As the UK prepares to mark VE Day, the Government has unveiled VALOUR—a nationwide support system aimed at improving access to essential care and services for veterans. Part of the
broader Plan for Change, this initiative reflects the Government’s renewed commitment to those who have served in the Armed Forces.
Backed by £50 million in funding, VALOUR will establish a UK-wide network of support centres and deploy Regional Field Officers to link veterans with services in housing, health, employment, and welfare. These centres will be designed to meet the specific needs of local communities, offering practical help such as booking GP appointments, navigating welfare systems, and securing housing.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Veterans Minister Al Carns announced the initiative during VE Week, underscoring its role in fulfilling the Government’s pledge to implement the Armed Forces Covenant in full.
Regional Field Officers will play a central role, bringing together charities, service providers, and local authorities to deliver more coordinated, evidence-based support. VALOUR will also leverage data to shape and improve services, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.
The first support centres are expected to open next year. Veterans will be directly involved in the design of VALOUR through focus groups, research, and feedback sessions. While initially focused on veterans, the system has the potential to expand to the wider Armed Forces community in the future.
Defence Secretary, John Healey 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”.
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”.
This announcement builds on the Government’s recent efforts, including the removal of local connection rules for social housing for veterans, £3.5 million in funding for homelessness services, and the launch of Op ASCEND to help veterans into meaningful employment. Photo by Jpbarrass, Wikimedia commons.