Leeds hosts second Regional Veteran Forum

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Nov 2008

Councillor Brenda Lancaster (Lib Dem, Moortown) is hosting another regional veterans forum, helping change the way the public sector interacts with veterans throughout the region.

The Ministry of Defence was keen to establish regional veterans forums to bring groups and individuals together to support veterans throughout the UK. Leeds City Council has been at the forefront of this process, previously hosting the first forum meeting in the country.

The previous forum set out a strategy of reaching out to as many veterans as possible, increasing participation in the future by hosting presentations and workshop sessions, providing support and advice whenever possible.

The forum meets on November 26th to discuss issues of resettlement (the process when service personnel leave the forces) to explain the support available to make this as comfortable as possible.

Cllr Lancaster, herself with two children that have served in the armed forces said:

"I believe the regional veterans forum can make a real, positive difference to the work around supporting our servicemen. I hope as time goes on further partners can join us at the Forum, to make our support as wide-reaching as possible."

Carolyn Short, Veterans Service Manager, working for the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA), said:

"Cllr Brenda Lancaster and Leeds City Council have been incredibly supportive working with the SPVA in bringing people together to discuss establishing a regional veterans forum.

Hopefully by continuing to bring people together, working towards a common goal, we can provide the support and advice networks our veterans so clearly deserve."