Veterans' support scheme to launch in Tameside

Tameside Council have confirmed they will be among one of the first areas to benefit from the government's new VALOUR network, which aims to offer tailored support to veterans across the north of England.

Tameside will be among several councils across the region to benefit from the scheme, which was launched in partnership with Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, and West and South Yorkshire. 

The government has confirmed they will be investing £50 million into the scheme, and say it will serve as a blueprint for the rest of the country as the pilot is carried out. 

Veterans in the North will be able to use the service to better access the help they need, such as housing, mental and physical health support, and employment guidance and services. 

The launch comes as new YouGov research reveals the majority of veterans in the UK believe local support is insufficient, with 73% of people preferring to rely on government and charity services instead of those in their local area. 

The pilot will see local services and charities better connected as it expands to better support veterans and their families. Veterans will also have the option to participate in research to further improve the network on the Gov.uk website. 

The government has also confirmed there will soon be additional funding available for existing and new veterans' support centres to get VALOUR-accredited, with more information set to be on the way.

Executive Member for Finance and Resources and Armed Forces, Cllr Hugh Roderick said: “We are delighted that Tameside will be part of the trailblazing pilot. Over the coming months we will be working with government and the other regions to make sure Tameside veterans, and their families will have access to improved and tailored support. 

“We are excited to be a part of the scheme at such an early and exclusive stage as it will be an opportunity to show our appreciation and pride in Tameside for those who have served. Our armed forces personnel past and present deserve nothing short of excellent and dedicated support, as their sacrifices give us our freedoms.”

Mayor Andy Burnham described the launch of the VALOUR network as 'great'. "For too long veterans have not been properly looked after despite their service to this country," he said.

"This scheme also highlights how improving lives in local communities can be done through further devolution, and we look forward to working alongside colleagues in the three other Combined Authorities to make this pilot successful."