Bright Future For Veterans and Their Families Across North Wales

Veterans and their families across the region are set to benefit from additional support from local authorities following the award of over £230,000 from the Ministry of Defence.

The award will fund the employment of two Armed Forces Liaison Officers (AFLOs) dedicated to strengthening the delivery of the Armed Forces Community Covenants across the region by ensuring the fair and respectful treatment of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The officers’ remit will include reviewing existing policies and procedures in areas including Human Resources, Social Care, Education and Housing.

Officers will also ensure the needs of the Armed Forces Community are considered in new strategic plans and service changes linked to, for example, the Well-being of Future Generations Act, and the Social Services and Well-being Act.

The officers will seek to establish the size and complement of the region’s Armed Forces Community, and to establish clear lines of communication so that information can flow to and from community members more effectively.

There will be a focus on training for front line staff too, allowing them to better understand and support the needs of the Armed Forces Community.

Dr Helen Paterson, Wrexham’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is excellent news and I pass on my thanks to the officers responsible for securing this award.

“Armed forces personnel, veterans and their families can be assured that in North Wales we are committed to ensuring they will not be disadvantaged by the service they have given to their country.”

The award will be administered by Wrexham Council on behalf of the six local authorities in North Wales.