Successful Armed Forces Information Day brings community together in Northumberland
Pictured left to right: Nathan Fuller (county council), Major (Ret’d) Paul Martin (Fusiliers Connect), Zoe Ford (county council), Laura Rowberry (RAF Boulmer), Phil Thompson (Veterans at Ease), Dr Caroline Pryer His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, Jonathan Harrison (county council), Gordon Castle (county councillor), Andrew Wood (DWP), Caroline Richardson (Northumbria Veterans Network), John Taylor (county council), Rachel Druce (Northumberland Skills).
Veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families came together for a successful Northumberland Armed Forces Information Day at The Alnwick Garden.
The event welcomed attendees from across the county and brought together a wide range of organisations to showcase the support, services and opportunities available to the Armed Forces Community.
Visitors had the opportunity to access information and advice on key topics including employment, housing, health and wellbeing, finance, and support for families. The event also provided an important space for people to connect, share experiences and learn more about the help available to them locally.
A highlight of the day was a powerful film featuring Northumberland veteran Richie, whose personal story illustrated both the challenges faced after leaving service and finding the right support at the right time.
Councillor Gordon Castle, who opened and closed the event, said:
“As a veteran myself, and through my work with the Armed Forces Network and local veterans in Alnwick, I know how important it is that people feel supported beyond their time in service.
“This event brought together a fantastic range of organisations and showed just how much support is available here in Northumberland — but also reminded us that there is always more to be done.
“It was encouraging to see so many people come together, share their experiences, and take that step to access support.”
Attendees also heard from a range of speakers throughout the morning, including Dr Caroline Pryer, Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, and Major (Ret’d) Paul Martin of Fusiliers Connect. Contributions were also made by representatives from RAF Boulmer, Northumbria Veterans Network, Veterans at Ease, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Northumberland Skills, and the council’s Safe and Resilient Communities team, who shared details of recently secured VALOUR funding to further support the Armed Forces Community.
Feedback from attendees and partners has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of bringing services together in one welcoming environment.
The event forms part of Northumberland’s ongoing commitment to honouring and supporting the Armed Forces Community, ensuring that those who serve - and have served - are able to access the support they need.
A video of Richie’s story, along with a highlights film from the event featuring key speakers and moments from the day, is now available on the council’s YouTube channel.
