Easington MP Grahame Morris has praised East Durham Veterans Trust for securing a landmark Operation VALOUR bid, making it one of the UK’s first government-funded veterans centres.

Fourteen existing veterans centres will receive more than £13 million in funding to become part of VALOUR, a groundbreaking programme designed to tackle the fragmented nature of accessing support for veterans.

The wider £50 million programme will include a central headquarters within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, based in the Ministry of Defence, alongside regional field officers and a new online support platform. Together, these elements will improve data sharing and strengthen connections between local charities, councils and service providers.

The Government is investing record levels of funding in support for veterans and renewing the nation’s commitment to those who serve through a new 10-year Veterans’ Strategy. This aims to both recognise veterans’ contributions and ensure they are supported to play a full role in their communities and the wider economy.

East Durham Veterans Trust is leading an impressive consortium of local, regional and national organisations to coordinate a regional network of support services for veterans across the North East. Partners include the Armed Forces Outreach Service, SSAFA, Defence Medical Welfare Service, The Poppy Factory, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Launchpad. The consortium also includes local authority partners Newcastle City Council, Hartlepool Borough Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, said:

“This government is stepping up the nation’s commitment to its veterans. We are building the first ever system that brings together a headquarters in the heart of government, coheres charities and support services, and connects a network of veteran support centres.

With new connections across the system and field officers on the ground, VALOUR will build the most detailed picture yet of what’s working and what’s needed at a local and national level. Our message to veterans is simple: this Government is on your side.”

Easington MP Grahame Morris said:

“I am delighted for East Durham Veterans Trust. They have brought together an impressive consortium of partners who are already examples of best practice in delivering veterans’ support and services across our region.

The funding and support from Operation VALOUR will help to expand their provision, building a ‘no wrong door’ approach, ensuring veterans receive the right support, first time, when it is needed.

Credit must go to Andy Cammiss and the team at East Durham Veterans Trust. Over the past five years, we have seen a transformational change, from having virtually no dedicated local provision for veterans, to now having our own unique, community-led charity delivering services that were simply not available anywhere else in County Durham.

We are fortunate to have such strong local armed forces champions in our community, and I am delighted their work has been recognised through this successful VALOUR bid. I hope this will enable even more veterans and their families across our region to benefit from the vital support they provide.”

First government-funded veteran centres launch
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-government-funded-veteran-centres-launch