can sign the covenant at www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/get-involved/