Dover District Council
Nearly a decade ago, Dover District Council signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging their support to veterans making the transition back into civilian life – including by helping those struggling with housing to find a home.
Today, that commitment continues. Collaborating closely with other local authorities and external agencies, the council helps ensure that veterans at risk of homelessness get the housing and wraparound support they need to stay on their feet – whether that’s help keeping up with their rental payments, finding employment, or taking care of their mental and physical health.
Where possible, accommodation for homeless veterans is found close to their support networks, such as family and friends. The council also provides white goods, furniture, and other items to get them started in their new home.
In-house council housing staff are given training, helping them understand how to determine whether someone experiencing homelessness is a veteran, and where to signpost veterans to the services and support available to them.
The council employs a holistic approach to supporting veterans, whether they are homeless or not, including hosting regular veterans’ breakfasts where ex-Service personnel can build networks, and working with the families of veterans to ensure they have the support they need.
We pride ourselves on the great partnership work that takes place across the Dover District, to offer lifelong support for those who are serving, veterans and their families. We are keen to honour the Covenant’s pledge that ‘together we can acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives’.
Cllr Oliver Richardson, Armed Forces Champion at Dover District Council
