A scheme that supports armed forces veterans in Trafford has won a top national award.
Trafford Council's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme gives those who have served their country support with their education and family well-being, provides them with homes and jobs, assists them with accessing healthcare and gives them financial support.
The programme has now received national praise as it received the Covenant Fold Award; the highest recognition for organisations that have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant; which commits an organisation to give outstanding support to former servicemen and women.
The Gold Award focuses on helping members of the defence community access government and commercial services in particular.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: "Trafford has a positive culture towards employing former servicemen and women, as well as serving reserves.
"All serving reserves have an extra 10 days’ paid leave each year to enable them to meet their armed forces commitment, which is 15 days’ of continuous training and six training weekends."
Diane Eaton, corporate director for adult services, Coun Judith Lloyd and armed forces lead Sue Wright received the award on behalf of the council.
Coun Lloyd, Trafford Council’s armed forces champion, said: “It was a wonderful event. I am so proud about winning this award which shows that we are fully behind armed forces staff, veterans and their families.
"They put their lives on the line for us – and we should, and do, help them as much as we can in their everyday lives.”
Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employer across Britain and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”
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