The Guardians Grow Charity
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-10)

We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.

The Armed Forces Covenant

An enduring covenant between the people of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families

The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.

This obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution. This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

Section 1: Principles of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

1.1 We The Guardians Grow Charity will endeavour in our business dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, which are:
- no member of the Armed Forces Community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen;
- and in some circumstances that special treatment may be appropriate especially for the injured or bereaved.
Section 2: Demonstrating our commitment

2.1 The Guardians Grow Charity recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. We will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, by pledging to the following:
- Armed Forces Friendly
- UK Service Veterans And Leavers
- UK Service Spouses And Partners
- UK Reservists
- UK Cadets
- Armed Forces Day
- Reserve Forces Day
- Armed Forces Charities
We also pledge the following:

Promoting the Armed Forces: The Guardians Grow Charity is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and support for all members of the community, including the Armed Forces Community. Below are the ways in which we can contribute: Employment support to members of the Armed Forces Community: We aim to hold regular support sessions in collaboration with local organisations to assist veterans, serving personnel transitioning to civilian life, and their families in finding meaningful employment. These sessions will include CV writing, interview preparation, and connecting attendees with local employers. Communications, engagement and outreach: Through our community hub and partnerships with organisations like The Makery, we provide spaces for outreach events, fostering communication between Armed Forces members and local communities. This ensures their voices are heard and needs addressed. Commercial: We are exploring opportunities to offer Armed Forces members discounted or subsidised access to workshops, skill-building classes, and entrepreneurial support, empowering them to launch small businesses or explore creative avenues for income. Health: Mental health is at the heart of what we do. Our peer support groups, such as “Care & Share - Cancer Peer Support,” and mindfulness sessions can be extended to include specialised support for veterans and their families. We are committed to creating safe spaces to address the unique health challenges faced by the Armed Forces community. Housing: We will advocate and collaborate with local housing providers to ensure that members of the Armed Forces Community are aware of and have access to available resources for housing support. Education: Through workshops and events, we aim to provide educational opportunities that empower Armed Forces members with new skills. From creative arts to technical workshops, we support personal and professional growth. Civic responsibilities: We encourage active participation in community events, fostering a sense of belonging. Through initiatives like our Random Acts of Kindness drive, we promote civic engagement and emphasise the valuable contributions of Armed Forces members to our society. The Guardians Grow Charity is deeply committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all, including members of the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the unique challenges faced by veterans, serving personnel, and their families, and are dedicated to addressing these through innovative and inclusive initiatives. By leveraging our extensive network of resources, community partnerships, and local expertise, we aim to: Develop Tailored Programs: Introduce specialised workshops, peer support groups, and mentoring programs designed to meet the specific needs of Armed Forces members, from transitioning to civilian life to building resilience and coping strategies. Strengthen Local Connections: Collaborate with businesses, educational institutions, and local authorities to create pathways for career development, housing solutions, and access to healthcare tailored to the Armed Forces Community. Expand Accessibility: Ensure all services and programs are inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive, recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Armed Forces members and their families. Promote Community Integration: Facilitate events and activities that bring together the Armed Forces Community and the wider public to build mutual understanding, appreciation, and support. Create Safe Spaces: Offer physical and emotional safe spaces where individuals can share their experiences, find solace, and access the help they need without fear of judgment or stigma. At the heart of our commitment is a focus on sustainability and growth. We continuously seek feedback, assess the effectiveness of our initiatives, and remain flexible in adapting to emerging challenges faced by the Armed Forces Community. Through these efforts, The Guardians Grow Charity aspires to be a trusted ally and advocate, ensuring no member of this community feels left behind or unsupported. 2.2

2.2 We will publicise these commitments through our literature and/or on our website, setting out how we will seek to honour them and inviting feedback from the Service community and our customers on how we are doing.