Council backs Armed Forces Week

A North East local authority has reaffirmed its support for the Armed Forces community.

Durham County Council marked Armed Forces Week (22 to 28 June) with a commemorative event at The Story, its cultural and heritage venue in Durham.

The event was attended by council representatives, employees, veterans, reservists, adult cadet force volunteers and Deputy Lieutenant for County Durham Commander Ian Berry MBE.

Guests were given a tour of The Story’s exhibition spaces, including its new temporary exhibition, A Debt Beyond Words, and saw the Wakenshaw Gun, which is housed at the venue in honour of Durham Light Infantry soldier Pte Adam Herbert Wakenshaw.

The Story will also be lit up from Friday, June 26 ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday (June 27).

Councillor Robbie Rodiss, chairman of Durham County Council, said: “As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we take our duty seriously when it comes to ensuring the armed forces community face no disadvantage and are recognised for their service and the sacrifices they have made.

“Armed Forces Day supports the people who make up the Armed Forces community, which includes veterans, cadets and families as well as currently serving troops.

“We use this week as a chance to celebrate and acknowledge those in the Armed Forces.

“However, it is important that the honour and respect shown this week continues beyond an awareness campaign and is incorporated into our daily service provision.”

Durham County Council is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and holds Gold Level status under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The council supports the Armed Forces community through a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible veterans, an internal Armed Forces Network and outreach workers who provide advice on housing, benefits, employment, training, health and welfare.

It also chairs the Armed Forces Forum, which brings together organisations supporting veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families across County Durham.

More information about support for the armed forces, veterans and their families is available at www.durham.gov.uk/armedforces.

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