The county council is hosting an Armed Forces Awareness Day in June to highlight the support that is available in Northumberland for veterans, reservists, serving personnel and their families. 

 

The event will take place on Tuesday 25 June, South Beach Green Space, Blyth, NE24 3PL, next to Blyth Battery between 11am – 3pm.  

 

There will be lots of information available with representation from the Army Reserves, Walking with the Wounded, Age UK, RAF Hive and more, as well as the county council’s own Armed Forces and Veterans Outreach Workers.      

 
There will also be people present who can assist with issues such as housing and medical applications, employment support, mental health, benefits, as well as signposting and referring to other veteran organisations for further help. 
 

Veteran Champion and Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Castle, himself a veteran with 25 years' experience as a senior RAF Officer said: 

“In employment ex-personnel are disciplined, committed and have an excellent track record that can be relied upon and so many have gone on to forge successful careers. 
 

“Unfortunately, due to the horrors of war, some of our service personnel have experienced PTSD and as a consequence can struggle in other areas of life including employment, housing, financially and within relationships. 
 

“In Northumberland, our Armed Forces Community is not forgotten. We understand they may face personal challenges after serving their country and we are here to support them to work through them. 
 

“Our Armed Forces and Veterans Outreach Workers are veterans themselves and understand better than anyone the issues they face. They will be present throughout the day alongside representatives from a range of Armed Forces Support organisations.” 

 

Northumberland County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Jeff Watson added: 

“The day will be relaxed and informal so if you are linked to the Armed Forces in any way and feel you need a bit of support, save the date, come along and meet people who can help you.”