Communities Minister has announced dedicated
advice services for the Armed Forces community.
The new telephone and text service will address the particular
difficulties for serving personnel, veterans and their families
in accessing services.
Speaking at a Veterans Roadshow event in Ballymena, Minister
Lyons said: “My Department has one of
the broadest remits in government. Our services touch the lives
of everyone in Northern Ireland, from housing and benefits, to
sport, local places, arts and culture.
“With such a wide span of responsibilities, I am
committed to a simple principle: providing the right service, at
the right time, to the right people. No one should face
disadvantage when trying to access the support to which they are
entitled.
“I am therefore determined that veterans, those currently
serving and their families, have our support to help access their
entitlements.”
The dedicated online and telephone advice service, tailored to
the needs of the Armed Forces community, will be launched over
the coming weeks.
In addition, the Department for Communities, working in
conjunction with the Veterans Commission, will launch a series of
advice roadshows across Northern Ireland.
A senior official within the Department has also been appointed
as the strategic lead for continued service delivery including
ongoing engagement with the Veterans Commissioner and
representative groups.
The new service adds to the Department's extensive advice
provision for people across Northern Ireland to assist them in
accessing benefits and other supports. This includes the Make the
Call free telephone and outreach advice service and dedicated
online resources.
Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone said:
“Following the passing of the motion in early November by the
Assembly to adapt the Armed Forces Covenant, I want to
acknowledge the proactive approach that has been taken by
Minister Lyons and his officials in moving swiftly to launch a
dedicated support service for the Armed Forces community.
“This is a significant and positive step as we work towards
ensuring that there is no disadvantage towards members of our
Armed Forces and veterans in the areas, including housing and
welfare, that are within the remit of this Department.
I look forward to further engagement with the Minister and
his officials on these important matters”.
