Veterans across the UK are set to get access to a new network of local support centres.
The UK Government said the new centres will help improve access to support services such as health, housing and employment, and may extend to finance, wellbeing, welfare and integration into society.
They will connect to a new VALOUR headquarters within the Ministry of Defence, with regional centres and field officers working in communities.
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:
“The Armed Forces have a long and important tradition in Wales and we are exceptionally proud of our Welsh veterans.
“Our creation of support hubs will help ensure that thousands of ex-servicepeople across Wales will receive the support they deserve. This is a UK Government committed to improving services for veterans and their families.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, said:
“Our new Veterans Strategy fundamentally resets how we celebrate and support the remarkable men and women who have served in our Armed Forces, whilst harnessing their invaluable talent and skills across society.
“At the core of the strategy is VALOUR – backed by £50 million in funding. From today, organisations can bid for the first tranche of this funding to become part of a network of support centres across the country for our heroes – ensuring easier access to the assistance they need, when and where they need it.
“This strategy has been informed by those who it seeks to benefit: veterans, and we remain committed to stand by those who have stood by us.”
Nick Pope, Chair of Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities, said:
“Cobseo welcomes the publication of this Veterans' Strategy and the Government's ongoing commitment to enabling a thriving Armed Forces Community that is both valued and supported by society. There are two key building blocks to this; the Armed Forces Covenant; and the Veterans Strategy, which resets how we engage with the Armed Forces Community to support, to contribute, and to celebrate their endeavours.
“The Armed Forces charity sector has a key role to play in delivering this and ensuring that all Cobseo members continue to provide their brilliant support to their beneficiary communities.”
