More support is to be made available to members of our Armed Forces community.
Two extra Armed Forces Liaison Officers (AFLO) will be appointed to help coordinate support for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families across the borough.
The decision has been taken after the successful appointment of the original two AFLO who took on extra duties from their existing roles last year. Now two more existing officers will also take on extra duties.
The officers provide support to the service community and assist with housing, benefits, addiction, prison release, complaints, Service children, better signposting on council services, and forge stronger links between charities, organisations and council departments. They are a key element in ensuring that the council continues to fulfil its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The expanded team will also help encourage participation in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, raise awareness of the Armed Forces community, and strengthen support for those who serve or have served.
The team will also continue working with local partners, schools, healthcare providers and businesses to improve outcomes for the Armed Forces community in the borough.
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of the Council, said:
“We are extremely proud to support to the Service community and we remain absolutely committed as this action shows. I’d like to thank our existing Armed Forces Liaison Officers and welcome the two new members of the team.”
The two AFLO appointed last year were Carl Lamb who also works as the Facilities Manager and Julie McCulloch, who is also a Democratic Services Assistant.
The two new officers are Gemma Curson, who also works as a Social Care Officer and Danny Wright, IT Projects Officer who served in the Armed Forces for 25 years.
The council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Dave Taylor said:
“I am immensely proud of the dedication Carl and Julie have shown throughout the first year of the Armed Forces Liaison Officer programme. Their commitment and passion for supporting our Armed Forces community have helped establish strong foundations and demonstrated what can be achieved through partnership, professionalism and determination.
“I am delighted to welcome Danny and Gemma to the team and look forward to the additional support they will bring to our shared mission. Together, they will help strengthen support for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and military families, promote the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, and build even stronger links between the council and the Armed Forces community across Redcar and Cleveland.”