Armed Forces Day in Consett is an important opportunity for communities across the UK to recognise and appreciate the contribution of serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families.
For veterans and members of the Armed Forces community in Consett and County Durham, Armed Forces Day can provide more than a day of celebration. It can also create opportunities to meet others, reconnect with the local community, learn about available support and recognise the experiences of those who have served.
SMARTT Veterans CIC supports the Armed Forces community in the North East and has organised Armed Forces Day activities in Consett to honour the service and sacrifice of current and former military personnel and their families.
In this guide, we explore what Armed Forces Day means, why it is important to the veteran community and how veterans, families and local residents can get involved.
What Is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the public to show appreciation for people who serve or have served in the UK’s Armed Forces.
It provides an opportunity to recognise:
- Serving military personnel
- Veterans
- Reservists
- Military families
- Former service personnel
- The wider Armed Forces community
Across the country, communities can organise events, activities and celebrations to recognise military service.
For veterans, these events can also provide an opportunity to reconnect with people who understand their experiences.
Why Is Armed Forces Day Important for Veterans?
Military service can create strong relationships and a sense of belonging.
After leaving the Armed Forces, some veterans may experience significant changes in their daily routine, social connections and community involvement.
Events such as Armed Forces Day can help maintain those connections.
For veterans, participating in Armed Forces Day can provide an opportunity to:
- Meet other veterans
- Reconnect with former colleagues
- Meet serving personnel
- Spend time with family
- Participate in community activities
- Share experiences
- Learn about veteran support
- Feel connected to the wider Armed Forces community
SMARTT Veterans describes its Consett Armed Forces Day as an opportunity to honour and recognise the service and sacrifice of active military personnel, veterans and their families.
Armed Forces Day in Consett
SMARTT Veterans has a dedicated Armed Forces Day programme in Consett, County Durham.
The event is designed to bring the Armed Forces community and the wider public together to recognise military service and create opportunities for connection and support.
The SMARTT Veterans event page describes activities including parades and community celebrations, alongside opportunities for the public to engage with serving and former Armed Forces personnel.
This makes Armed Forces Day an opportunity for both remembrance and community engagement
What Can You Expect at an Armed Forces Day Event?
The exact programme can vary from year to year.
However, Armed Forces Day celebrations can include activities such as:
- Parades
- Community events
- Veteran activities
- Family activities
- Information stalls
- Military displays
- Community organisations
- Opportunities to meet veterans
- Support and advice
SMARTT Veterans’ Consett event page specifically highlights parades and activities taking place throughout the day.
If you are planning to attend a future event, it is always best to check the latest information directly with SMARTT Veterans before travelling.
Armed Forces Day Is About More Than Celebration
While Armed Forces Day is a day of celebration and appreciation, it can also highlight the realities faced by veterans and their families.
Some veterans may need support with:
- Employment
- Education and training
- Mental wellbeing
- Housing
- Financial difficulties
- Food poverty
- Social isolation
- Transitioning to civilian life
SMARTT Veterans currently identifies Education & Training, Employment Support, Mental Health Support, Housing Assistance and Food Poverty Initiatives among its key support areas.
This means Armed Forces Day can also be an opportunity to connect veterans with information and practical support.
The Armed Forces Day Support Hub
One of the important features highlighted by SMARTT Veterans is its support hub.
The support hub provides information, advice and guidance about services that may be relevant to veterans and their families.
This can include information relating to:
- Health services
- Employment opportunities
- Veteran support
- Transition challenges
- Community resources
SMARTT Veterans explains that the support hub is intended to help veterans and families access information and guidance, including support for veterans over 50 who may be experiencing challenges after leaving the Armed Forces.
Why Is Community Support Important for Veterans?
Community support can make a significant difference during the transition from military to civilian life.
A veteran may leave behind:
- Military colleagues
- Structured routines
- Familiar environments
- Regular social interaction
- A strong sense of shared purpose
Community organisations can provide opportunities to rebuild some of those connections.
