Armed Forces Community Covenant signed in Hyndburn

Hyndburn support for the armed services community was reinforced by the signing of an official Covenant today, when representatives from Hyndburn civilian and Armed Forces communities came together to sign the Hyndburn Community Covenant, a voluntary statement of mutual support between the civilian and Armed Forces community in Hyndburn.

Lead by Hyndburn Council, the Hyndburn Community Covenant complements the national Armed Forces Covenant, which recognises the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and their families, along with the unique challenges they face, both whilst in service and when they return to civilian life.

The signing of the local Community Covenant gives the Hyndburn community the chance to show their respect and support for the Armed Forces community. It will also help raise awareness of the challenges faced by members of the Armed Forces and their families as they return to civilian life and will encourage public, private, community and voluntary organisations to help make the transition smooth.

Hyndburn Council Leader, Councillor Miles Parkinson, said: “The people of Hyndburn are proud of their strong association with the Armed Forces and value the sacrifices made by current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families, both locally and nationally. Signing the covenant enables the Council to publicly demonstrate the value the Borough feels towards the Armed Forces Community and to recognise the sacrifices they make on our behalf.”

Councillor Doug Hayes, Hyndburn Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It is often difficult for those who don’t have close links to past and present members of the Armed Forces to fully understand the challenges they and their families face. These challenges not only arise due to their time in service but can also arise when they move back in to civilian life. I’m honoured and proud to have been involved in the development and signing of the Hyndburn Community Covenant as it not only recognises the valuable contribution made by the Armed Forces Community, it will also help to ensure that members of the Armed Forces Community are not disadvantaged by their service when they return to civilian life.”

Along with Councillor Miles Parkinson and Councillor Doug Hayes the Hyndburn Community Covenant was signed by Brigadier Nick Fitzgerald MBE, on behalf of the Armed Forces and a range of local partners including Hyndburn Homes, Hyndburn Leisure Trust, Hyndburn and Rabble Valley Community and Voluntary Services, Accrington and Rossendale College, Job Centre+, Royal British Legion, Salute, Veterans in Communities, East Lancs Chamber of Commerce, East Lancs Clinical Commissioning Group and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.