Nottinghamshire County Council is launching a new online, one-stop-shop of support for local armed forces personnel, reserves, veterans, cadets and people who interact with them.

The website, www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/supporting-armed-forces highlights some of the ways in which the County Council is supporting current and former services personnel and their families through the Nottinghamshire Community Covenant.

It also acts as a portal for the many organisations, charities and public services available in the county, including support with:

•Combat stress and mental health issues
•Welfare benefits
•Finances and debt
•Housing and property adaptations
•Training and careers
Councillor Ian Campbell, Armed Forces Champion at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We hope the new website can provide a valuable resource for current and former members of the armed forces and their families in Nottinghamshire, an important part of the County Council’s commitment under the Community Covenant. It’s also an important guide to what’s available for people who interact with current or former forces personnel, whether that be care workers, councillors, friends or family.

“There are some great support organisations, charities and public services, both regionally and nationally, but it’s not always easy to know where to go and how to access their help.

“The new website puts everything in one place and the huge range of support available should act as reassurance that whatever help you need, whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to do it alone.”

The website is being launched on Thursday 8 September, which is Reserves Day, a national event for employers to show their support for employees who combine their ‘day job’ with duties as an Armed Forces Reservist.

The Reserves have always played an essential role in our Armed Forces, making a vital contribution to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas.

Nottinghamshire Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Campbell is an RAF Reservist, which he combines with his roles as a County and Bassetlaw District Councillor.

He said: “When I was younger I joined up as a regular but had to come out because of injury. My original intention was to go back in but I enjoyed my job so much, I decided to go back in part-time as a Reservist, which gives me the best of both worlds.

“The rewarding aspect of being a local councillor is knowing that I’m helping my local community and similarly, as a Reservist, it’s about knowing that I’m helping our country. It’s great that I can combine both roles that I enjoy.”

To watch Coun Campbell discuss how he combines his roles as a politician and a reservist, view the video https://youtu.be/XEGjXqMmuNg

For more information about the reserve forces in the East Midlands, visit the website eastmidlandsrfca.co.uk