Veterans urged to seek support as Minister highlights dedicated helpline at Armed Forces Day

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly met members of the armed forces in Coleraine, including Seamus, the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has used Armed Forces Day celebrations in Coleraine to encourage veterans, serving personnel and their families to access Northern Ireland’s first dedicated government support line for the armed forces community.

The call comes just weeks after the launch of Veterans Support Line NI, a new service designed to help former and current members of the Armed Forces navigate benefits, support services and other assistance available across Northern Ireland.

Speaking during Armed Forces Day events, the Minister said the service was developed in response to direct engagement with veterans’ organisations and a growing understanding of the challenges many former service personnel face after leaving the military.

The support line aims to provide tailored advice and signposting for veterans and their families, helping them access services and entitlements that they may not otherwise know are available.

Dedicated support for veterans and families

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons met members of the armed forces who visited his Department’s Veterans Support Line NI stall during Armed Forces Day in Coleraine

Minister Lyons said his department had spent recent months working closely with veterans’ groups to better understand the barriers affecting members of the armed forces community.

He said:

“My Department has had significant engagement with veterans’ organisations over recent months and we have identified a clear need within the armed forces community for tailored support.

“We have worked hard to better understand the barriers veterans face in their everyday lives and, in turn, identify how we can best support them in the range of areas for which we are responsible.

“I am delighted to be at this Armed Forces Day to raise awareness of the Support Line and encourage veterans and their families to avail of the service.”

The Minister’s comments came as thousands gathered in Coleraine to mark Armed Forces Day, an annual event recognising the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.

Part of wider advice services

Veterans Support Line NI forms part of the Department for Communities’ wider network of advice and support services available across Northern Ireland.

The service complements existing initiatives including the Make the Call advice programme, which helps people identify benefits, grants and financial support they may be entitled to claim.

Officials say the dedicated veterans line has been specifically designed to provide information relevant to the armed forces community while also helping callers connect with wider support services where required.

The launch marks the first time Northern Ireland has had a government-run helpline dedicated exclusively to veterans and their families.

How to contact the service

Veterans Support Line NI can be contacted through the following channels:

• Freephone: 0800 158 5556

• Text: ADVICE to 07860 042576

For further information, visit:

Veterans Support Line NI

The Department hopes the service will make it easier for veterans, serving personnel and their families to access practical help, financial advice and support services, ensuring those who have served receive the assistance available to them when they need it most.