Veterans support network expands with 21 local partners

Twenty-one local organisations have been chosen to join the UK’s VALOUR veterans-support network, more than doubling the number of recognised centres. The partners will share £13.2 million to connect former service personnel and families with housing, health, employment and welfare help.

The Ministry of Defence says the new centres will open by early 2027 alongside 14 existing organisations. Citizens Advice Rushmoor in Aldershot is among those selected and already supports local veterans through its advice work.

VALOUR’s current contact service gives veterans a phone, email and online-referral route to welfare guidance while the physical network grows. The expansion is funded and assigned, but most new centres are not open yet, so reach, waiting times and outcomes remain to be tested.

The useful design is a joined-up front door: local advisers can identify several needs at once, while the national service keeps help available during the rollout and directs veterans towards practical next steps.

Sources

• Ministry of Defence — Veteran support centre network to more than double across the UK
• Independent supporting source