Armed Forces Covenant case studies

In 2012, North Tyneside Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant and made the pledge to support those who have served in the armed forces and their families.

John, a disabled Royal Marines Veteran who was left wheelchair-bound after being struck by a vehicle abroad, was supported by North Tyneside Council’s Armed Forces Officer Nick Jobson through his transition from a care home into independent living. The veteran, who has limited use of his right arm and a brain injury, required extensive property adaptations before he could safely move into a council bungalow.

Working closely with one of the council’s Adaptations Project Officers, the home was fitted with electric doors, internal sliding doors, level flooring, ramps, and fully accessible kitchen and bathroom facilities.

North Tyneside Council and local charity Walking With the Wounded supported John through a successful funding application to SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity for flooring and blinds. The back garden wasn’t accessible at first due to several raised paths and overgrowth, but a team of young people from the council’s Working Roots scheme helped trim it back and make the outdoor space accessible.

To ensure John had everything he needed in his home, the Armed Forces Officer personally installed shelving in the kitchen. They kept in touch even when the work was completed and this continued personal interaction clearly had a huge impact on the veteran’s morale and wellbeing.

Speaking on his experience, John said: “Having a home isn’t just about four walls it’s about stability, security, and a future. These organisations made that possible for me. 

“Their support has given me not just a house but a foundation to rebuild my life after service. 

“This journey reminded me that no matter how challenging life gets, there are people ready to help you take the next step.”

This was a fantastic community effort involving organisations and teams from across North Tyneside, and we’re all immensely proud to have played a part in helping John.

Further information on the support that North Tyneside Council offers for members of the armed forces and veterans is available on the Council’s website.

Story from: North Tyneside Council

believe housing first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in January 2020, formalising its commitment to support armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families.

By August of the same year, it had already achieved the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme bronze award, quickly followed by the silver.

In the summer of 2024, it proudly received the gold award in recognition of its unwavering support and advocacy for the military community.

Nik Welsh, Executive Director of Communities and Customer Services, said: "With 600-plus employees and more than 18,000 homes, our commitment to the forces community applies to both colleagues and customers.

“We have worked hard to create an environment that supports armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families, and we encourage our partners and contractors to do the same."

As an employer, believe housing proactively recruits from the forces community and continuously improves its colleague offer. Initiatives include making it easier for employees to take paid leave and volunteer days for military service. This inclusive approach ensures that veterans and reservists can seamlessly integrate into the workforce, bringing their talent, skills, and experience to the organisation.

believe housing's support extends beyond its employees to the wider community. The organisation collaborates with the Armed Forces Outreach Service, which it part-funds, to provide comprehensive support to customers and potential tenants from the Forces community. This support ranges from help to apply for housing and furnish homes to employability and benefits advice.

It has also supported the military community by awarding grants to a variety of groups, from local cadets to buy laptops and help young people complete Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to a veterans’ charity so it could host art activities for mental wellbeing.

To find out more about how believe housing supports the military community, visit: support for military personnel | believe housing.

Story from: Believe Housing

Gateshead Council is proud to announce its renewed commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant as part of a region-wide effort led by the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP).

Gateshead Council has formally pledged its support to the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. This pledge, made as part of a collective effort by the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP), coincides with Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June, and reflects a region-wide commitment to treat the Armed Forces community with fairness, respect, and dignity.

The NEHP, made up of 17 housing associations and local authorities across the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority area, manages over 200,000 properties in the region. Together, the partners have pledged to invest, plan, and work collaboratively to support communities and promote wellbeing across the North East. This includes a shared promise to recognise the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and committing to ensure they face no disadvantage in accessing public and commercial services. Special consideration will also be given to those who have sustained injuries or experienced bereavement through military service.

Gateshead Council is a recognised leader in Armed Forces support, playing a central role in the nationally acclaimed Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS). This regional partnership with Durham County Council, Newcastle City Council and Believe Housing provides tailored support with housing, employment, benefits advice, and more.
 
As further evidence of its commitment, the Council has recently secured £346,600 in funding from the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund to refurbish Bibby House, a supported housing scheme for ex-service personnel. The five-bed facility in Gateshead, delivered by Changing Lives, will undergo significant improvements to ensure it continues to meet the complex needs of veterans for years to come. These include:

• A fully accessible independent living flat with laundry and bathing facilities
• Enhanced outdoor space with meeting areas, storage, and raised planting beds
• En-suite upgrades to upstairs bedrooms
• Refurbished staff and visitor facilities
• A new multi-functional space to support veteran wellbeing and engagement

Councillor Stuart Green, Armed Forces Champion for Gateshead Council, said:

“We have a proud and lasting connection with our Armed Forces here in Gateshead. This covenant isn’t just symbolic—it’s a meaningful commitment to make sure our service personnel and veterans feel recognised and supported. With the support of the NEHP, we’re reinforcing that promise not just locally, but across the region. From our work leading AFOS to the transformative investment in Bibby House, we are building a future where every veteran feels valued, respected, and at home.”
 
If you’re a veteran or serving member of the Armed Forces and are seeking support, please visit the Armed Forces Outreach Service website

Story from: Gateshead Council

Veterans and their families are receiving vital, dedicated support as they transition back into civilian life—thanks to a range of measures being delivered by Newcastle City Council.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by former members of the Armed Forces, the Council has introduced a new Band B+ housing priority. This specialist banding helps veterans move from supported accommodation into long-term housing, offering them much-needed security and stability.

But it’s not just about housing. Veterans in Newcastle have a dedicated ally in Steve Roden, the Council’s Armed Forces Outreach Service Worker. Having served in the Army for 36 years, Steve brings lived experience to the role, offering personalised support that truly understands the needs of those who have served.

From securing first tenancies and navigating private rentals to accessing supported accommodation, Steve provides a crucial lifeline. He also connects veterans and their families with financial advice, mental health support, and specialist employment, education, and training opportunities.

“There’s a lot to adjust to when leaving the Forces,” Steve said. “The military is structured and supportive, but once you leave, that safety net can vanish overnight. Some veterans don’t know where to start—whether it’s getting food, managing bills, or booking appointments. That’s where we step in.”

Steve works closely with local housing teams and interprets the Armed Forces Covenant to ensure that veterans receive fair and timely support. He also liaises with military charities to help veterans access grants for essentials like white goods, carpets, and furnishings.

With the North East a traditional stronghold for Army recruitment, Steve supports veterans from across all branches of the Armed Forces. He also visits military bases, such as Catterick Garrison, to speak with serving personnel about what to expect from life in “civvy street” and how Newcastle can help.

“We aim to drive down homelessness within the veteran community,” Steve said. “It’s about breaking down barriers - whether that’s applying for housing, finding work, or simply knowing where to turn.”

If you or your partner is currently serving, or has served in the Armed Forces, it's important to highlight this when applying for social housing in Newcastle, to ensure you can access the full range of support available.

For tailored advice and support, contact Steve Roden by email steve.roden@newcastle.gov.uk or call 07928 129183.

Story by: Newcastle City Council