Front line staff helped to understand needs of Armed Forces thanks to British Legion

BRITISH Legion members have been helping Carmarthenshire’s front line staff to understand the needs of Armed Forces personnel.

They have given talks to staff at the Customer Service Centres to provide them with more information about the needs of Armed Forces people, both serving and veterans, and the services available to them.

The initiative was part of the county council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant signed earlier this year.

Armed Forces Champion Cllr Kevin Madge said: “Our front line staff at Customer Service Centres help people with many issues, it is very helpful for them to be fully aware of the particular needs of, and services available for, Armed Forces veterans or serving personnel, and their families.

“The British Legion, of which I am a proud member myself, provides a significant amount of support and signposting which is very useful for our staff to know.

“Through working together, and being in possession of more information, we are better placed to help serving personnel or veterans.”

The Covenant, which was launched in January, aims to encourage support for the Armed Forces community working and living in Carmarthenshire, and to recognise and remember the sacrifices they have made.

A steering group, made up of representatives from major organisations in the county, meets quarterly to drive the initiative forward.

The Customer Service Centre staff briefings are part of the drive to make information more accessible and available at one point of contact.

Contact Centre Manager Eifion Davies said: “We are very grateful to the Royal British Legion members who came to brief the staff on their role.

“None of us were fully aware of the services provided and we found the briefing to be both interesting and very informative.”