The Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is an enduring covenant between the People of the United Kingdom Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their Families.
The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.
Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.
This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.
Principles of the Armed Forces Covenant
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust signed the Armed Forces covenant on 25 May 2021. The trust will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Local Support for the Armed Forces
Milton Keynes Council
Milton Keynes Hospital works closely with Milton Keynes Council to support the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant promising that those who serve or have served, and their families will be treated fairly in all aspects of life. Milton Keynes Council has received Gold in the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Recognition Scheme.
For MK Council Armed Forces Support, contact: 01908 691691
Veterans Gateway
Information, advice and support for veterans and their families available 24/7.
The Veterans Gateway acts as a first point of contact for veterans seeking support putting veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.
Web: https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/
Tel: 0808 802 1212
Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone, including veterans and their families.
Although it’s completely normal to experience anxiety or depression after traumatic events, this can be tough to deal with. Symptoms or problems coping can happen at any time, including a few years after leaving the armed forces.
Contacts for Midlands and East of England
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0300 323 0137
Last Modified: 1:31pm 21/04/2023