RAF Shawbury hosts community covenant event

The event is aimed at members of the armed forces, reservists, ex-service personnel and their families, as well as the local community in general. People are free to drop in to browse the stalls and information on offer, as well as enjoying musical entertainment from the Shawbury Military Wives Choir and the Royal Irish Bugles, Pipes and Drums military band.

The aim of the event is to launch the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which is a pledge by all public service organisations in Shropshire to work together to build links between the armed forces and civilian communities. A major part of that involves working with the various support groups and organisations that exist to help people find housing, employment or business opportunities when people leave the armed forces. Organisers are delighted that so many different groups will be at RAF Shawbury to talk to people about the support they can offer.

As well as talking to people at the event, the organisations in attendance will also be encouraged to build links between themselves about how their work can support the Community Covenant. Exhibitors planning to have stands include Jobcentre Plus, Shropshire Council’s business support team, the Royal British Legion and local schools and colleges. There will also be advice about the Community Covenant grant scheme, which provides funding for projects which help to bring armed forces and civilian communities together.

Mike Hyatt, Head of Strategy, Research and Performance at Shropshire Council said: “We are really grateful to the many groups and organisations taking the time to be at the event, and we are keen that anyone with a link to the armed forces comes along to see the support that’s on offer. It’s also important to make clear that the event is open to anyone interested in how the Community Covenant will support the local community too, so everyone will receive a warm welcome whether they are connected to the armed forces or not.”

Squadron Leader Chris Skaife, Officer Commanding Personnel Management Squadron at RAF Shawbury said: "RAF Shawbury is immensely proud to be the lead signatory on behalf of the Military in Shropshire. This ground breaking covenant event allows the Military to strengthen its links with Shropshire Council as well as the people of Shropshire and the many companies taking part. We are extremely happy to be able to host this event bringing together like minded people who are working together to support our armed forces."

The event takes place from 1600-1900 in the Roland Wycherley Force Development Centre.