The government has outlined plans for a new network of support centres intended to improve access to services for veterans across the UK.
Responding to a written parliamentary question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, Defence Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said the initiative will be delivered through VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRCs), which will provide in-person guidance and support to veterans.
“VALOUR will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them,” Sandher-Jones said.
The centres will form part of a wider effort to connect charities, service providers and public bodies supporting the Armed Forces community. Organisations wishing to become recognised centres were invited to apply for development funding earlier this year.
“Applications for the first round of VALOUR Development Funding for organisations wishing to become a VRC closed on 14 January 2026,” Sandher-Jones said, adding that bids are currently being assessed and successful applicants will be announced later.
The development fund is administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust on behalf of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, which is overseeing the rollout of the programme. Alongside the centres, a network of VALOUR Field Officers will work locally to coordinate support services and improve collaboration between charities, councils and other providers.
“A network of VALOUR Field Officers will aim to bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination and enable data-driven policy and service development,” Sandher-Jones said.
The minister added that a new VALOUR headquarters team is being established within the Ministry of Defence to gather data and help shape future veteran support services based on local needs.
Whilst shafting them over the troubles Northern Ireland, seems a bit rich, deflect, distract pointless statemeant