CORONAVIRUS – Council’s pledge to reservists and veterans

Published Thursday, 2nd April 2020

Hartlepool Borough Council has pledged its full support for its Armed Forces reservists and veterans as they receive a call to arms in the war against the Coronavirus.

Reservists across the country are currently being selected by their units to deploy in support of the NHS in its fight against COVID-19.

Employers can expect to be contacted by selected reservists asking to be released for either full deployment over a period of months or for a shorter period through the use of their Reserve Service Days to help the overall mobilisation effort.

Military veterans are also being asked to help in the NHS fight against COVID-19 as part of the establishment and running of new Nightingale Hospitals – including one in the North-East – to care for people who are seriously ill with COVID-19.

Veterans who feel they might be able to play a role should contact Rosalind Lambert at Newcastle-based recruitment organisation Harvey Nash directly on 07464 545249 or email rosalind.lambert@harveynash.com

Veterans can also contribute through Team Rubicon UK’s Operation RE:ACT, which is mobilising the UK’s military veterans who have answered the nation’s call for volunteers – for details click here. 

Councillor Lee Cartwright

Councillor Lee Cartwright

Councillor Lee Cartwright, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We owe an immense debt of gratitude to reservists for the vital role they play in keeping our country safe.

“As an employer, the Council will be doing everything it can to support its reservists in their work to help the NHS in this current emergency.

“We are equally proud of Hartlepool’s veterans, for their past service and for the role they continue to play in the community, and I would like to assure them that we are here for them too.

“Our grateful thanks go to any veterans who are able to contribute their skills during the current pandemic. For those who are self-isolating or otherwise unable to leave their homes, I would remind them that the new Hartlepool Support Hub is on hand to help them stay safe, stay well and stay connected.”

Hartlepool Support Hub offers information and advice, emotional support, delivery of shopping, newspapers and prescriptions and links to other support services – call 01429 272905 (10am-4pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am-12 noon Saturdays) or email helping@hartlepool.gov.uk