Veterans support network expands as 21 more organisations share £13.2m

A UK Government network that helps veterans and their families find local support is expanding, with 21 more organisations sharing more than £13.2m to set up new VALOUR-recognised centres across the UK by the beginning of 2027. East Durham Veterans Trust will receive additional funding in this second round.

The second round totals £13,260,580. It follows a first wave in March 2026, when 14 organisations were awarded more than £13m, bringing total development funding for the centres to £26,516,357. The government estimates that one million veterans and their families in the UK will benefit from easier access to local services as a result.

Other organisations named in the latest round include City of York Council, Leeds City Council, Westmorland & Furness Council, The Poppy Factory and Veterans Support Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the Defence Medical Welfare Service charity in Dumfries and Galloway is receiving £859,281. The announcement coincided with a Remembrance Reception hosted in Edinburgh on Thursday evening by Scotland Office Minister Melanie Ward.

VALOUR is designed to help the UK's estimated two million veterans get support through recognised centres, a helpline service or on GOV.UK. It is overseen by the Office for Veterans' Affairs within the Ministry of Defence, and VALOUR field officers are working regionally to strengthen collaboration between councils, local public services and charities.

Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey said the scheme would give veterans "easier access to the support they need, regardless of where they are in the UK". Further information on VALOUR, including how to access support, is available at www.gov.uk/valour.