DROITWICH’S Armed Forces Champion is urging businesses, GP surgeries and other organisations to sign up to do more to help former UK servicemen and women.
Coun Richard Morris is one of the district councillors on the Worcestershire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership.
He said: “Once we have all six of us in place we will be looking to see how we can support those who have served in the armed forces.”
Statistics show there are 20,000 veterans across Worcestershire.
“They are generally older so they do need our support.”
Assistance can include helping former servicemen and women work through the benefits system to ensure they get what they are entitled to, to make sure they have the right housing and to ensure support mechanisms are in place to help them with mental health and other issues.
Coun Morris added: “So far there are only 11 GP surgeries in Worcestershire signed up to the covenant – that needs to be higher.
“It’s not about them getting appointments first or any preferential treatment – it is about healthcare staff being educated so they understand the specific support they need and are trained to offer that help.”
The covenant, which covers Wychavon, Bromsgrove, Malvern and Redditch, works with other organisations such as the Royal British Legion and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) to see what needs to be put in place.
Businesses and other organisations are also being urged to come forward and see what they can do for veterans.
Coun Lucy Hodgson, cabinet member with responsibility for communities at Worcestershire County Council said she was delighted to welcome the Armed Forces champions who would help spread the word about the Armed Forces Covenant throughout the county.
Any person, GP surgery, organisation or business interested in helping Worcestershire’s veterans can type ‘Worcestershire Armed Forces Covenant’ into Google or email [email protected] to find out more.
