Armed Forces Support

The Armed Forces Covenant is a UK national promise ensuring the armed forces community receives fair treatment, is not disadvantaged due to service and their sacrifices are recognised. It is upheld through government, local authorities, businesses and charities signing the pledge. 

In January 2026, we re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge our support to meet the needs of our Armed Forces community. 

You can view the Council’s signed Armed Forces Covenant in the downloads section. 

Armed Forces Champion 

Blaby District Council has a dedicated Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Mark Jackson. 

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme 

In July 2021, the Council was awarded the Silver Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.  

Health and Wellbeing Support 

There is dedicated support:

Registration with a GP 

If a resident has served in the Armed Forces, it is important they tell their GP or other clinical members who will add their service status to their NHS medical records.  

This will allow GPs to better understand any health conditions, refer them for tailored care and specialist services. Veterans are also entitled to priority access to NHS care for conditions associated with their time in HM Armed Forces.  

Dedicated NHS services 

GPs can refer veterans to specialist NHS services, including the veterans’ mental health service, Op Courage. Alternatively, the service can be contacted directly by the veteran, a family member, friend or supporting charity, by calling 0300 323 0137 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net.

You can ask your GP to refer you for physical health and wellbeing support, known as Op Restore, by completing and submitting a referral form.  

Veteran ID 

The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is being issued to allow ex-service personnel to easily verify their service and access support services where needed. It is also accepted as valid photo ID at polling stations for elections.  

Those who have left HM Armed Forces on or after 17 December 2018 will automatically be given a card. Anyone who has left the HM Armed Forces before 17 November 2018 will have to apply for a card.  

External links

• Adult Social Care - Leicestershire County Council
• Age UK
• Combat Stress

Housing Advice  

We provide advice and guidance to help members of the Armed Forces community understand their housing options and access suitable accommodation. Those preparing to leave the Armed Forces, planning to move into the district can or at risk of becoming homeless can contact the Blaby Housing Services Team for guidance. 

Veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can also make a referral to Op Fortitude.

Become a Volunteer 

If you are looking to become a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer with the Army Cadets, RAF Air Cadets, school-based Combined Cadet Force and Sea Cadets, visit the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. 

Find your local Leicestershire unit on their Find a Unit page.

For more information about Cadets, visit Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Cadets and Sea Cadets.

Local Social Groups 

If you are a Service personnel, veteran or an Armed Force family member, you can get involved in local Armed Forces groups, including: