Armed Forces Community
Our Vision
The community of Portsmouth, and the wider area, has a history long entwined with that of the Armed Forces Community and particularly the Royal Navy. We are committed to ensuring that this legacy continues by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the Armed Forces Community. This includes serving personnel, reservists, veterans, spouses, children, and extended families, recognizing the essential role they play in our society.
With over 7 million individuals in the UK identifying as part of the Armed Forces Community, and 1.85 million veterans. At the last estimate over 37,000 people living in Portsmouth were members of the armed forces community – that is about 18% of the population. Which is why we believe it is imperative to foster strong connections between the civilian and serving population, ensuring support, recognition, and opportunities for all members.
Our vision is to create a community that not only values their service but also actively supports their transition to civilian life and their well-being. On average, 16,000 people leave the Armed Forces annually, transitioning to civilian life and often requiring tailored support in employment, housing, and community integration.
We believe that successful integration requires active engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders. To achieve this, we will create partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community groups to create initiatives that provide resources, training, and employment opportunities, making Portsmouth a welcoming and supportive hub for the Armed Forces. This will ensure that veterans and their families receive the services, and support they need.
We will also focus on promoting the Armed Forces Covenant, encouraging more businesses to support and employ veterans and their families, promote the recruitment of veterans, and foster a supportive business environment, and facilitating recognition through employer awards.
Our commitment to the Armed Forces Community is demonstrated through a robust plan to build partnerships, develop resources, and continually improve services. Through regular forums, events, and feedback mechanisms, we will measure progress and adapt to meet the evolving needs of veterans, service leavers, and their families, creating a community where they can thrive.
By focusing on these areas, we aim to make Portsmouth and the surrounding areas the most welcoming and supportive place in the UK for the Armed Forces Community.