SMARTT Veterans’ wider mission focuses on supporting current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families through compassionate care, essential services and meaningful opportunities.
Armed Forces Day in Consett
County Durham has a significant veteran population.
According to information published by SMARTT Veterans using 2021 Census data, County Durham had an estimated 22,615 veterans, representing approximately 5.2% of the population.
This makes community-focused Armed Forces events particularly relevant to the area.
Events in Consett can provide an opportunity for veterans and families to connect with one another while helping the wider public understand the contribution and experiences of the Armed Forces community.
How Families Can Get Involved
Armed Forces Day is not only for veterans.
Families can also play an important role in recognising military service.
Family members can:
- Attend community events
- Support serving personnel
- Spend time with veteran relatives
- Learn about Armed Forces history
- Meet other families
- Participate in community activities
- Learn about available support
For children and younger family members, these events can also provide an opportunity to understand the experiences and contributions of previous generations.
How Local Residents Can Support Veterans
You do not need to have a military background to support the Armed Forces community.
Local residents can contribute by:
- Attending Armed Forces Day events
- Showing appreciation to veterans
- Supporting veteran organisations
- Volunteering
- Sharing information about veteran services
- Supporting community initiatives
- Learning more about the Armed Forces community
Even small actions can help veterans feel recognised and connected.
Volunteering at Armed Forces Day
Volunteers can play an important role in making community events successful.
SMARTT Veterans specifically highlights Event & Community Support as one of its volunteering opportunities.
Volunteers can help with activities such as:
- Supporting Armed Forces Day
- Setting up stalls
- Greeting attendees
- Helping with community activities
- Supporting veterans and visitors
SMARTT Veterans also offers peer support & mentoring and skills-based volunteering opportunities.
Volunteering Opportunities for Veterans in County Durham
Armed Forces Day and Veteran Wellbeing
Community connection can be an important part of overall wellbeing.
For some veterans, attending an event can provide an opportunity to:
- Meet familiar faces
- Make new friends
- Talk with other veterans
- Participate in activities
- Learn about support
- Feel part of a community
SMARTT Veterans identifies community and connection as important parts of its wider support approach.
Armed Forces Day should not replace professional support when someone needs it, but community engagement can be one positive part of a wider support network.
Mental Health Support for Veterans in County Durham
Armed Forces Day and Employment Support
For some veterans, employment is an important part of transitioning into civilian life.
However, finding suitable employment can sometimes be challenging.
Veterans may need help with:
- Identifying transferable skills
- Understanding civilian career options
- Gaining qualifications
- Building confidence
- Preparing for job applications
- Understanding available opportunities
SMARTT Veterans provides employment support and education & training as part of its wider veteran support services.
Employment Support for Veterans in County Durham
Training Courses for Veterans in County Durham
Armed Forces Day and Community Activities
Armed Forces Day can also introduce veterans to other activities available within their local community.
SMARTT Veterans supports activities such as:
- Walking Football
- Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
- Volunteering
- Community events
- Education and training opportunities
These activities can help veterans remain connected throughout the year rather than only during Armed Forces Day.
Walking Football for Veterans in County Durham
Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
How Armed Forces Day Helps Reduce Isolation
Social isolation can affect people for many different reasons.
For veterans, leaving the Armed Forces can sometimes mean losing regular contact with people they previously worked alongside.
Community events can provide an opportunity to meet others in a relaxed environment.
A simple conversation at an event can sometimes lead to:
New Friendship
↓
Community Connection
↓
Information About Support
↓
Greater Confidence
↓
Ongoing Participation
This is one reason community events can be valuable beyond the event itself.
Remembering the Service and Sacrifice of Armed Forces Personnel
Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity to recognise the commitment and sacrifices associated with military service.
It is a chance to say thank you to:
- Those currently serving
- Former service personnel
- Veterans
- Reservists
- Military families
For veterans, recognition can also provide a sense that their contribution has not been forgotten.
