Our Armed Forces community is an important part of life in our district, and we’re proud to recognise, support and celebrate everyone who serves — past and present.
Whether you’re currently serving, getting ready to leave the Armed Forces, or have recently moved into civilian life, you will find help available here. This page brings together useful information, guidance and opportunities to support you and your family.
From health and education to housing, training and employment, we aim to make it as easy as possible to find the right support, when you need it.
- Armed Forces Covenant
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The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve, or have served, and their families are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged because of their service.
Since its launch in 2012, every council in the country — along with thousands of organisations — has signed the Covenant.
Learn more about the Armed Forces Covenant
Staffordshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership
The Staffordshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership works with the Armed Forces to support serving personnel, veterans and their families across the county.
We also encourage local businesses, community groups and residents to pledge their support and help ensure the Armed Forces community feels valued and included.
Pledge your support to the Covenant
Our shared aims are to:
- Build understanding of the challenges faced by the Armed Forces community
- Recognise and remember the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families
- Help integrate the Armed Forces community into local life
- Encourage opportunities for service personnel and veterans to get involved in the wider community.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund provides grants to projects that support the Armed Forces community. Funding focuses on:
- Reducing barriers to family life
- Providing extra support after service
- Bringing military and civilian communities together
- Supporting veterans with additional healthcare needs
- Benefits and Financial Advice
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Our Benefits Service is here to support residents by providing a reliable and accessible service, helping ensure people receive the support they’re entitled to.
Find out more about this service.
War Pensions
If you’ve been injured or become ill as a result of your service in the Armed Forces, you may be entitled to financial support through the War Pension Scheme.
The scheme provides compensation for injury, illness or death caused by service (for those who served before 6 April 2005), with payments made either as a regular pension or a lump sum depending on your circumstances. [gov.uk]
Cannock Chase Council recognises the importance of this support and, in line with the Armed Forces Covenant, fully disregards War Disablement and War Widow(er)’s pensions when calculating Housing Benefit.Learn more or make a claim through GOV.UK
You can also get advice and support from:
Citizens Advice
Free, independent advice on a wide range of issues including debt, employment, housing and consumer rights. - Housing
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Our Housing Team is here to help with advice and support around your housing needs.
- Leisure
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There are plenty of opportunities to stay active and get involved locally. Concessions are available for serving members of our Armed Forces with Everyone Active.
- Schools and Education
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Staffordshire County Council provides education and learning opportunities for people of all ages, including around400 schools and access to further education and training.
Find schools and education information
Local colleges and universities include:South Staffordshire College
Stafford College
Wolverhampton College
University of Wolverhampton
Staffordshire University
Keele University
Additional Support-
Forces Compare
A veteran-run service helping members of the Armed Forces community save money on insurance and finance.
Armed Forces Community
A not-for-profit resource offering support with housing, employment, finances and more.