Reading Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives. The covenant focuses on helping members of the Armed Forces community to have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
The Reading Armed Forces Covenant was first signed in 2012 by the 7th Battalion The Rifles, on behalf of the Armed Forces community, Reading Borough Council and a number of statutory and voluntary and community sector partners and businesses in Reading. The Reading Armed Forces Covenant Partnership meets every six months.
The Reading Armed Forces Covenant encourages support for the Armed Forces community working and living in Reading, including Veterans and Reservists and their families. We are committed to supporting our military communities across the area; this is underwritten by our Armed Forces Covenant and our representation and support to the Royal County of Berkshire Civilian Military Partnership (see below).
Further information can be found on the Covenant Armed Forces Covenant website.
Please contact Jill Marston at jill.marston@reading.gov.uk for further information on the Reading Armed Forces Covenant.
Contact details for Armed Forces general support and gateway services.
Armed Forces Covenant Duty
As part of the Armed Forces Act 2021, the Government introduced legislation to further strengthen the statutory basis of the Covenant. This introduces a new duty on public service providers to take due regard of the Armed Forces community when writing policy and making decisions in implementing that policy in relation to healthcare, education, and housing.
In accordance with the legal duty, the Council will take due regard of:
- the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the Armed Forces
- the principle that it is desirable to remove disadvantages arising for service people from membership, or former membership, of the armed forces
- the principle that special provision for service people may be justified by the effects of membership, or former membership, of the armed forces
We aim to make sure that members of the armed forces community have the same level of access to goods, services and support as someone in a similar position who is not a member of the armed forces community, and that any difference does not come from the unique obligations and sacrifices of service life.
Statutory guidance on the new legislation can be found on the Government website.
The Armed Forces Community in Reading
Reading doesn’t have a large military ‘footprint’, with no regular forces stationed in the town. However, Brock Barracks is the headquarters for the Territorial Army unit 7th Battalion The Rifles, and hosts both Army and Sea Cadets. Reading is also home to a large ex-Gurkha community. At time of the 2021 Census, there were 3,600 Veterans living in Reading. The Armed Forces Covenant therefore focuses on Veterans and Reservists.
Royal County of Berkshire Civilian Military Partnership Board (BCMPB)
The Royal County of Berkshire Civilian-Military Partnership Board (RBCMPB) has recently been created to build upon the individual working relationships between the six Berkshire unitary councils, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), other civilian agencies and the military community in Berkshire.
The RBCMPB aims to make sure there is appropriate support for the military community (serving personnel (regular and reservists), their families, veterans, including from the Commonwealth, and cadets) who serve, live and work in Berkshire.
The board will maintain good relationships with the Ministry of Defence, 11 Security Force Assistance Brigade, London District and their nominated Task Force Commanders within the county of Berkshire. This will create a joint understanding of each other’s concerns and methods of working to make sure that the military community are not disadvantaged by their service and are given appropriate recognition and status within the county.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust looks after the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, worth £10 million each year, delivering funding programmes that create real change to Armed Forces communities across the UK.
Further details of which funds are currently open and closing dates can be found on the Armed Forces Covenant website.
If you would like to discuss your application or would like further information on the Reading Armed Forces covenant, please contact Jill Marston at jill.marston@reading.gov.uk.
Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme
Reading Borough Council was awarded the bronze award for the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme in 2017, which recognises employers who pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. We are currently working towards the silver award.
Support for the armed forces community
Armed forces general support and gateway services
| Organisation | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans’ Gateway | The first point of contact for veterans seeking support, putting veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more. | 0808 802 1212 Text on 81212 www.veteransgateway.org.uk |
| SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity | SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing practical, emotional, and financial support to our Forces and their families since 1885 and not just during times of conflict. Our teams of volunteers and employees help those currently serving, veterans, and their families to retain their independence and dignity. | 0800 260 6767 www.ssafa.org.uk |
| SSAFA Forcesline | Forcesline is a free and confidential helpline, webchat and email service providing support for serving personnel, reserves, veterans and their families, and is completely independent of the chain of command. | 0800 2606767 (Lines open 09.00 to 17.30 weekdays) www.ssafa.org.uk/forcesline |
| Royal British Legion | Provides practical support to serving men and women, Veterans (ex-service of all ages) and their families. It provides help with finances, living independently, mental well-being, care homes, finding employment or starting a business, respite breaks. | 0808 802 8080 www.britishlegion.org.uk |
| Citizens Advice | Provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities, and aims to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. CA has specific advice pages for the Armed Forces community. | 03444 111 306 http://rcab.org.uk/ www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/armed-forces-and-veterans/benefits-and-concessions-for-the-armed-forces-veterans-and-their-families/ |
| Military Advocacy Service | The seAp Military Advocacy Service supports veterans, reservists, and their direct families, with health, housing, financial, family and social problems. Our specialist service understands and appreciates the distinct needs of veterans, and our advocates work to help get people’s lives back on track. | 0330 440 9000 military@seap.org.uk |
Health
| Organisation | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Op COURAGE | NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families. | 0300 365 2000 (option 4) or email gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists – NHS |
| Combat Stress | Mental health charity which works with Veterans and members of the Reserve Forces | 0800 138 1619 www.combatstress.org.uk |
| Help for Heroes – Hidden Wounds | A new mental health and wellbeing service providing free and confidential support to Ex-Service Personnel, their families and the families of those still serving, who are living with anxiety, depression, stress, anger or who wish to change their drinking habits. | 0808 2020 144 www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/hidden-wounds-service |
| Help for Heroes – recovery centres | Provides a range of support and services for wounded, injured and sick serving (Regular and Reserves) and ex-serving personnel who have suffered illness or injuries in the service of the Nation. | 01980 844200 www.helpforheroes.org.uk |
| Help for Heroes – Band of Brothers | Available to Veterans, Service Personnel and those who have served alongside our Armed Forces who have suffered a permanently life-limiting or career-ending injury or illness, offering fellowship, support and a listening ear, as well as access to all the financial and welfare support from Help for Heroes. | 01980 844280 www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support/beneficiary-support-network/band-of-brothers |
| Militant Mental Health Helpline | 0800 323 4444 | |
| Samaritans | Offers a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way | 116 123 www.samaritans.org |
| PTSD Resolution | Providing counselling for former armed forces, reservists & families | 0300 302 0551 https://www.ptsdresolution.org/ |
SAFFA and Royal British Legion may be able to help with mobility equipment.