SMARTT Veterans’ mission is centred around honouring and supporting current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Who Can Attend an Armed Forces Day Event?
Armed Forces Day community events are generally designed to bring together the wider community and the Armed Forces community.
This can include:
- Veterans
- Serving personnel
- Reservists
- Military families
- Local residents
- Friends
- Supporters
- Community organisations
For specific SMARTT Veterans event arrangements, always check the latest information directly with the organisation.
How Can You Support SMARTT Veterans?
There are several ways people can support the work of SMARTT Veterans.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to:
Volunteer
Help with community events and veteran activities.
Donate
Provide financial support to help veteran-focused initiatives.
Participate
Join community activities and events.
Share Information
Help veterans and families discover available support.
Sponsor
Businesses and organisations can explore opportunities to support veteran-focused initiatives.
SMARTT Veterans’ website includes Fundraising, Donations and Volunteering among its opportunities for supporting the organisation.
What Support Is Available for Veterans in County Durham?
Armed Forces Day is one part of a wider veteran support network.
SMARTT Veterans currently lists support areas including:
Education & Training
Helping veterans develop qualifications and skills.
Employment Support
Helping veterans explore civilian employment opportunities.
Mental Health Support
Providing information and community-focused wellbeing support.
Housing Assistance
Helping veterans facing accommodation-related challenges.
Food Poverty Initiatives
Supporting veterans and families experiencing food-related financial difficulties.
Community Activities
Creating opportunities for veterans to connect and participate.
Veteran Support Services in County Durham
How to Find Out About Future Armed Forces Day Events
Armed Forces Day events can change from year to year.
Dates, locations, activities and schedules may vary.
If you want to attend a future SMARTT Veterans Armed Forces Day event in Consett, check the organisation’s official website or contact SMARTT Veterans directly for the latest information.
This is especially important if you are travelling from outside Consett.
Get Involved With the Armed Forces Community in Consett
Whether you are a veteran, family member, serving member of the Armed Forces or local resident, there are different ways to become involved.
You can:
- Attend community events
- Volunteer
- Join veteran activities
- Support fundraising
- Learn about veteran services
- Encourage others to support veterans
- Connect with local veteran organisations
Community participation can help create a stronger and more connected Armed Forces community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Armed Forces Day in Consett
What is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to recognise and show appreciation for serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, reservists and military families.
Is there an Armed Forces Day event?
SMARTT Veterans has organised an Armed Forces Day event in Consett as part of its work supporting the local Armed Forces community.
What activities can take place at Armed Forces Day?
SMARTT Veterans’ event information highlights activities including parades and community celebrations. Exact activities can vary from year to year.
Can veterans get support at Armed Forces Day?
SMARTT Veterans has highlighted a support hub providing information, advice and guidance about services for veterans and their families.
Can families attend Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is intended to recognise the wider Armed Forces community, including veterans and their families. Check the latest event information for specific arrangements.
Can local residents support Armed Forces Day?
Yes. Local residents can attend events, show appreciation, volunteer, support veteran organisations and help raise awareness of veteran services.
Can I volunteer at an Armed Forces Day event?
SMARTT Veterans lists Event & Community Support as a volunteering opportunity, including helping with Armed Forces Day activities in Consett.
Where is SMARTT Veterans based?
SMARTT Veterans is based at Belle View Stadium, Consett AFC, County Durham, DH8 7BF.
Supporting Those Who Served
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to say thank you.
But supporting veterans should not be limited to one day each year.
Veterans and their families may need support, friendship, information and opportunities throughout the year.
From community activities and volunteering to education, employment and wellbeing support, there are many ways we can help build a stronger Armed Forces community.
SMARTT Veterans CIC is committed to supporting current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families across the North East.
If you are a veteran, family member or member of the local community, find out how you can get involved and support those who served. 
