Armed Forces Community

Led By: Kate Mizon – Veteran; Freelance Writer, Ginger Umbrella
and Andy Moss – Veteran; Independent Consultant & Founder, Oakbridge Consulting

Portsmouth has a long-standing history with the Armed Forces Community, which has helped shape and develop the landscape to the incredible city it is now.

At Shaping Portsmouth, we are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and be part of a growing community that recognises the sacrifices and dedication of our Armed Forces. This is why we aim to make Portsmouth and the surrounding areas the most welcoming and supportive place in the UK for the Armed Forces Community. That’s a bold statement – we know, but we are committed to ensuring that the legacy of this history continues to thrive and serve Veterans, Serving Personnel, and their families and recognise the essential role they play in our society.

Did you know, at the last estimate over 37,000 people living in Portsmouth, were members of the armed forces community – that is roughly 18% of the population. Which is why we believe it is imperative to continuously work to maintain strong connections between the civilian and serving population, ensuring support, recognition, and opportunities for all members.

To get involved or find out more, email info@shapingportsmouth.co.uk

Read more about our vision

Objectives

Collaborate with veteran organisations, schools, and community groups to provide resources, opportunities, and services that address the needs of veterans and their families.

Promote the Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme to local businesses, and actively recruit veterans, service personnel, and their spouses, ensuring they benefit from employment opportunities and support services.

Strengthen the relationship between the Armed Forces Community and the local community by supporting key events such as Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Day, while fostering continuous collaboration with local councils, military units, and veteran organisations to create a thriving, inclusive environment.

Current Initiatives

Impact

  • 215 Portsmouth businesses signed up to the covenant.
  • Shaping Portsmouth won Silver Employer Recognition Scheme in May 2023.  
  • Recognition of the Armed Forces Community each year at our annual conference: 
    • 2025 | Volunteer Cadet Corps
    • 2024 | Portsdown Group Practice
    • 2023 | Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

The Armed Forces Community Programme is delivered in partnership with:

The latest news from the Armed Forces Community:

Testimonials

“Hovertravel has been involved in Shaping Portsmouth for many years and is proud to be part of its continual development and success. The City of Portsmouth has close links with the Arms Forces, with Shaping has always demonstrating its commitment to supporting the personal and Veterans involved. Hovertravel was introduced to the AFC by Shaping, and this was due to the overwhelming commitment of the Directors and staff of the organisation. Shaping gives our company and its team members the opportunity to be involved and meet other organisations and individuals who make Portsmouth the Great City it is, and its support shown to the AFC allowed Hovertravel to be aware and motivated to be involved.” ,
Neil Chapman
Neil ChapmanManaging Director, Hovertravel
"Supporting all people is at the heart of Home Instead Portsmouth. As we operate within the region of our Navy Command Headquarters, we were delighted that Shaping Portsmouth suggested that we sign the Armed Forces Covenant so that we could help support those that have served us so well. We pledged to continue to support Armed Forces Community and recognised the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veteran and military families make to our organisation, our community and to the country."
Helen Brown
Helen BrownDirector, Home Instead
"The Shaping Portsmouth Conference and the Shaping Portsmouth Armed Forces Covenant Award is a vital way of recognising and valuing local business, partnerships and valuing the contributions from all sectors to making Portsmouth the great city it is. To have received the AFC 2023 Award recognises the efforts that PHU have made and our commitment to the pledges made to our Armed Forces Community through the AFC and the Defence Employment Recognition scheme of which we have the GOLD award, and I am an ERS Mentor."
Keith Malcolm
Keith MalcolmArmed Forces Covenant Lead Nurse, Portsmouth NHS Hospitals
"Shaping Portsmouth have been supporting us to advocate for the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employers Recognition scheme since 2017. They have always been open to working in partnership, to develop opportunities for members of the armed forces community. This has included responding to individual requests for support, delivering events and using their influence to showcase the attributes and achievements of members of the armed forces community. It's great having a local partner that you know you can call up anytime and they will do their best to help. Most recently I had a transitioning service personnel from the Royal Navy get in touch. He wanted to find a plumbing apprenticeship. Whilst this isn't something the Council offers, I was able to reach out to the Armed Forces programme manager at shaping, who was happy to help by making enquiries within their network."
Caroline Hopper
Caroline HopperLead Officer Armed Forces Covenant, Portsmouth City Council

Want to know more about this programme? Contact us.