Armed Forces Community Support

The aims of the covenant are to:

encourage local communities to support the armed forces community in their areas
improve public understanding about issues that affect 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
encourage the armed forces community to help and support their wider communities. This could be by taking part in events, projects, or other activities

The Suffolk Military Covenant brings together local government, statutory services (such as health, police and the job centre), and charities with the shared aims of providing fair opportunity and support to service personnel and their families.

The covenant partners also work to bring together military and civilian communities.

Councillor Derek Davis is Babergh's Armed Forces Champion.

If you would like more information about the Covenant, please email the Communities Team.

The Council is a forces-friendly employer. Which means we try to support and understand the experiences of our staff with loved ones serving in the forces, or with a service background. We currently hold the Bronze Level Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

Armed Forces in Suffolk

There are military bases across the county and region. Our closest is Wattisham Flying Station near Hadleigh. It is mainly an Army base for the Apache helicopter, used in operations all over the world. The base also has Royal Air Force and Navy staff. Some of our residents also work in the RAF base at Honington and the Army bases at Rock Barracks, Woodbridge and Colchester Garrison.

Visit the Suffolk County Council page for a full list of Suffolk detachments

Babergh families will have loved ones serving with the armed forces across the UK and abroad. In Babergh approximately 5% of residents, 1 in 20, had previously served in the regular or reserves armed forces at the last Census.

Suffolk County Council

Visit Suffolk County Council's website for local information regarding:

employment support: support for Service Leavers finding employment, starting a business and managing additional needs
health and Mental wellbeing: information on Op Courage & Op Restore and charitable support
welfare support: public sector and charitable support services
community: groups and activities for Service People and their families

Veterans Gateway

Veterans Gateway is the national first point of contact for veterans and their families.

Veterans Gateway offers 24/7 contact for help with housing, mental wellbeing, finances and more.

Phone 0808 802 1212 or text 81212.

Housing

Armed forces, reserve forces personnel and their bereaved spouses or civil partners are given additional preference if their circumstances mean they need social housing.

If you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless, please contact our Housing Solutions team