Health and wellbeing of veterans and armed forces personnel at the heart of Bury Armed Forces Covenant Conference

Bury Council and partners are bringing together veterans, serving personnel, support organisations and partners from across Bury and Greater Manchester for Bury's second Armed Forces Covenant Conference.

It takes place on Thursday 17 September, 9.30am to 2pm, at the Fusilier Museum, Bury

Veterans, serving members of the armed forces, reservists and family are welcome to come along.

Register for a place - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bury-armed-forces-covenant-conference-2026-tickets-1996785550333?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2a1bc2cd1%2a_up%2aMQ..%2a_ga%2aMTM3NjMzODgzNy4xNzg2MzQ5MDE2%2a_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2aczE3ODYzNDkwMTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODYzNDkwMTUkajYwJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=true

While many veterans transition successfully into civilian life, some can face unique challenges linked to their service, including mental health difficulties, social isolation, addiction, or difficulties accessing the right support.

Bury Council and its partners are committed to ensuring that veterans can access the help they need and to reducing the health inequalities experienced by some members of the armed forces community.

This year's conference has been shaped by feedback from local veterans and will focus on connecting people with services, raising awareness of available support, and helping local organisations better understand and respond to veterans' wellbeing needs.

Amongst those organisations attending will be:

• Op Courage, the veterans mental health and wellbeing service from the NHS
• Military Veterans Service (MVS) community-based psychological therapy service Greater Manchester and Lancashire run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
• Armed Forces Community HQ, a community service providing a range of services including housing and homelessness, help with finding work, fitness and wellbeing and mental health support

Councillor Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Inclusion and Communities said: "Moving from military to civilian life can bring unique challenges, and it's important that veterans know where to turn when they need support.

"Last year we heard from veterans and serving members of the armed forces, the Office for Veterans' Affairs, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and organisations supporting veterans across the borough. It helped strengthen relationships, share experiences and identify where more can be done to support those who have served.

"This year we're focusing specifically on how wider mental health services can continue to better understand and meet the needs of veterans.

"Alongside presentations from a range of organisations, there will be dedicated time to visit information stalls, speak directly with support providers, and learn more about the help and opportunities available."

Further information about support available an also be found here: https://www.bury.gov.uk/armed-forces-personnel/health-and-wellbeing-support-for-armed-forces-personnel

Register for a place

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to register in advance to help with planning and security arrangements:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bury-armed-forces-covenant-conference-2026-tickets-1996785550333?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2a1bc2cd1%2a_up%2aMQ..%2a_ga%2aMTM3NjMzODgzNy4xNzg2MzQ5MDE2%2a_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2aczE3ODYzNDkwMTUkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODYzNDkwMTUkajYwJGwwJGgw&keep_tld=trueOrganisations

Organisations interested in hosting an information stall can complete the following form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/xTPTsYPGxZ

If you have any questions, or require support with access or dietary requirements, please contact armedforces@bury.gov.uk or call 0161 253 5879 / 0161 253 6592.