THE Ministry of Defence and Hampshire County Council have joined up to provide more help to Armed Forces personnel and their families.

Together they have formed the Armed Forces Community Welfare Pathway to provide advice on everything from priority healthcare to housing and education. The pathway should also form a link with service and veterans’ charities and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

The Government’s Veterans’ Minister Kevan Jones joined Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber and service-related charity chiefs at Searle’s House in Winchester, where they signed the pathway agreement.

The new pilot project means personnel and their families can get tailored advice from the county council’s contact centre by calling 0845 603 5630.

This is all supported by a single free national telephone number, 08000 223366, that provides automated options for both in-service and ex-service personnel, their families and widows to use as an initial port of call, if they are uncertain who to contact.

Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said: “By making one phone call to Hantsdirect (0845 603 5630) or the national telephone number (08000 223366), the Forces community can access advice on what they are entitled to.

“The support that our people deserve is out there and we want to make sure that they can take full advantage of that. I thank Hampshire County Council for all their support.”

Councillor Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “Servicemen and women and veterans are an important part of the wider Hampshire community and the Welfare Pathway builds on the initiatives the Council already has in place.”

Brigadier John Turner, Vice-President of the Hampshire Branch of the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association – Forces Help said: “SSAFA Forces Help is delighted to be involved with Government in developing the Welfare Pathway concept.”

Rosemarie Ophaus, Acting Royal British Legion County Manager for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight said: “Improving information and communication is always a positive step forward.”

Hampshire County Council is the second local authority to pilot the Welfare Pathway.

Some of the benefits that serving personnel, families and veterans can receive are:
* Advice about access to NHS services
* Information about help for veterans with mental health problems
* Help and advice about education, skills and careers
* Affordable and social housing
* Help with transport including Blue Badges and concessionary transport
* Advice about, and access to, affordable childcare.
During the launch, Veterans Minister Kevan Jones presented Councillor Thornber with a Veterans Badge.

Councillor Thornber served in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a Lance Corporal during two years’ National Service.