Northampton Borough Council set to renew armed forces community covenant

The covenant, which was originally introduced in 2013, is a voluntary agreement between the civilian community and the local armed forces that aims to encourage mutual support and promote understanding and awareness.

Since the covenant was first signed three years ago steps taken in the community include briefings for local GPs to help improve referrals to mental health services and the creation of a memorial garden in St Katherine’s park which is now maintained by the Royal British Legion.

A short ceremony for Armistice Day which will observe a two minutes’ silence at 11am will be held on Friday November 11, in the memorial garden at All Saints.

Remembrance Day will be marked this Sunday with a civic service at All Saints.

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “I am proud that Northampton Borough Council continues to support the Community Covenant. Whether in active service today or if they fought decades ago, our service men and women at home and overseas deserve recognition.

“The Community Covenant is in part about acknowledging and honouring the massive contribution they make, but critically it is also about making sure that the right support is in place to help individuals and their families deal with issues as they arise. Working collaboratively with local agencies and the armed forces we are better able to meet the needs of our military community.”

The Borough Council will review the progress made over the last 12 months and is expected to renew the commitment of the covenant for another year at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday November 16.