Meet the Armed Forces Community Team

Welcome from Cllr Roger Buston, Armed Forces Champion

I am Colchester Borough Council’s Elected Member representative for the Armed Forces.

The Council has long been committed to both actively working with and supporting our armed forces community, a proud tradition going back to Victorian times, and indeed before, and one I am pleased to have the opportunity to endorse, support and continue.

Having spent many years (most of my adult life) with the Reserves – including 5 years serving with HQ 16 x immediately before retiring and having acted for many service members in my ‘civvy job’ as well – I have developed an understanding of the ‘forces perspective’ which I am pleased to be able to bring to this role with the Council to better help service personnel and their families. Service folk, I have generally found, look to directness, empathy, support and encouragement to solve a problem, rather than just tea, platitudes and sympathy.

Whether you are currently serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces, the team will be here to support you and your family and can advise on many issues. If we cannot advise, we will try to put you in contact with someone that can.

Colchester has a long and proud history of supporting the service men and women that have lived and worked – and played – within our town with their families, and indeed the many who have chosen to put down roots and settle here following their service. 

This continued commitment to the armed services over many years is reflected in the award to the Council of the Gold Standard of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. 

I shall look forward to meeting you.

Get in touch

Our Armed Forces Member Champion is Cllr Roger Buston

Email: roger.buston@colchester.gov.uk

Our Lead Officer is Lucie Breadman, Assistant Director of Communities

Email: lucie.breadman@colchester.gov.uk   

Our Officer contact is Chrissy Henegan, Communities team

Email: Armed.Forces@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester Covenant Partnership Board

The Colchester Covenant Partnership Board has been established by bringing together all relevant partners including Colchester Garrison and Colchester Borough Council to oversee the development of the Covenant in Colchester.

What are we doing locally for the Armed Forces Community?

• Encouraging local communities to support you and your involvement in the wider community
• Encouraging activities, joint events and projects which help to integrate you into local life
• Nurturing an understanding and awareness of issues affecting you and recognising sacrifices made by the Armed Forces
• Training our staff and implementing appropriate policies to support you
• Understanding your needs while developing services
• Providing employment and training opportunities
• Raising awareness of the challenges you face
• Raising your awareness of what support is available to you
• Understanding and supporting veterans

Essex Civil Military Partnership Board

Following the signing of the Essex Armed Forces Covenant on 6th November 2012, the Essex Civilian Military Partnership Board was established to fulfil the undertakings agreed under the Covenant, to tangibly improve the lives of all.

Colchester Borough Council is represented on this Board, along with public, private and voluntary sector partners to look at Essex-wide activities relating to the Armed Forces.

The Civilian Military Partnership Board is currently engaged in a comprehensive programme of work, focusing on:

• Housing
• Health and Wellbeing
• Education
• Employment and Skills
• Promoting Integration

The Essex and Suffolk Military Herald is a useful publication that provides local Armed Forces related news and information.