AF Covenant – Veteran Specific Information
A number of regional measures are in place to provide support for Armed Forces personnel – including Reservists, Veterans and their families in order to ensure that this group does not suffer disadvantage as a result of their Service.
HEALTH
Priority Treatment Policy – WHC 41 2017
All Armed Forces veterans are entitled to receive priority access to NHS care (including hospital, primary or community care) for any conditions (mental and physical) which are likely related to, or resulting from their military service (service related). This priority is over patients with a similar level of clinical need and ONLY for service related conditions. Veterans will not be prioritised over those with a greater clinical need.
Veterans NHS Wales
This is an NHS service for veterans with service-related mental health conditions; the Veterans’ NHS Wales leaflet for Hywel Dda is available here
West Wales Action for Mental Health (WWAMH)
WWAMH is a voluntary organisation, a charity, and a company limited by guarantee which supports voluntary organisations with an interest in mental health. WWAMH has an excellent overview of 3rd sector provision in this area across the region.
HOUSING
If a Veteran and their family has nowhere to go tonight and needs urgent housing advice then please contact: Carmarthenshire Ceredigion Pembrokeshire
AF Covenant Info Sheet – May 19
Author: AF Covenant Regional Liaison Officer – Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire JCWatt@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
EMPLOYMENT
The employment rate for Veterans, at 81%, is higher than the national average of 75.5%. Tobias Ellwood, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said, “Those who have served in our Armed Forces leave with a fantastic range of transferable skills, including leadership, teamwork and resourcefulness. Organisations can benefit significantly from their experience.” Some Veterans do however need some help transitioning into employment. The Welsh Government has recognised this and, in conjunction with stakeholders, designed an Employment Pathway together with a toolkit for Employers for practical use.
DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS (DWP)
The DWP is very forward leaning in their support for Veterans and Armed Forces families. Each Job Centre has an Armed Forces Champion and SW Wales District has been highlighted across the UK for their Good Practice in working with Armed Forces personnel. Veterans should therefore be encouraged to let DWP staff know that they are either a Service Leaver or from an Armed Forces family.
SUPPORT
Need help finding out what support is available in our area? The Veterans Gateway has links to organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support you need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.
Hubs
The Armed Forces Covenant provides funding to the following Regional Hubs to provide signposting, support and fellowship for Armed Forces Veterans and their families:
Carmarthenshire: Hwb Ammanford Hwb Carmarthen Hwb Llanelli
Ceredigion: Penparcau Community Forum
Pembrokeshire: VC Gallery
Help for Heroes
Band of Brothers and Sisters Fellowship Hub, One-to-One Advice and Sports Recovery sessions – are all available in Carmarthen
The first point of contact for veterans seeking support.
