Council to offer extra support for Armed Forces in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Council is to offer a new support service to MK's military veterans, reservists and their families to help them access the services and benefits they are entitled to.
MK Council's central officesMK Council's central offices
MK Council's central offices

A new post of Armed Forces Support Coordinator is to be created using almost £100,000 of funding from the Ministry of Defence. MK Council developed the idea and led a successful bid for the funding with Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton councils.

The coordinator will seek out veterans and reservists based in MK and Bedfordshire and direct them to specialist services and benefits they and their families are entitled to but may not be aware of – from financial advice and skills development to priority healthcare and personalised treatment plans.

They will also work with the four councils to make sure housing, social care, education, health and other frontline teams better understand the potential physical and mental health issues faced by some veterans and reservists as they adjust to civilian life, and what support is available.

Milton Keynes Council’s leader councillor Pete Marland said: “Supporting those who serve our country, and their families, is hugely important and making sure they can access the services they deserve is key to recognising their service. Veterans, reservists and their families should be able to know where to turn for advice.

“We’re talking about people who have made great sacrifices in the line of duty for our country and who may be struggling with financial hardship or complex physical and mental health issues. We especially don’t want them to end up sleeping on the street. Getting the right support could help a veteran find a new career, keep a family together or prevent someone losing their home.”

Last year, Milton Keynes Council was awarded a Bronze Certificate from the Ministry of Defence in recognition of its support for existing and former members of the Armed Forces.

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