Armed Forces Week Statement 2022

Statement from the Chairman of Norfolk County Council, Cllr Karen Vincent and the Armed Forces Commissioner for Norfolk, Air Commodore Kevin Pellatt

Chairman of Norfolk County Council, Cllr Karen Vincent said, "Norfolk has a long and proud history of supporting the Armed Forces, continuing today with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force at Marham, the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards at Robertson Barracks and the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Anglian Reserve Regiment all calling our county home. Across Norfolk, 1,890 military personnel supported by 430 civilians form an integral part of HM Armed Forces, delivering the F-35 fighter-jet programme, specialist cavalry reconnaissance and dynamic light infantry. Norfolk also offers a temporary base to military units from across the country at the Ministry of Defence's training ground, STANTA, near Thetford.

"In this most important year, when we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and dedication to our country that Serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans and their families provide.

"Norfolk has strengthened support to the community through its Armed Forces Covenant commitment.

"As Chairman of Norfolk County Council, I would like to acknowledge the continuing vital role that all public sector bodies across the county play in delivering the Covenant. Many of these organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge, which is a public acknowledgement of support. For some, including Norfolk County Council, this is embodied through activity such as offering successful candidates a career after their Service is complete or alongside a Reservist role within their organisation, in recognition of the skills they learned during their time in the armed forces.

"The Armed Forces community continues to support our county in times of emergency and hardship. It is therefore only fitting that we use this dedicated week to show our appreciation."

Armed Forces Commissioner for Norfolk, Air Commodore Kevin Pellatt said, "This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Norfolk Armed Forces Covenant. As Chairman of the Covenant Board, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on three major achievements in delivering support to the armed forces community in our county during this time.

"Firstly, by working in partnership with RAF Marham, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, NHSE Dental Commissioners, Healthwatch Norfolk and the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Board was instrumental in negotiating the opening of an NHS dental practice at Marham in 2020. The practice serves anyone from the civilian community including families of Serving personnel.

"Secondly, aware of the challenges experienced by some families, especially those who move frequently to meet the demands of service life, the Board developed a Service Pupil Premium Booklet. As well as recognising the resilience and achievements of children and young people brought up in the armed forces community, the booklet highlights some of the challenges faced by the cohort for those not as familiar or new to the armed forces. The booklet contains guidance for schools on how to support children from Serving families as well as best practice, useful contacts and information for both parents, education providers and advisors in Norfolk to help children and young people achieve their goals.

"Thirdly, the Board has made funding available to deliver the priorities identified by the armed forces community at our conference in 2017. Two such funds facilitated the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of World War One and the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ Days. Despite a global pandemic, the Board were proud to see so many activities and events delivered by communities across Norfolk. More recently, the Board has been able to support several charities to improve the wellbeing of those veterans and families hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I would like to extend the thanks of the Board to the many individuals and charities operating in Norfolk who strive to support members of the Armed Forces community, many of which are members of the community themselves. I am truly proud to represent the work of the Covenant in Norfolk and to be delivering the promise of the Nation alongside so many dedicated individuals during Armed Forces week 2022 and beyond."