Veterans across northern England will benefit from VALOUR, the
Government's new £50m support system giving former members of the
Armed Forces greater access to tailored support.
Veterans in the North will be able to use the pilot service to
access the help they need, such as housing, mental and physical
health and employment guidance and services.
The pilot is being launched by the Government's Office for
Veterans' Affairs (OVA) in partnership with Greater Manchester,
Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, and South
Yorkshire.
It will develop and test a networked system of connected services
including local authorities, public services and the third
sector to ensure veterans are better supported – helping
deliver the Government's Plan for Change and commitment to
renewing the nation's contract with those who serve.
The northern pilot will collect data across local government,
service providers, the NHS and charities focused on veterans'
needs to continuously improve the VALOUR service, shape policy
and create a blueprint for national rollout in 2026.
The launch comes as new YouGov research reveals the majority of
veterans in the UK believe local support is insufficient, with
73% preferring coordinated services across government and
charities, highlighting a clear mandate for concerted
action.
Minister for Veterans and People, , said:
"This Armed Forces Week, we are renewing our contract with those
who serve and have served, by ensuring no veteran falls through
the gaps.
“From South Yorkshire to Liverpool City Region, I am delighted
that veterans across the North of England will be the first to
benefit from VALOUR and get better access to the tailored support
they need.
“By opening this pilot, we're creating the blueprint that will
transform veteran support nationwide, delivering on this
Government's Plan for Change.”
Veterans will be central to the development of VALOUR and can
sign up to participate in research that will shape the network on
Gov.uk.
VALOUR will create a network of recognised centres across all UK
nations and regions, with Regional Field Officers connecting
charities, local government and service provider – while
harnessing the power of data to shape improved
services.
Development funding will soon be available for existing and new
veteran centres to gain VALOUR accreditation and help signpost
those requiring support to the right place. Further information
on development funding for the VALOUR support centres will be
released in the coming months, including eligibility and
timelines.
The partnership will enhance data collection to shape better
services, and the VALOUR network will have central oversight,
providing even greater support to our veterans. This is the first
time that the Government will draw on local expertise and
collaborate across regions in enhancing support provision for
veterans.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy , said:
“For too long veterans have not been properly looked after
despite their service to this country. So it is great that the
government has launched the VALOUR network to give former members
of the Armed Forces the tailored support they deserve.
“In Greater Manchester we are proud of our Armed Forces Covenant
which brings together our local authorities to support veterans
in their area. The VALOUR pilot will give us even more resources
to support our Armed Forces community with our Live Well
model.
“This scheme also highlights how improving lives in local
communities can be done through further devolution, and we look
forward to working alongside colleagues in the three other
Combined Authorities to make this pilot successful.”
Alongside VALOUR, the Government has invested £3.5m in
homelessness services, launched free career support through Op
ASCEND, and extended employer National Insurance relief. Veterans
will be first to benefit from the GOV.UK wallet by applying for
digital Veteran Cards later this year.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
“Our armed forces make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and
protect our way of life. It is therefore vital that we
support our veterans, so they can succeed and thrive in
civilian life.
“This new network will enable us to build upon the
great work already taking place here in West Yorkshire,
partnering with other agencies across the North and ensuring
that all veterans have access to services and support they
need.”
