Charities and organisations have pledged to further improve support for military veterans and active personnel at an event organised by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Hosted at the Folkestone Nepalese Community Centre in Cheriton, the gathering was an opportunity to honour those who have served the country and ensure local groups are working together to assist them.
Representatives from Kent County Council, Royal British Legion, Royal British Veterans Enterprise, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and The Rainbow Centre were among those in attendance.
Leader Cllr Jim Martin said: “Supporting veterans is such an important subject to discuss together, so I’m very proud we’ve held an event which is believed to be the first of its kind in the district.
“We all have a great responsibility to be a safety net for the armed forces after the work they’ve done on our behalf. It’s our role to ensure military personnel, especially those who carried out national service, know the help is there.”
Several veterans, including from The Royal Gurkha Rifles, also spoke of how they transitioned back into civilian life – in part – thanks to the assistance available in the district and beyond.
Cllr Mike Blakemore, Cabinet Member for Communities and Collaboration, added: “The Folkestone Nepalese Community Centre is a shining example of how we can live and work together and I’m very grateful for its efforts in supporting this event.
“The Gurkhas have embraced Folkestone & Hythe while preserving their culture, traditions and identity – and we’re all very much the better for it.”
Visit the council’s website for more information about armed forces in the community – including veteran drop-in sessions held every month.