Drug and Alcohol Charities Wales has underlined its commitment to the armed forces by signing a Corporate Covenant with the Ministry of Defence.
The agreement – signed by DACW director Clive Wolfendale on behalf of the consortium – has now been formally registered with the UK Government.
DACW partners already provide effective, innovative support to armed forces veterans and their families through the delivery of Change Step – a peer mentoring and advice service which has helped hundreds of people throughout Wales since its launch.
Under the new agreement, DACW has pledged to demonstrate its organisational commitment by:
- promoting its status as a forces-friendly organisation,
- supporting the employment of veterans, and
- playing a full and active part in the annual Armed Forces Day celebrations.
The covenant also commits DACW to ensuring no member of the armed forces community is disadvantaged, and recognises that special treatment may be appropriate for the injured or bereaved.
DACW partners already employ 20 veterans as Change Step peer mentors, and provide volunteering opportunities for many more. All staff seek to raise awareness of what Change Step can offer during the course of their work.
Feedback shows our approach is working, and that our practical help and guidance is overwhelmingly valued by clients.
Change Step was launched in January 2014 and is delivered by the five DACW partners – CAIS, Drugaid, WCADA, TEDS and Kaleidoscope – to ensure coverage across the whole of Wales.
