Signing the Armed Forces Covenant

At a meeting on Sunday 20 March 2022 the Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit agreed unanimously to the re-signing of the Gloucestershire Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming their continued commitment to honouring the Armed Forces Community.

The Covenant is a promise from Government and those who sign up to it to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect, and do not face disadvantage as a result of their service. The aims of the Covenant are to:

• Encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces community in their areas
• Encourage the Armed Forces community to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint projects or other forms of engagement
• Promote understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces community
• Recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community
• Encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces community into local life

The Community Covenant also presents an opportunity to bring together knowledge, experience and expertise. This helps make it easier for members of the Armed Forces community, service personnel, families and veterans to access the help and support available to them. Gloucestershire County Council signed the Covenant in 2011, along with its partners including District councils, local NHS representatives, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue, and many others. Although the Gloucestershire Methodist Circuit was not one of the original signatories, we have signed the Covenant as a way of showing our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces Community Covenant can be viewed here