The Royal Navy Association in Warwick has become one of the latest organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant – the national pledge to veterans, serving personnel and their families.
At a ceremony attended by Tim Cox, Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire and Cllr Bob Stevens, President of the Royal British Legion and Chair of the Sub Regional Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership; Commander Phil Sparke, Commanding Officer, HMS Forward, Royal Navy signed the declaration recognising the value that serving personnel, Reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our country.
By signing the Covenant, the Royal Naval Association (RNA) Warwick promises to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant which include:
- Promoting the fact that they are an armed forces-friendly organisation.
- Providing help and support to veterans in applying for benefits, services and accessing charitable funds.
- Providing support for the whole armed forces family in establishing an immediate social network for the family and a voice within the community.
- Actively working with partner organisations as part of the Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire Armed Forces Strategic Partnership.
- Promoting companionship for like-minded veterans though regular meetings and social events, encouraging mental wellbeing
- Offering support to local cadet units.
- Aiming to actively participate in Armed Forces Day.
Commander Phil Sparke, Commanding Officer, HMS Forward, Royal Navy said: “It is an immense privilege to sign this Covenant with the Warwick Royal Naval Association on behalf of the MOD. The Armed Forces Covenant means a great deal both to veterans and Reservists, and is a symbol of the nation’s appreciation for its Armed Forces and their work worldwide. An increasing number of the employers of the ship’s company of HMS FORWARD are coming forward to sign the Covenant, demonstrating their support and commitment for our personnel when mobilised on operational duty, as well as acknowledging the transferable skills their staff receive through their reserve engagement. Everyone stands to gain from this process.”
Cllr Lieutenant Commander Bob Stevens Royal Navy (Retired), Chair of the Coventry Solihull, Warwickshire Armed forces Community Covenant joint committee, and President of Warwick RNA said: “The Armed Forces Covenant was developed to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives. We are delighted to welcome the Royal Navy Association, Warwick and look forward to working with them in the coming year and beyond.”
More information about the Armed Forces Covenant can be found on our website here.