Suffolk Military Covenant: News

Here are some of the key news items on local services and activities and announcements.

24 June 2025. To mark UK Armed Forces Week 2025 - Andy Smith, the Armed Forces Commissioner provides his thoughts on this annual event in context of Suffolk's Armed Forces Community.  Read his statement.


11 June 2025. Suffolk Constabulary have signed up to the Forcer Protocol initiative aimed at supporting local missing veterans.  Read more about this announcement.


3 June 2025. A local Armed Forces Female Veterans support group has been started by a Mental Health Clinician Manager at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Veterans Integrated Service after conducting research and identifying gaps in need. Read more about this support.


22 May 2025. A helpline for UK Armed Forces personnel and their family members who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking has been launched by Aurora New Dawn charity. Read more about this support.


6 May 2025. Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council's update their Armed Forces Covenant Pledger to mark VE80 anniversary. Read more about this announcement.


5 May 2025. Government announces Op Valour - the New VALOUR network will deliver easier access to care and support with new regional networks connecting housing, employment and health services in every corner of the UK. Read more about this announcement.


7 April 2025. New study that looks into the Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK finds that Cadet experience gives youngsters a clear advantage at work and further education. Read more about this announcement.


31 March 2025. Suffolk appoints it's 4th Armed Forces Commissioner 

Andy Smith has been appointed as Armed Forces Commissioner for Suffolk for the next 3-years.  This politically independent volunteer role, Chairs the Armed Forces Covenant Board and champions the Armed Forces Covenant. Read more about this appointment.


13 March 2025. The NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) and its GP Surgeries achieve the Royal College of General Practitioners - Veterans Friendly accreditation. Read more about this scheme here


24 February 2025. Op ASCEND announcement by Alistair Carns, DSO, OBE, MC, MP

Delivered by the Forces Employment Charity, Op ASCEND will expand job support for veterans and help even more of those who have served transition, into meaningful employment. Read more about what Op ASCEND offers veterans and employers here


17 February 2025. Government guidance PPN 008: Armed Forces Covenant

This PPN provides information on how government suppliers can help support veterans and service spouses and partners. This PPN has been updated to reflect new terminology introduced by the Procurement Act 2023 and the Procurement Regulations 2024. Read this new guidance.


21 January 2025. Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2024

The Ministry of Defence publishes its annual report which sets out major achievements of the Armed Forces Covenant and highlights remaining challenges and new commitments.  Read the full report or the Report Summary.


17 January 2025. New Research: Armed Forces and Mental Health PTSD. 

The King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR), King’s College London recently conducted research study: What does post-traumatic stress look and feel like for former UK Army and Royal Marine personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan? Read the full report.