In celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE day, the Government has announced a new UK-wide veteran support network called VALOUR (Veterans’ Access to Local Outreach, Understanding and Resources).
This newly restructured network initiative is backed by £50 million in funding and is intended to deliver better access to care and support for former military personnel. VALOUR will meet the specific needs of veterans in areas such as housing, employment, health and welfare.
The Minister for Veterans and People, and former Royal Marine, Alistair Carns, said that the project will be run “by veterans for veterans”. VALOUR will be the first data-driven framework, focused on providing veteran-specific services tailored to the needs of veterans in that area. Mr Carns also described how the initiative will restructure the way that the UK Government supports its veterans on a national, regional and local level by bringing together charities, service providers and local governments to provide feedback-driven support for veterans. The Ministry of Defence has announced that it will invite veterans to provide feedback and attend focus groups, to help design the initiative. The intention is to scale up the initiative in the future, to support the wider Armed Forces community.
The initiative is a major milestone in fulfilling the Government’s manifesto pledge to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a legal commitment to supporting service members and their families. Regional Field Officers will be deployed to connect local, regional and national services, building upon the Welsh Government’s highly successful model of Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officers. Colonel James Phillips, Veterans Commissioner for Wales, welcomed the initiative, saying “it is essential that the needs for veterans are put front and centre of the new service.”
The first VALOUR hub is expected to be operational in 2026, with services shaped around the needs of the local veteran population. Services could include improved advice on how to book GP appointments, access welfare or support with housing issues.
Veterans Minister, Al Carns, said:
“As a veteran who served for 24 years, I recognise the unique challenges they’ve faced and the skills they possess. This new investment will ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support services in the way they need it.
We are creating the UK’s first ever data-driven framework for veterans’ services, ensuring our resources are channelled to where they’re most needed and can make the greatest difference to those who have courageously served their country.”
Director General of the British Royal Legion, Mark Atkinson, said:
“The Royal British Legion welcomes today’s announcement to improve and better coordinate government support for veterans under VALOUR. Whilst there are a range of government services already in place for veterans, these services can vary depending on where you live and your access to information about the services available. Improved coordination across health, housing, employment, and mental wellbeing services is crucial to helping veterans lead successful lives.
We look forward to working closely with government and partner organisations to help turn these commitments into meaningful change.”
The VALOUR initiative follows previous efforts by the Government to deliver support services for veterans, including £3.5 million of new funding for veteran homelessness services, changes to social housing criteria, and the launch of Op ASCEND which helps veterans access career opportunities and employment.
While details about the longer-term roll out and allocation of funding are not yet known, the VALOUR initiative will provide an easily accessible support network for every veteran, regardless of where they live.
At Hugh James, our Military team continues to work closely with service personnel and veterans navigating the legal challenges that can arise from military life. Whether dealing with personal injury, transition to civilian life, or financial and family matters, we understand the distinct pressures faced by those who serve. Like the VALOUR initiative, our approach is tailored to the specific needs of each client, enabling us to offer specialist support across a broad range of legal issues. Whatever your legal issues, our broad range of expertise means we can best represent your interests.
