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AFC
The Armed Forces Covenant (opens new window) is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Spelthorne Borough Council proudly signed the Armed Forces Covenant in April 2014.
"We are committed to work closely with the Armed Forces Community, local residents and our partners to support current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families. The Spelthorne Armed Forces Partnership has been established specifically for that purpose."
Cllr John Doran and Cllr Darren Clarke, Armed Forces Champions
Cllr Darren Clarke
Major Darren Clarke joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in 1989 as an Apprentice Tradesman, leaving after 31 years in 2020 as a Late Entry (LE) Major. During his career he was assigned throughout Britain and Europe, conducting operations in Rwanda, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. He worked mainly at Regimental Duties however, has also served at almost every level of headquarters throughout his career. He has worked alongside most Corps and branches of the Army as well as RAF and joint units. He also spent an assignment as a Welfare Officer and is currently a reservist albeit on the Army Reserve Reinforcement Group, which is about to cease shortly.
Darren is keen to help veterans and retired servicemen of all walks of life to fulfil their opportunities as veterans.
If you want to find out more about the work of this group or feel that you could add value to the partnership please email:
Armed Forces Covenant Fund
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund was established to support the Armed Forces Community and has four broad themes:
- removing barriers to family life
- extra support after service for those that need help
- measures to integrate military and civilian communities and allow the Armed Forces community to participate as citizens
- non-core healthcare services for veterans
For information about the various funding programmes, their deadlines and to read the guidance and criteria visit https://www.covenantfund.org.uk/
Information and advice
Veterans Gateway
Veterans Gateway put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the advice and support they need.
The Surrey Pathway
The Surrey Pathway initiative has been funded via the Armed Forces Covenant and establishes pathways of services that support the Armed Forces Community. This has been done in parallel to the Service Champion Training which is also being carried out across the South East.
Forces Connect mobile app
The Forces Connect mobile app was developed to help people find agencies offering advice guidance and support quickly. It is easy to navigate and can be downloaded via Google Play and the Apple Store.
The app contains a comprehensive list of services and contact information that have been checked and validated by the NHS Armed Forces Networks and FCSE Partnering authorities.
It is not exhaustive. If you would like to add a service to the list please send full details to fcse@surreycc.gov.uk.
Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council has a webpage dedicated to information and support for the Armed Forces Community.
It includes details of borough and district council services; welfare and advice; crisis support; employment, education and training; family support; care and benefits; health and wellbeing; housing and homelessness.
Veterans' Hubs
Veterans' Hubs are a relaxed place for ex-servicemen and women to drop in and share a cup of tea. With a minimum of two services or charities available at least once a month they also provide a way to gain advice, support and services under one roof.
Details of Veterans' Hubs across the county are included in the Surrey Armed Forces Calendar.
Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs
The network of Breakfast Clubs exist to provide veterans and those serving a place to meet for free, face to face in a safe, social environment.
To find your nearest Breakfast Club visit: https://www.afvbc.net/
Men's Shed
Men's sheds are a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. They're about social connections and building friendships, laughter, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter.
To find your nearest Men's Shed visit: https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/
SSAFA
SSAFA provides lifelong support to regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service, no matter how long they have served.
Royal British Legion
Royal British Legion are dedicated to supporting not only serving and ex-serving personnel but the whole of the Armed Forces community, including their families. From support dealing with the loss of a loved one and short-term breaks to help to find jobs and training.
Useful links
Last modified:
16/09/2025