Trafford Armed Forces Covenant

Our Armed Forces Covenant recognises “the value serving personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families contribute to our country”.

The key principles of the covenant are that:

  • no member of the armed forces community should face disadvantage when accessing local services; and
  • in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured and bereaved.

The purpose of the Trafford Armed Forces Covenant is to encourage support for the Armed Forces community working and residing in Trafford. It is also there to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by members of this Armed Forces Community, particularly those who have given the most. This includes in-Service and ex-Service personnel their families and the bereaved in Trafford.

Armed Forces Covenant Duty

The Covenant Duty is a statutory duty on specific bodies in the areas of healthcare, housing and education to pay due regard to the principle of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The bodies subject to the duty are expected to consciously consider the Covenant when developing, delivering and reviewing policies and decisions which may impact the Armed Forces Community and help improve their access to public services. More information about the Armed Forces Covenant Duty on GOV.UK.

For any Armed Forces enquiries or for more information contact our Armed Forces Officer Sue Wright either by ringing 07980 965 635 during office hours, or email: sue.wright@trafford.gov.uk.

We are a proud holder of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.

Partnership Working

Trafford has established a joint Steering Group called the Trafford Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, involving both civilian and military partners, in order to co-ordinate and direct support to the Armed Forces Community across Trafford (and Greater Manchester). The membership includes local voluntary organisations, national charities, and organisations providing services to the Armed Forces Community. Working together with one aim, to improve the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

The Partnership will work towards developing support which includes:

  • Statutory Duty for housing, health, and education.
  • Working closely with the Health Service and other organisations and providing future support to wounded, injured and sick personnel.
  • Supporting council employed reservists and cadet leaders by offering an additional 10 days paid leave.
  • Providing bespoke advice and support from dedicated council officers. 
  • Assisting with employment advice for those seeking employment in Trafford

We will oversee the long-term planning and decision making in the support services provided by the Council to the Armed Forces. It will also identify resource and deliver short term joint council/military projects in the local community and support initiatives such as the Armed Forces Week.

The Covenant will also support applicants with the process of applying to the Covenant Grant Scheme, when funding is available for specific projects. The Grant scheme delivers financial support to projects, at the local level, which strengthen the ties or the mutual understanding between members of the Armed Forces Community and the wider community in which they live.

The Partnership is open to any national Armed Forces Charity, any member of the Greater Manchester Armed Forces Group and any Trafford based Armed Forces organisations or groups who work with Armed Forces Community. We meet to share best practice and fully support coproduction of services. The Partnership aims to be inclusive and offer support to the Armed Forces Community and those organisations working with them.

The partnership meetings continue virtually, if you would like to be invited contact sue.wright@trafford.gov.uk Armed Forces Lead.

Covenant Gold Award

In November 2019 we were proud and delighted to be awarded Gold for our Armed Forces Covenant. The award is formal recognition of the work we undertake to demonstrate support for the Armed Forces Community both in Trafford and across Greater Manchester.

A regional selection board chaired by senior military officers consider each nomination for an award against the criteria; we were formally notified we had been successful on our first attempt at gold in September 2019. Collecting the award at an event in London in November 2019. Our Gold award is due for renewal in 2024. 

Employment Support in Trafford

In 2020 we developed a ‘guaranteed interview scheme’, meaning any veteran or current service member is guaranteed an interview for a Trafford Council local authority vacancy if they meet the minimum advertised criteria for that role. We can further help by providing access to our jobs bulletin, in some cases offer work experience, and by signposting to other employment providers.

All of our jobs are advertised on greater jobs.

Support organisations

If you are at risk and require immediate help ring 999 or speak to the Samaritans on 116 123.

We are proud to work alongside national and local organisations offering support to the Armed Forces community.

National support

The Veterans Gateway

Nationally The Veterans gateway is the first point of contact for veterans seeking support.

The Veterans Gateway put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the support, information and advice they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, living independently, mental wellbeing, physical health, finances, personal relationships and more.

Royal British Legion

Support for serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week.

Their support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

SSAFA - the Armed Forces charity

SSAFA - the Armed Forces charity, supports veterans through financial assistance for a variety of needs. They offer support for homeless veterans or those at risk of becoming homeless. To see what assistance they can provide, contact SSAFA via:

Career Transition Partnership

The Career Transition Partnerships (CTP) is a partnering agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Right Management Ltd, who are global career development and outplacement specialists and part of the ManpowerGroup.

The CTP provides resettlement services for those leaving the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Marines. Regardless of time served, all members of the Armed Forces can benefit from CTP support when leaving Service.

Walking With The Wounded

Established in 2010, Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) supports a pathway for vulnerable veterans to re-integrate back into society and sustain their independence. The organisation has a local centre in Manchester.

Local support

Trafford Council

If you require support or information in the Trafford area, contact the Armed Forces Lead Sue Wright via email armed.forces@trafford.gov.uk or by ringing 07980 965 635 during office hours.

Trafford Veterans

Trafford Veterans is a local Community Interest Company (CIC) who operate a number of successful peer support activities throughout Trafford for veterans and the blue light services. Activities include an allotment in Sale, a weekly craft and model making group and a monthly breakfast. They aim to reduce social isolation for veterans and can provide a referral pathway to other services.

Shark Forces

Supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund Shark Forces is a dedicated arm of Sale Sharks Rugby Club. Offering support and social activities across Greater Manchester for the Armed Forces Community. Sessions include coffee mornings, welfare walks, art therapy workshops, physical activity sessions and online webinars to help with life after serving.

The Spearhead Foundation

Supported in part by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, operating across Greater Manchester. The Spearhead Foundation provide support to the Armed Forces Community. Their work is dedicated to delivering a wide range of inclusive activities whilst providing support to veterans to live a motivated and independent life where the individual is constantly improving their health and wellbeing. Available activities include - weekly social events, walking club, endurance challenges, BBQ’s, coffee mornings, employment support and volunteering opportunities.

Ground Work 

Employment skills for the armed Forces Community across Greater Manchester. Operation Re-org, our ex-military skills for employment programme helps veterans who have struggled to find permanent employment because of difficult personal circumstances such as physical injuries, mental health problems, substance misuse issues, homelessness or having a criminal record. Working with veterans who may benefit from help by providing work opportunities.

Visit the Ground Work website