A project which supports the Armed Forces community in Rushcliffe, Charnwood and Melton has been shortlisted as one of only three finalists in the Forces in Mind Trust, Working Together category of the national Soldiering On Awards.
The partnership between Rushcliffe, Charnwood and Melton Borough Councils encourages understanding and awareness of the issues affecting veterans and their families within the local community.
In a ceremony at the House of Lords on Thursday February 20, it was announced that the project now faces competition from only two other organisations in the Working Together category.
The awards, which celebrate the achievements of the military community by honouring individuals, veterans, their families and organisations that support the Armed Forces community, are set to take place on April 24.
Cllr Debbie Mason, Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion for Rushcliffe Borough Council said: “We are thrilled to now be amongst the final three competing for this prestigious award, alongside Melton and Charnwood Borough Councils.
“As we all look forward to the Soldiering On Awards, we remain motivated to support those with a military background in whatever ways we can and continue to explore further ways we can assist hard-to-reach veterans and families with the support they may require.”
Cllr Hilary Fryer, Armed Forces Champion at Charnwood Borough Council said: “We are proud to find out our project with Rushcliffe and Melton has been selected as one of the finalists in the Working Together category.
“Our partnership was formed in 2017 and we will continue to do everything we can to support the Armed Forces community across both counties.”
Rushcliffe and Charnwood Borough Councils also recently received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.
Charnwood Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and the partnership between the three councils was formed in 2017.
The Covenant recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.
The Council also employs an Armed Forces community covenant development officer, in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe to help develop and support the Armed Forces community and ensure that military personal do not face any disadvantage as a result of their service.