Factsheet - Introduction to the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme

Factsheet (Recognition, understanding and communication) RUC 2: Introduction to the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme

A MoD (Ministry of Defence) funded programme to support current and former military personnel and their families in Dorset. The Programme has received £234,786 grant over 2 years to support its work.

The successful bid, made by Dorset County Council, Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole, working with Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group and Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, will enhance work to make sure members of the Armed Forces Community are treated fairly and equitably across the county.

Projects will focus on areas such as employment, training, schools, health and wellbeing and housing. All activity will strengthen the commitment between local public sector organisations and the Ministry of Defence.

As well as ensuring Dorset is meeting the statutory obligations laid out in the Covenant, the programme will work with existing organisations currently working with Dorset’s military bases, military families and veterans. 

The programme will create 13 Veterans and Armed Forces Family Community Hubs across Dorset, based primarily within local libraries.

The programme has six identified outcomes:

• covenant stakeholders will work more closely together to improve co-designed interventions and outcomes 
• the health and wellbeing of the Armed Forces Community will be improved 
• the demographics of the Armed Forces Community and the availability of third sector support available will be better understood and promoted
• the Armed Forces Community will be better informed with improved access to information, services and support
• the Armed Forces Community within the criminal justice system will be provided with the necessary support to enable them to reintegrate into civilian life
• the Armed Forces Community (particularly service leavers) will be better equipped to integrate into communities, enjoy cultural and leisure activities, and secure employment where appropriate

The programme is managed by a programme management board and a programme coordinator. The board is made up of representatives from the five main partners and senior officers from the Armed Forces bases in Dorset. Programme contact details below