Kent and Medway conference marks 12 years of armed forces support

The event, held at The Woodville, brought together representatives from across different sectors to share how they support serving personnel, veterans, reserves and their families. The theme of the day was “working together”, with the programme ranging from local council commitments to a national update on the Armed Forces Covenant.

Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, addressed delegates alongside Jeremy Eustace, Chairman of Kent County Council and the Kent & Medway Civilian-Military Partnership Board. Naval Regional Commander Cdre Tim Green CBE ADC RN, Col Richard Hawkins and Caroline Hallet also spoke at the conference. The Leader of Medway Council also addressed delegates.

Kemkaran said: “I was delighted to address the 12th Annual Kent & Medway Civilian-Military Armed Forces Covenant Conference. People put their lives on the line every day to train and prepare for a time where they need to defend rights and freedoms which we all hold so dear. By convening services here, we intend to send a very clear message that people who go out to protect this country will be treated with the utmost respect.”

KCC has signed the Armed Forces Covenant — a public pledge that those who serve or have served, and their families, won’t be disadvantaged when using council services because of their military background.

The national picture also featured on the agenda. Patrick O’Brien, the Ministry of Defence’s covenant lead, and Canon Peter Bruinvels, KCC’s covenant lead, provided delegates with a national update on the expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant through the Armed Forces Bill.