A new role dedicated to strengthening the delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant is now providing support across the five local authorities in Gwent.
Hosted by Caerphilly County Borough Council, Armed Forces Covenant Officer Lisa Rawlings will provide help and support for the Armed Forces community in Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Newport.
Ms Rawlings was appointed to the new post in September last year following an extensive military career including 25 years in the Royal Air Force as a Flight Operations Manager, during which she completed tours worldwide including Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Falklands and the UK.
She said: “Since the inception of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2011, there has been tremendous work undertaken by the five local authorities in Gwent on behalf of the Armed Forces community.
“It is an honour to be the ‘local and regional voice’ for the Armed Forces community and my role will facilitate improved and more consistent delivery and awareness.”
She continued: “Having experienced the difficulties transitioning from the military to civilian life I will address these issues at a local level.”
Cllr Barbara Jones, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Governance, said: “Lisa’s wealth of experience in both the Armed Forces and then her transition into civilian life makes her the ideal person to continue the fantastic work that has taken place across Gwent.”
The post is funded through an award received from the Ministry of Defence.
• For more information on the support available for Armed Forces families please call 01443 864447 or email armedforces@caerphilly.gov.uk.