The Council continues to build upon its on-going relationship with the Armed Forces community, past and present, by making mobile tablets available to veterans to allow them to access vital services and keep in touch with each other.
The Council’s ‘Veterans Connected’ project further cements the local authority’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community having been one of the first in Wales to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, a commitment that was reaffirmed in 2018.
Latest data shows that more than 7,500 Armed Forces veterans live in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the third largest population of veterans per local authority in Wales.
The Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Service currently has a stock of 80 tablets following a successful bid for funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Forces For Change programme. The tablets have been supplied by Centerprise International and are regularly used by veterans in Rhondda Cynon Taf as part of the Veterans Connected Project.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: “The Veterans Connected Project allows our veterans to stay in touch with their family and friends as well as allowing them to be a part of virtual veteran’s groups, helping to maintain social inclusion through digital technology as well as through face-to-face support groups across our County Borough.
“We owe our veterans so much and will never forget the service they gave to their country. These tablets are making a huge difference to the lives of so many.”
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust supports the Armed Forces Covenant by delivering funding programmes that create real change to Armed Forces communities across the UK.
Veterans across Rhondda Cynon Taf can hire the tablets at any time, free-of-charge, through the Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Service. No private wi-fi connection is needed as all date is provided free-of-charge with the tablets. Free training is also provided if required.
The Council’s Armed Forces Veteran Service also offers a wide range of assistance on subjects such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Housing, Adult Social Care, Benefits, Finances and Employment.
Providing FREE, impartial and dedicated information, advice and support, former members of the Armed Forces, Past and Present, can speak to dedicated officers in strict confidence. Officers from the Council’s Veterans’ Advice Service also attend weekly support group meeting.
Armed Forces Community, Past and Present: Support Available
In recent years, the Council has also granted the Freedom of the County Borough to The Welsh Guards and to MOD St Athan, and all local service personnel of the Royal Air Force, past and present.
Veterans in Rhondda Cynon Taf can hire the mobile tablets free of charge at any time by contacting the Council’s Armed Forces Team on 07747 485 619 or by Email
Posted on 21/02/2023