Armed Forces Covenant 

We support members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families, remembering the sacrifices they have made. We signed the Cumbrian Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2013. We held a Covenant signing event in March 2022 to encourage partners and organisations in Carlisle to sign the Covenant. We also reaffirmed our commitment by re-signing the Covenant at this event.

The Covenant means that the Council and its partners, offer recognition, consideration, and support to the Armed Forces community. We address issues such as housing, health care, welfare, employment and help in the community. Councillor Elizabeth Mallinson is our Armed Forces Champion and leads this work.

In July 2022 Carlisle City Council achieved a Gold standard for its ‘outstanding’ support for the Armed Forces Community.

It is the only district council in Cumbria to achieve the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.

Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards are awarded to those that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families.

To win an award, organisations must have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. 

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Full details of this award can be found at this link here Armed Forces Covenant - Gold award

Carlisle and Eden Forces Link

Carlisle and Eden Forces Link offers support for the ex-service community in Carlisle and Eden. It aims to improve links between local and national support organisations and members of the local ex-service community. The Project Coordinator has a good understanding of the challenges and issues that some members of the ex-service community can face.

Carlisle and Eden Forces Link can provide further information on:

• Support available
• Dates for lunch or breakfast clubs
• Volunteering
• Offering a service or opportunity

Please visit the Carlisle and Eden Forces Link page for more details.