You served, we care: survey launched to help armed forces

Regular armed forces personnel, reservists, veterans of all ages and extended members of forces families are all being encouraged to take part in the survey, which launched today (Monday 14 January 2019) and runs for three months.

The survey has been developed by Harborough District Council, Rutland County Council, South Kesteven District Council and Healthwatch Rutland as part of their shared commitment to support the UK’s national Armed Forces Covenant.

It is the first of its kind ever to take place across the three local authority areas.

The survey aims to gather information that can be used to help improve local services for individuals and families who are connected to the Forces and asks questions about type and length of service, physical health, mental health, employment and education.

Councillor Michael Rook, Harborough District Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Harborough District Council is delighted to be participating in the Armed Forces Survey which seeks to identify the help and support we can all give to those who have served in all branches of our armed services. Men and women who put their lives in danger for our safety must know that, not only are they hugely appreciated, they and their families will be looked after by our communities, especially in relation to their health and not just assistance with adjusting to every day living after they leave the service.”

The Armed Forces Survey runs until 31 March 2019 and people can take part online by visiting: www.harborough.gov.uk/armedforces 

Paper copies of the survey are also available to collect from public libraries and council offices across Harborough district, Rutland and South Kesteven and can be returned to:

Healthwatch Rutland

c/o Rutland Community Hub

Lands’ End Way

Oakham, LE15 6RB

As well as gathering information, it is hoped that the survey will help to identify and engage with individuals and raise awareness of local support services that are available to them.

Following on from the survey, a detailed report will be produced examining the areas where more can be done to help current and past members of the Armed Forces and their families.

For more information and to take part visit www.harborough.gov.uk/armedforces, email armedforces@harborough.gov.uk or call 01858 828282.

 

Notes to Editor

About the Armed Forces Survey

The Rutland, Harborough and South Kesteven Armed Forces Survey runs until April 2019 and is open to:

• Anyone currently serving in the British Armed Forces (including reservists)
• Anyone who has served at least one day in the British Armed Forces (even if they did not go in to combat)
• Family members (partners and children under 18) of a serving member of the armed forces – even if they are unmarried and are counted as unaccompanied
• Family members of someone who has served at least one day in the British Armed forces, but is no longer in service
• Bereaved members (including parents) of family where the deceased served at least one day in the British Armed Forces

About Healthwatch Rutland

Healthwatch Rutland is the independent champion for health and social care in the county, working to help people get the best out of their local health and social care services, whether it's improving them today or helping to shape them for tomorrow.

We exist to ensure that people are at the heart of care. We listen to what people like about services, and what could be improved and we share their views with those with the power to make change happen. We also help people find the information they need about local services.