1. Introduction
Both Armed Forces Liaison Officers (AFLO’s) are embedded within Local Authorities across North Wales to support the implementation and understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant and Community
Funded initially by the MOD for a period of 2 years the roles will continue for an additional 2 years via Welsh Government funding
Introduction (about me and Janette) our history etc

2. What is the Armed Forces Covenant
The Covenant is a promise that ‘Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved’
This is not statutory but more of a commitment – all local authorities in the UK have signed the covenant. Any organsiation, group and club can sign the covenant. Ensure I mention the importance of reintegration back into the community and how the covenant is not just about the individual, but the family and the community as a whole

3. What is the Armed Forces Community
Serving personnel
Ex-Service personnel (veterans)
Reservists
National Service
Merchant Navy
Immediate family members of all of the above
Cadets (including instructors)

4. What is the Armed Forces Community
Estimated that there are 51,000 veterans (ex-service personnel) living in North Wales
The AFC as whole is estimated to be in the region of 125,000

5. FACT FICTION Fact or Fiction
Most ex-Servicemen and women are fit and healthy and psychologically sound rather than physically or psychologically damaged by experiences of armed conflict
FACT: That’s right, this statement is true. The majority of Armed Forces personnel deployed do not experience lasting mental or physical wounds as a result of their service. However, some do experience long term and life changing wounds
FICTION: Actually, the majority of Armed Forces personnel deployed do not experience lasting mental or physical wounds as a result of their service. However, some do experience long term and life changing wounds
FACT
FICTION

6. FACT FICTION Fact or Fiction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the biggest mental health problem facing UK ex-Armed Forces personnel.
FACT: Actually, PTSD is a problem for a minority of ex-Servicemen and women. Around 1 in 25 Veterans of conflicts including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to develop PTSD, similar to levels of PTSD in the general public. However, while the rate of occurrence is similar, the complexity of the disorder tends to be much greater in ex-Servicemen and women. Furthermore, it often occurs alongside other medical problems such as pain, disability and substance misuse, particularly alcohol misuse
FICTION: That’s right. PTSD is a problem for a minority of ex-Servicemen and women. Around 1 in 25 Veterans of conflicts including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan are likely to develop PTSD, similar to levels of PTSD in the general public. However, while the rate of occurrence is similar, the complexity of the disorder tends to be much greater in ex-Servicemen and women. Furthermore, it often occurs alongside other medical problems such as pain, disability and substance misuse, particularly alcohol misuse
FACT
FICTION

7. How can you help?
You’re likely to come into contact with members of the AFC but you may not realise it
They do have specific needs and issues as a community and we need to get better at recognising and addressing them
Understanding and implementing the Covenant will help us do this
Needs in Housing, Finances, Family Issues, Education, Employment, Mental Health, Social Isolation. But find it hard to have the common ground with civilians who have not experienced their lives.

8. Further support… Knowing the right referral pathway is important
Veterans Gateway
24 hour assistance with information to refer individuals to the right organisation
Royal British Legion
Call
Veterans NHS Wales
Self referral or via medical practitioner, call
FLOW website
A website offering for the AFC in North Wales specific guidance

9. Armed Forces Covenant Funding
Financial commitment that is currently in place until 2022
£10 million per annum
Local grants (less than £20,000) are run quarterly and open to anyone working with members of the AFC

10. THANK YOU
ANY QUESTIONS?