Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care
and support under a new VALOUR system being announced today, as
part of the Government's commitment to renew the nation's
contract with those who have served through the Plan for
Change.
£50m of funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised
support centres across the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers
to connect local, regional and national services – while
harnessing the power of data to shape better
services.
Defence Secretary MP and Veterans Minister are announcing the new service during VE week, marking
a major milestone in meeting this government's manifesto promise
to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant.
The new Regional Field Officers will bring together charities,
service providers and local government to provide more evidence
and feedback driven support for veterans, across housing,
employment, health and welfare.
The Ministry of Defence is announcing today it will invite
veterans to help design VALOUR through research, focus groups and
feedback. While VALOUR will initially focus on veterans, the
service is designed to be scaled up to support the wider Armed
Forces community in the future.
Defence Secretary, MP said:
“The nation owes a duty to those who've served to defend our
country, and it is only right that the Government steps up our
support to them. The Armed Forces set most people up for success
in life but when veterans need help then support is too often a
postcode patchwork.
“Our plan to develop a UK-wide veterans support service will work
with enterprising health, employment and housing charities and it
is backed by the one of the largest ever Government funding
commitments to veterans.
“This Government is delivering on our Plan for Change and
renewing the nation's contract with those who serve.”
VALOUR will harness the power of data to shape better service
provision and ensure the right type of support is available for
veterans at a local level.
As the delivery arm, field officers will work with local services
including local government bodies, to share best practice and
guidance. This will include applying the principles of the Armed
Forces Covenant, the nation's promise to support the armed forces
community and their families, which will soon gain legal footing
as part of the manifesto commitment.
Veterans Minister, , 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.”
Over the past year, the Government has delivered for veterans,
including by removing the local connection requirement for
veterans seeking social housing and awarding £3.5m of new funding
for homelessness services. The recent launch of Op ASCEND has
been critical in ensuring veterans can get onto the career ladder
and access meaningful jobs.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Government has extended National Insurance relief for
eligible veteran employers. Veterans will be the first cohort to
access GOV.UK digital wallets, with HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards
becoming the first digitised government documents this
summer.
