Support for UK veterans Archives - Destination Chesterfield

Vicar Lane welcomes new community hub for veterans

16th September 2024

A new community hub for veterans is being set up at Vicar Lane in Chesterfield town centre.

The new hub, managed by Stand To Derbyshire Veteran Community Services (STDVCS), will be opening on 1^st October.

STDVCS is a group dedicated to supporting Derbyshire’s Ex-Forces community and their families. It was set up by local charity, Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service (DAAS) in 2015. The project differs from generic support services by providing a tailored longer-term programme to the Derbyshire Ex- Armed Forces community.

The hub will provide a space dedicated for veterans, where they can have a cuppa, chat and a friendly ear. One to one support and extensive resources will be offered, with the chance to talk to a dedicated ex armed forces worker or volunteer.

Support that can be provided ranges from pension enquiries, welfare support, housing, signposting or a referral into STDVCS’s specialised alcohol treatment service. For further support, the charity can also put veterans in touch with veteran specific organisations.

Veterans face an array of challenges from deployment to resettlement; the risk of injury, being away from loved ones and upon returning from serving, adjustment back into civilian life. Although thousands of veterans need assistance with the issues they may face, many do not receive treatment. If someone is struggling then they should call in at the Veteran Community Hub, which will be in an accessible unit opposite Iceland.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled that the Veteran Community Hub is opening at Vicar Lane. We hope that our local veterans will come and visit; whether for a chat or specific support”.

Elaine Handley, DAAS Service Manager said, “We’re really looking forward to opening the Hub at Vicar Lane which will be an excellent premise for providing support needed to local veterans. Stand To Derbyshire Veteran Community Services has your back! Together we are stronger.”

For further details please visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and DAAS support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Council achieves Silver Award for Armed Forces support

29th July 2021

Chesterfield Borough Council has received a Silver Award for its support of the Armed Forces.

The council was given the award through the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) which encourages employers to implement human resources policies that support members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community while inspiring others to do the same.

Dr Huw Bowen, the council’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that we have received this award. As a council we recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by the Armed Forces.

“We also benefit greatly as an employer from the unique skills, experiences and attributes that members of council staff who are also part of the Armed Forces community bring to our workplace, our teams and in improving service delivery for our communities.

“The employer recognition scheme has helped focus our efforts to improve opportunities and support for council staff that wish to follow this path.”

Chesterfield Borough Council employs veterans, serving reservists and family members of Armed Forces personnel.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It’s fantastic that we have received recognition for the work we do to support the Armed Forces community, and crucial that we recognise and support the work of the Armed Forces personnel that the council employs, as well as those who live in our community.

“We will continue to support this community whenever possible and ensure the many sacrifices that they and their families have made for us are recognised.”

We have a number of policies, procedures and practices that aim to support members of the Armed Forces community employed by the council and also the wider Armed Forces community living in Chesterfield, these include:

Changed leave policies to support staff to carry out their duties including up to ten days per year for reservist duties
Access to employee assistance and occupational health schemes to support employees’ physical and mental health.
A generous career break policy which can be used to support mobilisation.
A clear support plan for members of the Armed Forces returning from mobilisation and a clear cross-council understanding of their rights.
Chesterfield’s Armed Forces cadet units are given pride of place at our key annual ceremonies including Armistice Day, Remembrance Sunday and the Mayor’s annual parade.
We are partners in the Veterans Hub (Chesterfield) led by the Department for Work and Pensions, which includes regular events at the Town Hall.
The council is a registered employer with both the Career Transition Partnership and Forces Families Jobs.

Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I would like to thank all the organisations who have proven their support for the Defence community during such unprecedented and challenging times.

“The vast range of those recognised this year demonstrates how employing the Armed Forces community makes a truly positive and beneficial impact for all employers, regardless of size, sector or location.”

Chesterfield Borough Council received a Bronze Award for its participation in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme in 2019.