Dorset has a 2 year Ministry of Defence funded programme that employs a programme co-ordinator who is responsible for the delivery of specific projects identified to support the Armed Forces community across the pan-Dorset area.

The main partners in this programme are Dorset Council, BCP Council, Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust, NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Dorset, Bournemouth University, Wessex RFCA, Royal British Legion and SSAFA.

The aim of the programme is to raise the profile of and to embed the Covenant in the day to day activities of all partner organisations across Dorset, ensuring that all members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and equitably.

Forces Connect South West

Forces Connect South West is a developing regional partnership that aims to improve services and support to the military community.  It is made up of organisations from the 4 pillars, which are:

• public authority bodies – councils, NHS, police, ambulance and fire
• The Ministry of Defence – regular and reserve units of the RN, RM, Army and RAF
• military charity and support organisations
• business, commerce and industry

The initiative has been established with funding from the MOD Covenant Trust Fund and it aims to improve the experience of the military community.  To help access, better understand and navigate all public services as well as support all during their transition on leaving the services.

It also intends to make sure that after their service, veterans and their dependents who need help are known and that public, private and non-service voluntary and community sector organisations work together to provide appropriate support when, where and how it is needed.