Axminster Community Shed
We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.
The Armed Forces Covenant
An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, His Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families
The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.
Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.
This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.
Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant
1.1 We Axminster Community Shed will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment
2.1 Axminster Community Shed recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
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Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space: We are committed to establishing a welcoming environment where everyone feels secure and respected. Safety and inclusivity are at the heart of our approach, ensuring that all participants have equal opportunities to share and learn new skills, regardless of background or ability.
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Promoting Personal Wellbeing and Friendships: By encouraging skill sharing, we aim to enhance personal wellbeing. The environment fosters the development of meaningful friendships, enabling individuals to connect, collaborate, and grow together in a supportive setting.
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Supporting Individuals and the Wider Community: Our efforts extend beyond personal development, Offering support not only to individuals but also to the entire Axminster community. Through skill sharing and mutual encouragement, we strive to build a stronger, more cohesive community that values the contributions of every member.
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A retired State Registered Mental Health Nurse is available providing counselling services, if required.
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Equipment and tools are provided for a range of practical activities such as woodworking, craft, upholstery.
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To help build stronger partnerships with COMBAT stress, Help the Heroes, and Other relevant groups to improve the wellbeing of ex and serving armed forces personnel. We have very strong links with our local SAFA, and British Legion.
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To share practical skills and knowledge.
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To forge links with local community groups.
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To provide an inclusive, non-judgmental, respectful friendly and welcoming environment.
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To encourage physical and mental activity. Improved wellbeing by providing an enjoyable way to stay socially integrated into the Axminster community.
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To build self-esteem whilst being creative, learning or passing on skills.
2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.