The network of local support centres for veterans across the UK is to more than double, after £13.2 million of new funding was awarded to 21 organisations.

The money will launch the second wave of VALOUR-recognised centres, taking the network from 14 to 34 organisations. The centres are due to open by the beginning of 2027, and the Government estimates around one million veterans and their families will benefit from easier access to local support.

VALOUR, backed by £50 million in total, has been designed to help the UK's estimated two million veterans get the support they need through recognised centres, a helpline service or GOV.UK. It is overseen by a headquarters in the Office for Veterans' Affairs within the Ministry of Defence, with field officers working regionally to strengthen collaboration between councils, public services and charities.

£26.5m across two rounds

The 21 lead organisations are receiving £13,260,580 of development funding in round two, bringing the total granted across both rounds to £26.5 million. Earlier this year, 14 organisations were awarded more than £13 million to launch the first wave of VALOUR-recognised centres.

Among the organisations receiving round-two funding are:

• The Poppy Factory
• Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation
• Citizens Advice Rushmoor
• Defence Medical Welfare Service charity
• Veterans Support Northern Ireland
• City of York Council and Leeds City Council

Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MBE MP visited Citizens Advice Rushmoor in Aldershot on Monday 2 November to meet staff and the local veterans they are supporting, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Support close to home

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it was a privilege to honour veterans, not just as the country marks Remembrance Day, but year-round. He said he was proud to see the VALOUR network grow to provide support to more veterans and their families, who have given so much to protect communities across the country.

Mr Bailey said that ahead of Remembrance Sunday he was pleased the Government could pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the armed forces community by giving veterans easier access to the support they need, regardless of where they are in the UK.

Calum Stewart, chief executive of Citizens Advice Rushmoor, said becoming a VALOUR-recognised centre was a huge step for the charity and for the veterans it supports in Aldershot, home of the British Army, and beyond. He said no veteran should have to navigate support alone, and that good advice can make a lasting difference.

New centre for Scotland

Scotland will also gain from the expansion. The Defence Medical Welfare Service charity in Dumfries and Galloway is receiving £859,281 as part of the second wave, becoming Scotland's second VALOUR-recognised centre alongside SSAFA Connect in Glasgow.

There are around 176,000 veterans living in Scotland. The charity helps those who have served, and continue to serve, with medical welfare and associated support.

The continued rollout of VALOUR is part of the Government's 10-year Veterans Strategy, which aims to celebrate, contribute to and support those who serve and have served. Funding for VALOUR is included in the Defence Investment Plan.