Council pledges support for Armed Forces Covenant as part of North East Housing Partnership
Gateshead Council is proud to announce its renewed commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant as part of a region-wide effort led by the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP).
Gateshead Council has formally pledged its support to the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. This pledge, made as part of a collective effort by the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP), coincides with Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June, and reflects a region-wide commitment to treat the Armed Forces community with fairness, respect, and dignity.
The NEHP, made up of 17 housing associations and local authorities across the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority area, manages over 200,000 properties in the region. Together, the partners have pledged to invest, plan, and work collaboratively to support communities and promote wellbeing across the North East. This includes a shared promise to recognise the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and committing to ensure they face no disadvantage in accessing public and commercial services. Special consideration will also be given to those who have sustained injuries or experienced bereavement through military service.
Gateshead Council is a recognised leader in Armed Forces support, playing a central role in the nationally acclaimed Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS). This regional partnership with Durham County Council, Newcastle City Council and Believe Housing provides tailored support with housing, employment, benefits advice, and more.
As further evidence of its commitment, the Council has recently secured £346,600 in funding from the Veterans' Capital Housing Fund to refurbish Bibby House, a supported housing scheme for ex-service personnel. The five-bed facility in Gateshead, delivered by Changing Lives, will undergo significant improvements to ensure it continues to meet the complex needs of veterans for years to come. These include:
- a fully accessible independent living flat with laundry and bathing facilities
- enhanced outdoor space with meeting areas, storage, and raised planting beds
- en-suite upgrades to upstairs bedrooms
- refurbished staff and visitor facilities
- a new multi-functional space to support veteran wellbeing and engagement
Councillor Stuart Green, Armed Forces Champion for Gateshead Council, said:
"We have a proud and lasting connection with our Armed Forces here in Gateshead. This covenant isn't just symbolic—it's a meaningful commitment to make sure our service personnel and veterans feel recognised and supported. With the support of the NEHP, we're reinforcing that promise not just locally, but across the region. From our work leading AFOS to the transformative investment in Bibby House, we are building a future where every veteran feels valued, respected, and at home."
If you're a veteran or serving member of the Armed Forces and are seeking support, please visit the Armed Forces Outreach Service website (opens new window).
Gateshead Council is proud to announce its renewed commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant as part of a region-wide effort led by the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP).
Gateshead Council has formally pledged its support to the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. This pledge, made as part of a collective effort by the North East Housing Partnership (NEHP), coincides with Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June, and reflects a region-wide commitment to treat the Armed Forces community with fairness, respect, and dignity.
The NEHP, made up of 17 housing associations and local authorities across the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority area, manages over 200,000 properties in the region. Together, the partners have pledged to invest, plan, and work collaboratively to support communities and promote wellbeing across the North East. This includes a shared promise to recognise the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and committing to ensure they face no disadvantage in accessing public and commercial services. Special consideration will also be given to those who have sustained injuries or experienced bereavement through military service.
Gateshead Council is a recognised leader in Armed Forces support, playing a central role in the nationally acclaimed Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS). This regional partnership with Durham County Council, Newcastle City Council and Believe Housing provides tailored support with housing, employment, benefits advice, and more.
As further evidence of its commitment, the Council has recently secured £346,600 in funding from the Veterans' Capital Housing Fund to refurbish Bibby House, a supported housing scheme for ex-service personnel. The five-bed facility in Gateshead, delivered by Changing Lives, will undergo significant improvements to ensure it continues to meet the complex needs of veterans for years to come. These include:
- a fully accessible independent living flat with laundry and bathing facilities
- enhanced outdoor space with meeting areas, storage, and raised planting beds
- en-suite upgrades to upstairs bedrooms
- refurbished staff and visitor facilities
- a new multi-functional space to support veteran wellbeing and engagement
Councillor Stuart Green, Armed Forces Champion for Gateshead Council, said:
"We have a proud and lasting connection with our Armed Forces here in Gateshead. This covenant isn't just symbolic—it's a meaningful commitment to make sure our service personnel and veterans feel recognised and supported. With the support of the NEHP, we're reinforcing that promise not just locally, but across the region. From our work leading AFOS to the transformative investment in Bibby House, we are building a future where every veteran feels valued, respected, and at home."
If you're a veteran or serving member of the Armed Forces and are seeking support, please visit the Armed Forces Outreach Service website (opens new window).
