- Communities Secretary announces £1 million fund to boost
support for vulnerable veterans
- Investment for eleven local areas to fund access to housing
advice or mental health support, reducing the risk of
homelessness
- Move part of government commitment to tackle all forms of
homelessness and end rough sleeping for good
Veterans who have become homeless, or at risk of it, will be
supported through an extra £1 million boost, the Communities
Secretary, Rt Hon MP announced today (20
March 2019).
The money will help ensure those who have served their country
have a roof over their heads and have the support they need once
leaving the Armed Forces.
The fund will be shared among the ten combined authorities and
the Greater London Authority who will be able to use the funding
to provide veterans with the bespoke support they need as they
navigate civilian life.
Money could also be used to direct former soldiers to existing
specialist support services on offer, such as access to supported
housing and training for staff on mental health issues,
including PTSD (post-traumatic
stress disorder) and how to support those former service
personnel who may initially be reluctant to receive help.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon MP said:
Our veterans play a vital role in keeping our country safe and
many have dedicated their lives to the services. For those who
fall on hard times and end up on the street, it is only right
that we give them all the support they need to put a roof over
their head.
Local authorities across the country already provide much
needed support for veterans, but this boost will allow them to
go further and ensure that more people have access to valuable
services, such as housing advice or mental health support.
This additional funding goes hand in hand with the £1.2 billion
which has been set aside to tackle all forms of homelessness,
including £100 million for rough sleeping, helping ensure
everyone has a safe and secure home to call their own,
regardless of their background.
Defence Secretary said:
The vast majority of those leaving the Armed Forces go on to
lead fulfilling and rewarding lives, but it’s right that we
support those who struggle.
One veteran on the street is one too many and I welcome today’s
announcement on funding to address homelessness and rough
sleeping.
This, along with the support we already provide through the
Veteran Gateway, underlines our commitment to helping those who
have served our country.
Last month, ministers confirmed over £19.5 million is to be
shared among 54 projects across the country to help thousands of
people who are homeless to secure their own home - through
support such as paying deposits for a tenancy or putting down the
first months’ rent. This will help vulnerable people secure a
home in a property they may otherwise not have been able to
access.
This work supports the ongoing government commitment to put an
end to rough sleeping for good, through a number of initiatives
set out in the £100 million backed Rough Sleeping
Strategy. So far, over 1750 beds and 500 additional support
staff jobs have been created, helping to get rough sleepers off
the street and into a more permanent home. This will allow them
access employment, benefits and the necessary mental health or
addiction support services to rebuild their lives for good.
