What Support Is Available For Armed Forces In York And North Yorkshire?

Moving to a new area can be a bit of a whirlwind, especially for military families. Figuring out everything from schools to doctors can feel like a massive job. But for the armed forces community in York and North Yorkshire, finding that local information just became a whole lot simpler.

Timed with the week of Remembrance Day on 12 November 2025, a brand-new guide has been launched, designed to be a one-stop shop for support and services across the entire region. It’s a joint effort between the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council, showing a real commitment to the military personnel and veterans who call this part of the country home.

So, What’s This Guide All About?

Think of it as a handy map to navigating civilian life in the area. It’s not just for people new to the region; it’s for everyone connected to the armed forces. This includes serving members, reservists, and the thousands of veterans who have settled in York and North Yorkshire.

The whole point is to make sure that no one who has served is left scratching their head, wondering where to turn for help. The guide pulls together all the essential information into one place, making life that little bit easier.

Inside, people can find details on some really key services. It’s not just a list of phone numbers; it’s a proper resource covering:

• Health and Wellbeing: Everything from finding a local GP to accessing mental health support.
• Education and Jobs: Guidance on schools, further education, and career opportunities after leaving the military.
• Housing and Benefits: Practical advice on finding a place to live and understanding what financial support is available.

On top of that, the guide also connects the community with fantastic charities that offer specialised support for past and present military personnel. It's a practical tool that shows the region’s commitment to its armed forces community.

A Promise Kept For The Community

This whole project is built on something called the Armed Forces Covenant. What’s that, you ask? Basically, it’s a promise from the nation to make sure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

The new guide is a perfect example of this covenant in action. The City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council have worked together to uphold that promise. The goal is simple: to ensure the military community can access the same level of services as anyone else.

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council and its Armed Forces Champion, put it perfectly:

“We want to bring together all the support across the city and county that benefits the Armed Forces community into one, easy to access reference guide. This guide highlights the wide range of support we have on offer. No one who has ever served in the Armed Forces, or their families, should be disadvantaged because of their service, and this guide shows how we will meet that commitment.”

As an Armed Forces Champion, her role is to make sure this promise is kept — and clearly, it’s being delivered.

Why This Matters So Much In North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire has a huge connection to the military. It's home to one of the biggest military garrisons in Europe, and nearly 30,000 armed forces veterans have made this region their home. That’s a massive part of the local community, so having this kind of dedicated support isn’t just a nice-to-have; it's essential.

The new guide was even promoted at York's LNER Community Stadium ahead of a Remembrance Day match, showing how the whole community is getting behind it.

Cllr Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire Council, highlighted this deep-rooted connection:

“We are committed to doing all we can to support our military colleagues and veterans. North Yorkshire is home to nearly 30,000 armed forces veterans and one of the largest military garrisons in Europe. We recognise the significant value brought to our communities by our military colleagues and the debt we owe them. This Armed Forces Covenant Guide is a great way to showcase the services and opportunities across North Yorkshire that are available for all those who serve and have served our country so bravely.”

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, echoed that same pride and sense of duty:

“Our armed forces are at the heart of who we are in York and North Yorkshire. I’m proud of our region’s commitment to those who serve and to helping them thrive when they return to civilian life. The Armed Forces Covenant Guide highlights the services, opportunities and community pride that make our region such a strong home for our armed forces community.”

A Real Team Effort

It’s clear this guide wasn't just put together overnight. It’s the result of real collaboration between multiple councils and partners.

North Yorkshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Kevin Foster, praised the teamwork behind it:

“It’s fantastic to see the Armed Forces Covenant Guide completed and ready to use. This has been a real team effort, showing what can be achieved through cross-party cooperation and partnership between three authorities. The guide will give councillors and officers the information they need to better support our Armed Forces community and veterans across North Yorkshire.”

Even the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM, who served in the armed forces himself, understands just how valuable this initiative is:

“Together, we’re reaching out to our valued Armed Forces community to support them. As someone who has served in the Armed Forces, I know how valuable this support is. Whether you’re newly posted to the area or being deployed away from home; whether you’re preparing to leave the forces or are adjusting into civilian life, this guide will help you and your family get the best of life in York and North Yorkshire.”

Each councillor and leader involved has shown a united front in their commitment, and it’s clear how much it means to them personally and professionally.

How To Get A Copy

Getting hold of this brilliant resource couldn’t be easier. For those who prefer a physical copy, printed versions of the guide are being made available at community locations across York and North Yorkshire.

But for anyone who wants instant access, there’s a digital version too. It’s available online as an ebook and can be accessed simply by scanning a QR code. These QR codes are displayed in community hubs, libraries, and council offices, making it super easy for personnel and families to get the information they need, right from their phones.

The councils have made sure that every member of the armed forces community, from veterans to new recruits, can easily find the support they deserve.