Essex has a proud and rich military heritage. This is embodied by today’s armed forces community.
As set out in our Essex Armed Forces Covenant, we must support those who risk their lives for our safety. This means making a real difference to improve their quality of life.
We are proud to see this year’s updated Armed Forces Needs Assessment (AFNA) to mark Armed Forces Week.
The AFNA was updated by the Essex Civilian Military Partnership Board. It shows the effects of economic struggles on our armed forces and their families.
There are over 30 recommendations to improve support across five key areas:
· health and wellbeing
· education and children’s care
· housing
· employment and transition
· criminal justice system
Compared to the rest of the population, Essex veterans are twice as likely to report poor health.
The Ministry of Defence also found 72% of veterans were satisfied with dental and medical treatment in 2024. This is less than 82% in 2020 and the lowest level recorded.
Among other things, the AFNA calls for more veteran-friendly accreditation at GP surgeries. This is in addition to expanded NHS dentistry.
There has also been a national increase in homelessness support requests by veterans between 2021/22 and 2022/23
The AFNA therefore asks local authorities, police and others to keep detailed records of veterans. This will help identify those sleeping rough.
It also calls for more referrals to Op FORTITUDE, a pathway to supported housing for veterans.
Read the full AFNA and its many other recommendations, including:
- raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant and encourage organisations to join
- raise awareness of Op COURAGE. This is a specialist NHS mental health service for armed forces and their families
- promote Thriving Lives Toolkit for children of those in the armed services
- seek insights from armed forces champions at the Jobcentre Plus
- ensure veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system are asked if they served in the armed forces