Shelter Plymouth signs up to put Forces first

Shelter in Plymouth has become one of the latest charities to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The Covenant is the country's national promise that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. 

The promise now covers all of Shelter's staff and services that work to help people avoid homelessness by keeping or finding a home. Alongside its Plymouth advice hub on Buckwell Street, Shelter has 11 other city centre hubs where last year it provided face-to-face advice to almost 40,000 people.

Vicki Sampson, Shelter hub manager for Plymouth, said: "Every day at Shelter we hear from veterans who are struggling with bad housing and homelessness, as back in the civilian world they don't have the same network of support they had while serving in the forces.

"By signing this Covenant, we're promising to deliver truly accessible services and to work with members of the Armed Forces to develop and improve the help we provide."

An MOD spokesperson said: "By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Shelter joins over 2500 business and organisations across the country who are supporting veteran and reserve personnel.

"Having served with courage and professionalism it is right that we recognise their contribution and offer support where necessary. The MOD has a long history of working closely with charitable partners and we welcome this announcement today by Shelter which will offer housing guidance for those who require it. The vast majority of those leaving the forces transition well, but when our troops and veterans need help we are committed to providing the care they deserve."

The covenant was signed at a ceremony at George Masters Army Reserve Centre in Liverpool ahead of Armed Forces Day this Saturday, as members of the 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps gathered with Shelter staff and supporters to make the pledge.

Shelter urged any member of the Armed Forces Community or their families in Devon and Cornwall needing housing support or advice to visit www.shelter.org.uk/gethelp