Mayor Receives Gold Award
The Mayor of South Tyneside has accepted a prestigious award in recognition of the Council's ongoing support and commitment to the Armed Forces community.
Councillor John McCabe was presented with the Ministry of Defence's Gold Award by Armed Forces Champion and Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, Councillor Paul Dean.
The award recognises the Council's continued commitment to support both current and past members of the Armed Forces and their dependents and those in the community who access advice or support through both its working practices and as an advocate for the Armed Forces.
Work continues to be done to enhance the support offered to past and present military personnel. This includes social prescribing with health partners as part of the 'Forces for Change' programme and the establishment of an employee network to discuss work-related issues facing those in the Armed Forces community. In addition, the history and contribution of Collingwood South Shields Sea Cadets has been formally recognised through the installation of a blue plaque.
The Council has dedicated web pages () aimed at providing support to both past and present military personnel and their families. These contain information about where and how to access advice and practical support as well as information on services relating to employment, housing, money and welfare, mental health, drugs and alcohol.
An Action Plan has also been developed by the Council's Armed Forces Forum to ensure the Council continues to strive to improve. Some of the actions, which are already underway or complete, include further promotion of positive recruitment for those in the Armed Forces community by advertising on the 'Forces for Jobs' website, recognising the contribution of uniformed services through the #LoveSouthTyneside Awards and acting as an advocate for the Armed Forces by raising awareness through the Council's links with the business community.
Councillor Dean said: "It is an honour to present this award to the Mayor in recognition of our long-standing commitment to our Armed Forces community.
"Since receiving this Gold Award five years ago, we have continued to pledge our support for our military personnel and we will continue to go above and beyond for them - just as they do in the service of our country."