LOCAL councils have launched a new grant funding for the armed forces community of present and former service personnel and their families.

Currently the county council and all district councils in Gloucestershire have joined the covenant along with other public and voluntary groups, but a new campaign is underway to get local parish and town councils to add their support.

On Monday August 17, 10 local parish and town councils met at Shire Hall to sign the covenant and pledge their support and raise public awareness to help integrate the armed forces community into local life.

Grant funding is available from the Ministry of Defence for projects and activities which help the local community integrate with the military and their families.

The fund has £10 million available nationally each year, with applications being accepted in small and large grant categories.

Small grants up to a maximum of £20,000 could be used for putting on events aimed at bringing the military and civilian communities together.

Large grants between £20,001 and £500,000 could be used for projects that help with mental health or housing issues - such as building works which would bring together a range of services.

Local organisations which have already benefited from the previous grant scheme include the Regiments of Gloucestershire Museum and the Royal British Legion.

Applications for grants are now open with the closing date for small grant applications on September 17. Applications for a large grant should be received by September 24.

Councillor Shaun Parsons, the county council’s armed forces community covenant champion said: "All of the armed forces make sacrifices for the community they serve everyday, so it's important that we support those in our neighbourhoods whenever we can.

“If you represent a volunteer group, school, community project or charity why not apply for a grant and make a difference in your area?”

To apply for a grant please visit http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/armedforcescovenant.

For more information or to pledge your support please contact Dawn Lane on 01452 324051 or email dawn.lane@gloucestershire.gov.uk.