The Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant recognises the impact service life can have on serving military personnel, veterans, reservists and their family members.

As a result, the Armed Forces Covenant was first published in 2011 to ensure that the Armed Forces Community are not disadvantaged in comparison to other British citizens, such as accessing public or commercial services, while also being treated with fairness and respect. Where appropriate, special provision is sometimes given to the injured or bereaved, as a mark of respect.

How Do You Access The Benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant helps the whole Armed Forces community including serving military personnel, veterans, reservists, their family members and cadet instructors. 

Different organisations which help fulfil the Covenant’s aims include the UK Government, devolved administrations, local government, businesses, the NHS, schools and charities (including ourselves at Blesma - The Limbless Veterans charity).

Alongside the Armed Forces Covenant’s aims, there are a number of beneficial support services on offer to the Armed Forces community – from childcare support, to financial advice and medical treatment. 

Armed Forces Covenant Benefits and Additional Support

Here are some examples of what the Armed Forces community can access. For the full list of benefits please see Gov.uk Armed Forces Covenant Guidance and Support.

• Childcare - Eligible service personnel can register for up to 20 hours per week of childcare funding, per child, for 4 to 11-year-olds during term time. 
• Education - £2 million has been awarded to 54 projects across the UK, specifically helping service pupils and their families in an effort to support them with their wellbeing and academic studies.  
• Employment - Financial support is available for both employers and reservists when they’re called up. There are also CTP (Career Transition Partnership) services available to those who have left the military and served between four and six years’ service, which come in the form of job finding support. In addition, the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers in Great Britain to support serving military personnel, reservists, veterans, their family members and cadet instructors. As a result, the Armed Forces Covenant scheme features Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employers who sign the Covenant and pledge to support the armed forces community. You can find an up to date list of employers and businesses across the UK who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant here.
• Finance - The Ministry of Defence (MOD) understands how it can be difficult for the military community to access financial services due to time spent outside the UK on service. As a result, a number of financial tips are available, which can help the Armed Forces access advice about mortgages, loans, credit ratings and more. 
• Housing and Accommodation - Eligible service personnel have access to the Forces Help to Buy Scheme, which allows service personnel to borrow specific amounts towards the purchase of a property. 
• Pension and Compensation - The Armed Forces are automatically enrolled into the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. War widows can also make a claim on funeral expenses. 
• Welfare and Support - There are a wide variety of health programmes and services available to the Armed Forces community. For example, veterans can access specialist mental health support through Veterans First Point. 

Remember, this is just a small sample of the support which is available to the Armed Forces community.

 

 

Blesma Supported by Armed Forces Covenant Trust

As part of the Covenant, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust awards grants to organisations that support the Armed Forces community.

In recent years, Blesma has received financial support from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust fund to further help our Members impacted by limb loss. Historic programmes have included funding sporting, creative and therapeutic activities to help with mental health and wellbeing. 

Find out more

Become A Blesma Member

If you’re a veteran and have suffered a life changing injury, either during or after your service in the Armed Forces, you may be eligible for Blesma Membership. Our Membership programme is also beneficial to widows and family members of limbless veterans.

There are many benefits to becoming a Blesma Member – including financial assistance, social activities, advice on prosthetics, opportunities to meet other veterans and access to grants – which can help with the additional costs of living with a disability.

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