23/03/2026: Breckland Council launches 'bigger and bolder' support for Armed Forces community
Breckland Council has set out additional support for members of the Armed Forces community, including launching a new grant fund.
The programme of new activity focuses on strengthening partnerships, improving access to services, and tackling issues such as isolation and employment. The district council will work closely with health partners, local businesses, and Armed Forces organisations, to ensure consistent, visible, and effective support is available for those who serve or have served.
The new suite of activity includes a dedicated fund to help deliver projects that support the Armed Forces Community. This includes projects which raise awareness, facilitate engagement, or enable the celebration of notable events for this community.
A total of £11,500 has been ringfenced for the new grant scheme, from which community groups, parish and town councils, local schools, and faith organisations will be able to apply for grants worth between £250 and £1,000.
The move was approved by Breckland Council's Cabinet at their meeting today (23 March), where members also reaffirmed the authority's ongoing commitment to supporting not only personnel and veterans, but also their families and cadet volunteers.
The council has already taken strong steps to support this community, earning a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence through the Employer Recognition Scheme. This is the highest level an organisation can receive and recognises the commitment Breckland Council has made in supporting those from the Armed Forces Community.
Under the Armed Forces Covenant, Breckland Council is dedicated to ensuring there is no disadvantage in accessing services, with additional support where needed.
Breckland also funds community commemorations, delivers Armed Forces Week activities, and hosts events that bring veterans and their families together, such as the annual community brunch, and will continue to build on this work through a new, expanded programme of support.
Cllr Paul Claussen, Executive Member at Breckland Council with Special Responsibility for Armed Forces as part of the Breckland Cares Programme, said: "At Breckland, we're proud to be home to a strong Armed Forces Community, but we can always do more and this new programme is bigger and bolder than ever before and reflects our commitment to ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
"The launch of the Armed Forces Community Fund is a key part of this, giving local groups the opportunity to deliver projects that make a real difference. By working closely with our partners and communities, we will continue to strengthen the support available to serving personnel, veterans, and their families across Breckland."
The new fund is expected to open for bids from Monday, 30 March, with groups able to apply viathe community funding webpage.
