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Veterans and veterans' support

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Lewes and Eastbourne Councils has received a bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in recognition of its commitment and support for defence personnel.

The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Homes First Allocations Policy (June 2018): Local Connection Criteria

Armed Forces Personnel do not need to meet the Local Connection criteria set out at above to qualify if they are an Applicant who:

  • a member of the Armed Forces and former Service personnel, where the application is made within five years of discharge or
  • a bereaved spouse or civil partner of members of the Armed Forces leaving Services Family Accommodation following the death of their spouse or partner or
  • a serving or former member of the Reserve Forces who need to move because of a serious injury, medical condition or disability sustained as a result of their service.

For this purpose, “the regular forces” and “the reserve forces” have meanings given in section 374 of the Armed Forces Act 2006(b).

Homes First Allocations Policy (June 2018): Additional priority for armed forces personnel

Bids from Armed Forces Personnel in Band A or B will be given priority over bids from other applicants in their Band when they bid on a suitable home if they are an Applicant who formerly served in the regular forces as defined in section 374 of the Armed Forces Act 2006(b).

Armed Forces Covenant

A pledge that together we acknowledge and understand 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.

Armed forces covenant webpage

Armed Forces Covenant: Priority healthcare

The Armed Forces Covenant states that no one who has served in the Armed Forces should face disadvantage and, in specific circumstances, can expect special consideration.

Veterans' Gateway website

SSAFA

The Armed Forces charity, offers free support and advice for current and former members of the armed forces.

The Armed Forces charity website

Veterans’ Gateway

Offers information, advice and support for veterans and their families.

Phone: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Veterans' Gateway website

Veterans’ Gateway: Housing

Veterans’ Gateway also has a webpage devoted to housing

Royal British Legion

Provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

Phone: 0808 802 8080

The Royal British Legion webpage

Help for Heroes

Supports wounded veterans and their families to recover and get on with their lives.

Help for Heroes website

NHS: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists

Find mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.

NHS support for the Armed Forces community

Citizens Advice: Benefits and concessions for the Armed Forces, veterans and their families

There are many different kinds of financial help available for people in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

Citizens Advice for the Armed Force community and veterans

Haig Housing Trust

Provides housing assistance for ex-service personnel. They offer housing at affordable rents throughout the UK.

Haig Housing website

Veterans Railcard

Gives 1/3 off most rail fares including Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares to UK Veterans across England, Wales and Scotland.

Veterans Railcard website

Veterans Oyster photocard

If you served in the armed forces, you could get free and discounted travel on our transport services with a Veterans Oyster photocard, if you receive ongoing payments under the War Pensions Scheme in your name.

Transport For London Veterans Oyster card

War Pension Scheme (WPS)

A compensation scheme for veterans for any injury or illness which has been caused by or made worse by their service in Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

WPS webpage

Defence Discount Service

Provides discounts both online and on the high street for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community.

Defence Discount Service website

The Blue Van: Armed Forces Veterans’ Drop In

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month. 10am - 12pm. Langney Shopping Centre.

Blue Van Drop in website

Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs: Eastbourne

Turn up on the specified day/morning and you will be made welcome.

Eastbourne armed forces breakfast club