Housing
| Organisation | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Borough Council Housing Advice Team | Borough Council Housing Advice Team Runs a drop-in service Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (Wednesdays 12 to 5pm) at the Civic Offices | 0118 937 2165 https://www.reading.gov.uk/housing/find-a-home/social-housing/ |
| Op FORTITUDE | Op FORTITUDE is the government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. | 0800 9520774 Op FORTITUDE- Riverside Care and Support |
| Reading Street Outreach Team (St Mungo’s) | The outreach team can help you move off the streets. They offer support, housing advice and referrals, health advice, drug and alcohol support and can help you reconnect to your home area. | 0118 958 5002 www.mungos.org |
| Shelter | Provides advice and guidance on issues relating to housing and homelessness. | 0808 800 4444 https://england.shelter.org.uk/ |
Employment
| Organisation | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Career Transition Partnership | Offers resettlement support, career transition advice, and training opportunities for ex-Forces personnel. | 01252 348339 or 0203 162 4410 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/career-transition-partnership |
| Royal British Legion | Provides a wide range of employment related services and support for the Forces community to find and stay in work. | 0800 802 8080 https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/financial-and-employment-support/employment |
| British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) | Social Enterprise created to help the Armed Forces Community with their transition into Civilian life. | 02476 939931 www.bfrss.org.uk |
| The Poppy Factory | National employment charity for Veterans with health conditions and impairments. | 020 8940 3305 www.poppyfactory.org |
| Jobcentre Plus | All former Service personnel have access to the full range of Jobcentre Plus services, including one of the largest job search facilities in Europe. | 0345 604 3719 www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus |
| Hire a Hero | Hire a Hero supports Service Leavers and Veterans to make the successful transition into civilian life. | 01495 366670 https://www.hireahero.org.uk |
| Forces Employment Charity | The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. | Forces Employment Charity |
Money
| Organisation | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans UK | Administers the armed forces pension schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service. | 0808 1914 2 18 www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk |
| Royal British Legion | Provides specialist compensation advice, help with debt and can provide support through grants and loans. | 0808 802 8080 https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/how-we-help/financial-support |
| MoneyForce | MoneyForce is a joint initiative between Standard Life Charitable Trust, The Royal British Legion and the Ministry of Defence, aiming to assist all Service personnel, their partners, families and dependants, to be better equipped to manage their money and financial affairs. | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moneyforce |
| Defence Discount Scheme | Official MoD discount scheme for serving personnel and Veterans | 01509 233 446 www.defencediscountservice.co.uk |
Support for families
| Organisation | Description | Contact details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army Families Federation | Offers support, information and guidance to individuals and Army communities on issues that impact on the quality of their lives. | 07787 091 883 (regional contact) http://www.aff.org.uk | |
| Naval Families Federation | NFF exists to speak up for Naval Service families about issues and concerns that affect them. | 02392 654374 www.nff.org.uk | |
| RAF Families Federation | Provides all RAF personnel and their families – Regular and Reserve, single or married – with timely and professional support, assistance and an independent voice regarding issues or concerns that they may have. | 01780 781650 https://www.raf-ff.org.uk | |
Armed forces general information
| Organisation | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| The Army Reserve | Information on joining the Army Reserve | 0345 600 8080 https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/the-army-reserve/ |
| The Rifles Regiment | The Rifles is the largest infantry regiment within the Army. 7 Rifles is a Reserve Infantry Battalion which supports the Regular Army on Operations and Training, and is currently recruiting. | https://www.facebook.com/TheRiflesRegiment |
| SERFCA | The South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association encourages support for the Reserves and Cadets and manages the volunteer estate, as well as raising Awareness of the needs of ex-service Personnel and their Families. | 01252 357605 http://www.serfca.org |
Last updated on 17/04/2026
Reading Armed Forces Covenant