Dedicated telephone and text service announced for Armed Forces families

Pictured at the Veteran Information Roadshow event in Ballymena are (L-R) Charlie Marno, Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone and Tricia Robinson, Royal Armed Medical Core

Serving personnel, veterans and their families in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a new dedicated advice service designed to help them access the support and entitlements available to them.

The announcement was made by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons during a Veterans Roadshow event in Ballymena.

The tailored telephone and text service will address particular difficulties faced by members of the Armed Forces community when seeking access to public services.

The Department for Communities (DfC) confirmed the dedicated online and telephone advice service will be launched over the coming weeks. It is intended to provide direct, targeted support to serving personnel, veterans and their families navigating housing, welfare and other departmental services.

Speaking at the event, Mr Lyons highlighted the breadth of his Department’s responsibilities and the importance of equitable access.

“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.”

Roadshows and strategic leadership

In addition to the new advice line, DfC will work in conjunction with the Veterans Commission to deliver a series of advice roadshows across Northern Ireland.

These events are expected to provide direct engagement opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community seeking guidance on available services.

A senior official within the Department has also been appointed as strategic lead to oversee continued service delivery, including ongoing engagement with the Veterans Commissioner and representative groups.

The move follows a motion passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly in early November to adapt the Armed Forces Covenant, aimed at addressing disadvantage experienced by service personnel and veterans.

Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone welcomed the development.

“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”.

Building on existing provision

The new service will operate alongside the Department’s existing advice provision, which supports people across Northern Ireland in accessing benefits and other assistance. This includes the Make the Call free telephone and outreach advice service, as well as dedicated online resources.

The introduction of a tailored service specifically for the Armed Forces community represents a targeted step within that broader framework, with a focus on addressing barriers unique to those who have served or are currently serving.

Further details on how and when the service can be accessed are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.