SAFCO exists to stand beside Stockport’s Armed Forces community. Our purpose is to ensure every member, from veterans and serving personnel to families and carers, feels valued, connected, and supported.
We work collaboratively to influence local decision-making and ensure the voices of our Armed Forces community are represented across Stockport’s strategic forums and partnership boards.
Our priorities and direction are shaped by members at our bi-monthly meetings, consultations and ongoing conversations across our social groups.
SAFCO is your local network of help and through us, you can access practical support, social connection, specialist advice and a friendly face.
What is SAFCO?
SAFCO is a community and volunteer-led alliance dedicated to supporting Stockport’s Armed Forces community. We recognise the pressures and challenges that can come with military life and we work hard to make sure no one has to navigate them alone.
By bringing together charities, local groups, public services and community partners, we’re able to provide meaningful, hands-on support that helps veterans, serving personnel and their families feel settled, connected and confident in civilian life.
We became a constituted organisation in June 2023 and have grown rapidly through collaboration, trust and community involvement.
Our History
Following years of informal collaboration, SAFCO became a constituted community organisation in June 2023. Since then, we have expanded our social groups, supported hundreds of local veterans, and delivered major community events like Armed Forces Day.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make Stockport the best place to be a veteran. We aim to support the most vulnerable, influence local policies, and create a fairer, more inclusive experience for all.
Our Strength is in Our Members
SAFCO isn’t a single organisation; we are a collective of dedicated partners, charities, and local businesses. Each of our members brings a unique set of skills and resources to the table, ensuring that no matter what challenge a veteran or their family is facing, there is a local expert ready to help.
By working together under the SAFCO banner, our members ensure that the Armed Forces Covenant is more than just a pledge, it’s a reality in Stockport. Explore our member directory to see the full network of support available across the borough and the partners who make our mission possible.
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national commitment to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families are treated fairly.
SAFCO supports organisations across Stockport to understand and fulfil their Covenant commitments and we work closely with local partners to ensure veterans and families have equal access to services, opportunities and support.
We also encourage local business and organisations to sign the Covenant and join us in creating a borough where the Armed Forces community is support and valued.
SAFCO works closely with Stockport Council and partners to embed Covenant principles into local policies, services and community initiatives.