Veterans support

Working together in Cheshire East to support the Armed Forces Covenant community

Cheshire has a long history of armed forces being based within the county. Our covenant is a voluntary statement of support between our communities and the armed forces community. The Armed Forces Covenant: Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

The aims of the covenant are to:

• encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces Community in their areas
• nurture public understanding and awareness of issues affecting the Armed Forces Community
• recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community
• encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces Community into local life

Following the successful Armed Forces Silver Award received in 2022, this year we are proud to announce that we have received the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.

Armed Forces Champion

Each local authority has a named officer who supports the Armed Forces Covenant and can direct you into local services. Our contacts in Cheshire East are:

• Anthony Harrison (Councillor)
  07852 516957
  anthony.harrison@cheshireeast.gov.uk
• Richard Stephenson-Evans (Armed Forces lead)
  richard.stephenson-evans@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Armed Forces Community HQ (Warm Space in Cheshire East)

We provide a safe, heated space where members of the Armed Forces community—including spouses and family members—can drop in for support and connection.

What we offer:

• Warm food and refreshments
• Food and hygiene essentials
• Advice and guidance on benefits, financial matters, pensions, and housing
• Skills exchange workshops covering budgeting, DIY, cooking, digital skills, peer mentoring, and volunteering opportunities

Temporary location (until our new building opens next summer):

The Salvation Army, Prince Albert Street, Crewe

Opening times:

• Mondays: 10:30am – 3pm
• Wednesdays: 10:30am – 3pm

How to access:

• Direct referrals can be made through Richard Stephenson-Evans (Armed Forces lead) richard.stephenson-evans@cheshireeast.gov.uk
• Any member of the Armed Forces community can simply turn up

Veterans Groups

Armed Forces Veteran Card

You can prove you served in the UK armed forces with a HM Armed Forces Veteran Card. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.

For information on how to apply for a HM Armed Forces Veterans card.

Veterans Support Hotline - supporting homelessness

We are working with the Central Government to end Veterans homelessness by working with housing providers and local armed forces headquarters.

For more information see the government news page or contact our dedicated Cheshire East Armed Forces lead richard.stephenson-evans@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

If you or a Veteran you know, is at risk of homelessness call the Armed Forces Hotline Number - 0800 952 0774

Other services and organisations offering support to veterans

• Housing Options
• School Admissions
• Family Information Service
• NHS Mental Health Support for Veterans.
• Armed Forces Covenant (GOV.UK)
• Serve and protect