York celebrates Armed Forces Week

City of York Council is joining partners across the city to celebrate Armed Forces Week this week (19-24 June).

The annual event culminates with National Armed Forces Day, on Saturday 24 June, giving individuals and organisations the opportunity to celebrate the work of our Armed Forces, veterans and reservists, and the sacrifices they and their families make for the country.

Many organisations across York will be showing their support for Armed Forces personnel, offering discounts throughout Armed Forces Week, as well as on York’s Armed Forces Family Celebration Week, 17-22 July.

The national Armed Forces Day flag will also be flown above York Mansion House throughout the week as part of the city’s celebrations.

City of York Council is committed to supporting York’s armed forces community, which is set out through the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant is a promise to ensure the fair treatment of those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their family members. It focuses on helping members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.

Regular events include a weekly Armed Forces drop in at the Spurriergate Centre (YO1 9QR), providing social and welfare support for members of the armed forces community in York.

The council also publishes an Armed Forces Community Information and Directory of Support, which provides serving armed forces personnel, their families, reservists and veterans, with the details of help and support available from a wide range of organisations locally and nationally.

Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: “Armed Forces Week gives us all an opportunity to thank Armed Forces personnel and their families for the work they do and the sacrifices they make on our behalf.

“Through our ongoing commitment to York’s Armed Forces Covenant, we are able to honour the city’s longstanding connections with the Armed Forces community. A key element of this work is offering advice and support on health and housing issues, as well as employment and education opportunities, providing support to serving members of the forces, veterans and armed forces families.”

 Further information about Armed Forces Week offers, regular events and a copy of the directory is available online at www.livewellyork.co.uk/information-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/armed-forces-community/

For further information on the Armed Forces Covenant is available at www.york.gov.uk/armedforcescovenant