Government unveils £50 million VALOUR Network to support UK veterans

The UK Government has today launched a new national support system for veterans in every part of the UK, named VALOUR, as part of its broader Plan for Change and in honour of VE Day commemorations.

Backed by a landmark £50 million investment, the initiative will enhance how veterans access housing, healthcare, employment and welfare services throughout the United Kingdom.

The VALOUR network — which stands for Veterans’ Access to Local Outreach, Understanding and Resources — is designed to deliver joined-up, evidence-based support through a network of VALOUR-recognised support centres and a team of newly appointed Regional Field Officers.

These officers will serve as liaisons between national services, local councils, veteran charities and healthcare providers to ensure veterans receive consistent and high-quality assistance, no matter where they live.

The first support centres under the VALOUR scheme are expected to open in 2026, each tailored to meet local needs. Services could include guidance on booking GP appointments, housing applications, mental health referrals or access to employment schemes.

As part of a new collaborative approach, veterans will be invited to contribute to VALOUR’s development via research, focus groups, and direct feedback.

“Renewing the Nation’s Contract with Those Who Serve”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP outlined the programme’s strategic importance, stating:

“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.”

He added:

“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.”

The initiative is a major milestone in fulfilling the Government’s manifesto pledge to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant, a legal commitment to supporting service members and their families.

Focus on Data and Delivery

In a departure from previous fragmented services, VALOUR is designed to be data-driven. This means that service delivery will be shaped by real-time evidence, performance metrics, and veteran-led input, helping allocate resources to where they are most urgently needed.

Veterans Minister Al Carns, himself a veteran, 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.”

Support from the Armed Forces Community

Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, also welcomed the announcement:

“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.”

Building on Recent Progress

The VALOUR launch builds on a year of progress in veterans’ policy, including the removal of local connection requirements for social housing applications, the £3.5 million investment in homelessness prevention, and the introduction of Operation ASCEND to help veterans into meaningful employment.

As the UK prepares to mark VE Day, the Government’s renewed focus on those who served underlines its promise to “renew the nation’s contract with those who serve” and create a lasting, united system of care and support.