Veterans across South Yorkshire will benefit from VALOUR, the Government’s new £50m support system giving former members of the Armed Forces greater access to tailored support.
Veterans throughout the North of England 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 South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.
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.
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP and Defence Secretary, John Healey, said:
“I came into office as Defence Secretary with a determination to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and who have served by ensuring no veteran falls through the gaps.
“This Armed Forces Week, we are setting up a system to ensure veterans can more easily access support on housing, employment, and health services.
“The new pilot creates a 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.
You can read more online here VALOUR: information and next steps – GOV.UK