Still time for forces families to respond to survey

The survey targets people in Harborough, Rutland and South Kesteven with a connection to the British Armed Forces and is the first of its kind to take place across the three local authority areas.

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 runs until 31 March 2019. Almost 500 people have taken part already.

The survey has been developed by Harborough District Council, Rutland County Council, South Kesteven District Council and Healthwatch Rutland.

It is hoped that the information gathered will help to improve local services for individuals and families who are connected to the Forces – as well as remove barriers and highlight any issues including housing, employment, isolation, loneliness and mental health needs.

Councillor Michael Rook, Armed Forces Champion for Harborough District Council, said: “We’ve had a really positive response to the survey, so far; however, if you are in any way connected to the armed forces, and haven’t yet taken part in the survey, please do so. The more we know, the more we can do to make sure Forces personnel, veterans and families are able to prosper as part of our community.”

You can take part in the Harborough, Rutland and South Kesteven Armed Forces Survey before Sunday 31 March 2019 by visiting: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/youservedwecare

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

Healthwatch Rutland

c/o Rutland Community Hub

Lands’ End Way

Oakham, LE15 6RB

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.

 

Notes to editor:

About the Armed Forces Survey

The Rutland, Harborough and South Kesteven Armed Forces Survey runs until Sunday 31 March 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.