Services and Support for the Armed Forces Community
Armed Forces Lancaster Castle
Our district is steeped in military history and our Armed Forces community and its contribution to our district and country is something which we value and thank them for.
We recognise the sacrifices that those in the Armed Forces community make and acknowledge that access to services and fair treatment can often be difficult, due to the way of life that military personnel and their families are required to adopt.
Who are our Armed Forces Community?
Regular Forces - those currently serving full-time in the Royal Navy (including Royal Marines), Army and Royal Air Force
Reserve Forces - part time members of the volunteer Reserve Forces
Ex-Forces Personnel (Veterans) - those who have served at least one day in HM Armed Forces or Reservist, or Merchant Mariners who were part of a legally sanctioned operation
Dependants - including spouses, civil partners and their children, but can, where appropriate, be extended to unmarried partners, parents and other familiy members
The Bereaved - the immediate family of Service Personnel and ex-Service Personnel who have dies, whether or not that death has an connection with service
According to 2021 ONS Census, Lancaster District serving and ex-forces are approx 5% of our population.
Lancaster City Council is a committed forces-friendly employer. Applications from the Armed Forces Community are welcomed and encouraged. Please visit our recruitment page to find out opportunities currently available. www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/recruitment
When arriving in the district or ending a posting we recognise the importance of access to housing services. With regards to housing allocations or homelessness our dedicated housing options team are available to support you and guide you through the process. We have removed any barriers which may have in the past limited access, including the removal of local connection rules as is the case across all councils in the UK. We are committed to the efficient service required to reduce the amount of stress involved for the Armed Forces Community in settling within the district.
The district has its own specific armed forces housing provision in Lancaster at Westfield Memorial Village and our housing department works closely with the Guinness Partnership to assist in housing anyone who may meet the criteria for their housing stock.
For further information or to make a homeless application call our Customer Services on 01524 582257 or email homelessteam@lancaster.gov.uk
Our community leisure centre Salt Ayre Leisure Centre provides sport and leisure facilities for the district.
Corporate and flexible memberships in line with the requirements of short postings and training can be accommodated for armed forces community.
For relaxation and rehabilitation, we also have the Tranquil Spa and Feel Good Suite facilities on site as well as many more facilities including indoor and outdoor play for young forces families to enjoy.
Contact the team on saltayre@lancaster.gov.uk if you have any queries around accessing our facilities and what we can offer you.
We appreciate access to healthcare is something which is important for our Armed Forces Community. A number of GPs within the local area are accredited as veteran-friendly medical practices.
This district benefits from a strong and active network of local organisations dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community, ensuring veterans, serving personnel and their families can access tailored help close to home. These include specialist health and wellbeing support through Healthier Heroes, community-based engagement and support via the Morecambe FC Community Foundation Veterans Project, and peer-led support from organisations such as Bay Veterans Association CIC and Forces & Families United CIC. In addition, long‑established branches of the Royal British Legion in Lancaster & Morecambe and Heysham, alongside SSAFA, play a vital role in providing welfare advice, social connection and practical support across the district.
Lancaster District Directory can also help you find essential services provided by community groups, the NHS and local authorities. It lists groups, classes, activities and advice sessions covering health, fitness, mental wellbeing, money, food provision, jobs & skills – and much more.
The Veterans' Gateway provide a directory of organisation that provide support to veterans in the UK and their families. You can filer results by location and select as many areas of support as you need. They also have a helpline that can provide information and referral support by telephone: 0808 802 1212
Councillor Roger Dennison is the Armed Forces Champion for the Lancaster District.
The role of the Armed Forces Champion is to ensure that the local authority achieves its commitments to the armed forces community and any blockages are resolved.
