Motion Urges Council to Enhance Support for Veterans with Planned Walk
A motion has been passed to boost support for veterans in Redcar and Cleveland, coinciding with a 12-mile walk event.
Redcar, Cleveland, Veterans, Councillor David Taylor, Armed Forces Covenant
Redcar: A former soldier and current councillor, David Taylor, is pushing for more support for veterans in the area. He’s calling on the Redcar and Cleveland Council to step up its efforts to help those who have served.
David, who represents the Eston ward, has a strong connection to the armed forces. He’s been involved in organizing events like the Remembrance Day parade and knows firsthand the challenges veterans face.
The council has previously earned silver status for its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which aims to ensure fair treatment for veterans and their families. Now, David wants to aim for gold status, highlighting areas that need improvement.
His motion received unanimous support from the council. He emphasized that adopting these proposals would ensure veterans and their families get the respect and support they deserve.
Veterans often deal with tough issues after leaving the service, like mental health struggles, social isolation, and financial problems. David’s motion aims to raise awareness about these challenges and promote the covenant more widely.
He also suggested hiring a full-time officer to focus on armed forces issues, which could help unlock funding opportunities. David believes that investing in this support could yield significant returns for the community.
He shared a story about a veteran facing homelessness due to a denied application for disability adaptations. This highlights the urgent need for better guidance and support for veterans regarding housing and job opportunities.
Recently, David met with the council’s legal and HR heads to discuss a plan of action. He’s excited about the potential for positive change and the amazing work already being done.
On January 19, David and John Martin from the East Cleveland Veterans Group are organizing a 12-mile walk. It starts at the Garden of Remembrance in Redcar and ends at the Last Post bar in Thornaby, with food and refreshments waiting at the finish line.
This event is a great way for people to get together, enjoy some fresh air, and support their fellow veterans. There will be stops along the way for those who want to join in for a shorter distance.