Enfield Armed Forces Covenant

A community covenant is a statement of mutual support between civilians and their local armed forces community. It exists alongside the Armed Forces Covenant, which outlines a moral agreement between the nation, government and the armed forces.

The covenant encourages local government and the armed forces community to work together to:

encourage local communities to support the armed forces community and nurture understanding and awareness of issues affecting them
support activities to integrate the armed forces community into local life
inspire the armed forces community to help and support the wider community, through events, projects and other engagement
recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the armed forces

Enfield signed the community covenant on 26 June 2013 to renew its commitment to servicemen and women. We have supported the armed forces through the Armed Forces Day Parade, Remembrance Day events, and working with local Royal British Legions and other charities.

View the Community Covenant (PDF, 379.62 KB).

Enfield Armed Forces Covenant Forum

We set up an Enfield Armed Forces Covenant Forum in April 2017. This brings together relevant partners and stakeholders who meet bi-annually to improve our understanding of the issues facing the armed forces community and their families. We want Enfield to be better placed to deliver fair access to joined-up services.

Our main point of contact for the armed forces is Enfield's cabinet lead, Councillor Gina Needs. To contact Cllr Needs, email armedforces@enfield.gov.uk.

If you need help from Enfield Council, you should be asked if you or a close member of your family have ever been in the armed forces. This is to help us deliver a better service to our veterans.

If this statement relates to you but you have not been asked this question, or if you need any advice or guidance, email armedforces@enfield.gov.uk.

Veterans Gateway

Veterans' Gateway can help you find one-to-one support, whether you're based in the UK or abroad.

You can call them on 0808 802 1212 (24-hour support line). You can also contact them on Facebook - Veteran's Gateway or Twitter - Veterans' Gateway.

Veterans UK

The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Veterans UK helpline can help with many issues including benefits, housing and welfare.

You can call them on freephone 0808 191 4218 (UK only) or +44 (0)1253 866043 (overseas), or email veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk.

The helpline is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. When the helpline is closed, callers will be given the option to be redirected to Combat Stress or The Samaritans 24hr helpline.

As part of the MOD’s move to a new IT network, the email addresses of several Defence Business Services' (DBS) enquiry centres have changed, but their IT network security remains the same. If you need to send sensitive information to the DBS, make sure you know of your own or your organisation’s IT security procedures.

Veterans Welfare Service

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), part of Veterans UK, provides one-to-one support to veterans via a network of welfare managers across the UK and Ireland.

You can call them on 023 9270 2232 or email veterans-uk-vws-south@mod.uk.

Partner organisations

Veterans UK also works in partnership with the Department of Health and NHS, Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) to provide support for veterans. Some of their helplines are open when the Veterans UK helpline is closed.

Veterans can get medical assistance by calling the NHS 111 service. If it’s an emergency, call 999.

Age UK Enfield Veteran Support Service

Age UK Enfield have launched a Veteran Support Project which supports anyone who has served in the Armed Forces or National Service, and their families. To be eligible for this service, you must be a veteran (anyone who has completed at least one day of military service) and be 50+, or be a close family member of a veteran.

For more information, contact David Hale at david.hale@ageukenfield.org.uk or 07519 377599.

Combat Stress

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans, offering free treatment and support to ex-servicemen and women of the UK armed forces. The 24-hour free and confidential helpline is available for veterans, serving military personnel, and their families.

You can call them on 0800 138 1619, text 07537 404719 (standard charges may apply, so check with your provider) or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.

Big White Wall

Big White Wall offers mental wellbeing support to any serving or ex-serving personnel and their families, where you can share your concerns with others who feel like you. It's safe and anonymous and has counsellors available 24/7. This service is free to veterans.

For more information visit Big White Wall, email theteam@bigwhitewall.com or call 020 3405 6196.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provides lifelong support to veterans and serving military personnel in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and their families. They offer practical, emotional and financial support to meet individual needs through their network of trained volunteers and staff.

You can call them on 0800 731 4880 (free of charge on landlines and most mobiles). Opening hours are 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion helps members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, and veterans and their families. Support starts after 7 days of service and continues through life.

To find your local branch, visit Royal British Legion - search for your closest branch or call 0808 802 8080. Phone lines are open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday.

Royal Air Forces Association

You can contact Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) on freephone 0800 018 2361 or 0116 266 5224.

For Armed Forces Compensation Scheme advice, call 01392 464445 or email chris.francis@rafa.org.uk.

Service personnel can also contact their Hive or speak to the community support team on their station.

Forces Compare

Founded and run by veterans, Forces Compare help those who serve, or have served, to find the best insurance and finance options through their panel of specialist providers.

Forces Compare also proudly display the Armed Forces Covenant, showing their commitment to the armed forces and their families. Founder Alfie Usher also runs a national campaign to organise rough sleeps in aid of homeless veterans.

Forces Discount Offers

Forces Discount Offers are a UK based website offering discounts, deals and savings to our Armed Forces and military staff.

Veterans Radio Net

Veterans Radio is a radio station dedicated to veterans and their families. You can listen in the following ways:

More help and information

Members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families can get help and advice on life in Enfield via services and information on our website. Further information is also available at:

Please report any errors in this information to armedforces@enfield.gov.uk.