The Army has been in Liverpool since November supporting the city during its time at the UK’s first community-testing pilot.
LIVERPOOL’s Armed Forces Forum will be holding its third meeting next week.
The forum had its inaugural meeting in January and is a platform for organisations offering services to people who have left the Armed Forces and their families as well as those who are still serving.
Next week’s meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 December, from 9.30am-11am and will take place online, via Zoom.
The theme of this session is “Supporting veterans to lead a law-abiding life”.
Organisations that have not attended previous forum meetings are invited to attend – as well as those who have been to either of the previous two meetings – and booking must be made in advance via Eventbrite.
Please note, the session is not open to members of the public.
Speakers at December’s event are:
- Andrew Holsgrove – Armed Forces champion, Merseyside Police
- Steve Lowe – North of England manager, Project Nova
- Bob Blanchard, chairperson and senior case worker, and Andy Cooke, custody co-ordinator and co-chairperson – Veterans HQ , speaking about their New Beginnings Programme
- Declan Sammin – Prevent engagement officer, Liverpool City Council, will present about the Prevent agenda
The event will be chaired by Colleen Martin, Liverpool City Council’s Armed Forces strategic lead.
Cllr Roy Gladden, Liverpool’s Armed Forces champion, said: “Liverpool has a long and proud relationship with the Armed Forces community and Liverpool City Council has underlined its commitment by continuing to drive its Armed Forces Forum throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This meeting in particular is a great opportunity to hear about some of work that is being achieved in supporting some of our most vulnerable veterans – those who may have come into contact with the criminal justice system.
“I would urge any organisation that was unable to attend the previous two meetings to get involved next week – we really want to hear what you think.”
Steve Lowe, North of England manager, Project Nova: “Whilst most ex-military personnel transition exceptionally well, there are, however, some veterans who for a range of reasons may struggle in later life or whilst transitioning. Some of the more complex and vulnerable of this group could have contact with the criminal justice system and would benefit from access to specialist support.
“The Liverpool Armed Forces Forum event is an excellent opportunity to discuss and further develop cohesive collaboration initiatives across the region. It will ensure that this group is able to address veterans’ vulnerabilities so that they can live a law-abiding and productive life within our communities.”
Liverpool City Council leads a long-established strategic group for Armed Forces Communities however the forum was set up to capture the variety of services and support available to the Armed Forces community in the city.
Liverpool City Council currently holds the Armed Forces Covenant gold award of the Employer Recognition Scheme and also hosts the website Service Leavers Liverpool – www.serviceleaversliverpool.co.uk
