Working together for the Armed Forces
06 Mar 2012 09:40:14
Provosts from East, North and South Ayrshire and representatives from the Ayrshire business, voluntary and health sectors have today (5 March 2012) signed the UK Armed Forces Community Covenant during a formal ceremony at HMS Gannet, Prestwick.
East Ayrshire Provost Stephanie Young, North Ayrshire Provost Pat McPhee and South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan met Lieutenant Colonel Sandy Fitzpatrick to commit their support to the Covenant – which recognises and supports the work of Armed Forces personnel based in Ayrshire and remembers the sacrifices made by them for their country and community.
Other signatories to the Covenant, pledging to work more closely with service personnel and their families, to develop services and enhance existing support, included the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and representatives from local voluntary organisations and Armed Forces charities.
The UK Government has allocated £30 million over the next four years to support the Armed Forces Community Covenant and a grant scheme will consider applications for funding of up to £250,000 for events and activities that improve and enhance the support on offer to service personnel, veterans and their families.
In addition, the scheme aims to positively encourage the fullest possible integration of armed forces members with their local communities.
Ayrshire has one of the highest concentrations of serving and ex-services personnel in the community and the three Councils enjoy very strong relationships with the Armed Forces Community.
Representing the Armed Forces at the signing ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Sandy Fitzpatrick, Commanding Officer of 52nd Lowland, 6th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 SCOTS) said: “The signing of the Armed Forces Community Covenant is a clear indication by Ayrshire of their commitment to increased integration between the community and the Armed Forces.
“It is excellent news for everyone serving in and associated with, the military in Ayrshire.
“The military have always enjoyed a close working relationship with our local community and this is further evidence of its enduring support.”
East Ayrshire Provost Stephanie Young said: “Armed Service life means that someone may be serving away from their home area for several years, but will often wish to return to the place where they were born or brought up.
“Re-establishing themselves in the community may involve challenges for them from the perspectives of family, friendships, employment, housing and social welfare. This requires recognition and support and this is why we have signed the Covenant.”
North Ayrshire Provost Pat McPhee agreed adding: “Signing the Community Covenant is significant and represents a positive step forward in the way we work, individually and with our partners, to strengthen the support for service and ex-service personnel.
“We will continue to work to raise awareness of the issues which affect them and help them in every way possible to play a full role in our local communities.”
South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan commented: “Our communities already have huge respect for the Armed Forces and we see this time and again during Homecoming parades, and Armed Forces celebration events.
“Ayrshire has a long and proud military history and the Community Covenant helps cement this relationship and our commitment to the services. We look forward to working together to explore new opportunities and initiatives to directly support our servicemen and women, their families, veterans and those who may have been injured while serving their country.”
The formal signing ceremony was brought to a close by HMS Gannet’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Debdash Bhattacharya who concluded: “It is a great privilege for HMS Gannet to have been selected as the venue for the signing of this historic Armed Forces Community Covenant.
“We take great pride in playing our part in the Ayrshire community and the covenant will serve to strengthen the bonds we already enjoy with all three Local Authorities, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, businesses, charities and voluntary groups.
“The Armed Forces rely on effective teamwork to achieve military goals and we can now apply that maxim in working together with our local communities for the betterment of present and ex-service personnel, their families, veterans and those whose sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
Ends