£50m scheme to deliver joined-up care across UK
Thousands of UK veterans will benefit from a new national support system unveiled by the Government this week, designed to improve access to care, housing and employment services in every corner of the country.
The initiative, called VALOUR, is backed by £50 million in government funding and forms a cornerstone of the Labour Government’s ‘Plan for Change.’
It was officially launched in time for the 80th anniversary of VE Day by Defence Secretary John Healey and Veterans Minister Al Carns, the MP for Birmingham Selly Oak.
Regional VALOUR centres
VALOUR will see the creation of a UK-wide network of regional hubs, known as VALOUR-recognised support centres, tailored to local needs and supported by newly appointed Regional Field Officers. These officers will coordinate efforts between veteran charities, local councils and national services to ensure consistent, data-driven care for former service personnel.
The programme aims to eliminate the “postcode lottery” in veteran care, which currently sees significant disparities in access to support depending on where someone lives.
“UK’s first ever data-driven framework for veterans’ services” – Al Carns
Al Carns, who served for 24 years in the armed forces before entering Parliament, said the programme marked a pivotal shift in how the UK treats its veterans.
“As a veteran, I recognise the unique challenges our community has faced and the incredible skills we bring to civilian life,” he said.
“This new investment ensures that every veteran, regardless of location, can access the joined-up support they deserve.
“We’re creating the UK’s first ever data-driven framework for veterans’ services, meaning resources will go where they’re most needed and where they can have the greatest impact.”
Tailored guidance
The VALOUR system will also be shaped directly by veterans, with the Ministry of Defence inviting feedback through focus groups and consultations. While initially targeting veterans, the service has been designed to scale up to support the wider armed forces community, including reservists and families.
Each support centre will offer tailored guidance, including help with booking GP appointments, housing applications, welfare queries and job-seeking support – areas that many veterans have found fragmented or difficult to navigate.
Director General of the Royal British Legion, Mark Atkinson, said: “Whilst services exist, they often vary wildly by location and awareness. VALOUR’s focus on coordination is crucial to helping veterans lead successful, independent lives.”
First VALOUR centres in 2026
Over the past year the Government has taken further steps to improve veteran welfare, including removing local connection requirements for social housing and launching Op ASCEND to increase veteran employment.
VALOUR is expected to begin rolling out its first centres in 2026.
“They stepped up for us – now it’s our turn.”
The initiative has been hailed as one of the most comprehensive and well-funded veteran support schemes in recent memory and is seen as a direct effort to fulfil the Government’s long-standing promise to enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant into law.
“This is about keeping our promises to those who’ve served,” said Carns. “They stepped up for us – now it’s our turn.”
Dudley MP, Sonia Kumar added: “Our veterans have given so much to our country, and it’s only right that we give back by providing the support they need to thrive in civilian life. VALOUR is a game-changer for Dudley, bringing together the best of our local services and ensuring no veteran is left behind.”
