WORCESTERSHIRE has welcomed a new champion of the Armed Forces after Coun Richard Morris was appointed the new chairman of the county’s Armed Forces Covenant Partnership
The Droitwich county councillor takes the helm from Coun Rob Adams who has led the partnership in Worcestershire since 2012.
Under Coun Adams leadership, Worcestershire was one of the first counties in the West Midlands to commit to the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Coun Adams said: “The Covenant has been at the heart of our support to the Armed Forces community, enabling them to access help in Worcestershire from statutory providers and from the charitable and voluntary sector.
“The work we’ve undertaken since signing the covenant in 2012 is having a positive effect on the lives of both serving and ex-service men and women, and whilst there is still work to do, we have made great inroads into understanding and responding to the local needs of our veteran community.
“It has been an honour to represent the interests of our Armed Forces community over the past 10 years and it is with great pride that I now handover the reigns to Coun Richard Morris.”
He will remain on Worcestershire’s covenant partnership, but will now be Armed Forces champion for Wychavon District Council.
Coun Morris said: “Under his tenure as chairman for the past 10 years, Rob Adams has championed the Armed Forces community with great passion and tenacity, particularly in cases where veterans needed support.
“I’m honoured to take on this county role and keen to support our superb Armed Forces past and present in any way I can.
“I have had a terrific mentor and will struggle to fill his shoes but will try my best. I am so pleased that Rob will stay with the group as Wychavon champion.”
Coun Morris takes over at a time when Worcestershire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership is preparing for a new statutory duty coming on board later this year to ensure the Armed Forces community is treated fairly when it comes to housing, schools and healthcare.
The partnership represents the public sector, NHS Trusts, military charities and Armed Forces Champions representing Worcestershire’s six District Councils.
It works collaboratively to strengthen local delivery of the covenant, and in particular, to support Worcestershire veterans who are experiencing problems either in transition or future years.
If you are a local veteran or member of the armed forces community that needs some help or support, there are a range of military charities and organisations working locally, many are just a phone call away.
