SOUTH YORKSHIRE PILOTING NEW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT NETWORK FOR VETERANS

Published 27 June 2025 at 3:00pm

Veterans in South Yorkshire will be amongst the first to benefit from a new £50m support network being piloted across Yorkshire and the North-West, to provide former members of the Armed Forces with greater access to tailored support. 

VALOUR was announced yesterday by Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, at an event that was attended by South Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs and representatives from other combined authorities, local authorities and veterans networks.

Kilvinder spoke at a roundtable discussion with the Minister and colleagues from across Yorkshire and the North-West, about her experience in working closely with veterans and their families during her previous role as Director of Probation in both London and Yorkshire and the Humber. She was also part of the Panel at the launch event.

Thousands of veterans in the north of England will be able to access streamlined support through the new VALOUR network, with the north of England pilot serving as the blueprint for future networks across the UK, recognising regional differences and requirements. 

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

The pilot was launched yesterday (Thursday 26 June) at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester by the Government’s Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA) in partnership with South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region and West Yorkshire. 

It will develop and test a networked system of connected services to ensure veterans are better supported – helping deliver the Government’s Plan for Change and commitment to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served. 

The northern pilot will collect data across local government, service providers, the NHS and charities focused on veterans' needs to continuously improve the VALOUR service, shape policy and create a blueprint for national rollout in 2026.  

The launch comes as new YouGov research reveals the majority of veterans in the UK believe local support is insufficient, with 73% preferring coordinated services across government and charities, highlighting a clear mandate for concerted action.  

South Yorkshire Deputy Mayor, Kilvinder Vigurs, said: 

“It was a pleasure to be invited to launch this scheme alongside other northern leaders in are shared commitment to those who have served , and their families.

“VALOUR is a ground breaking pilot that brings together health, housing, and job opportunities under one roof. Meaning no veteran has to face the system alone. 

“In South Yorkshire, our local authorities are already delivering vital support for veterans. VALOUR provides us the opportunity to build on that strong foundation through a coordinated, place-based partnership that connects local delivery with national ambition. Working with colleagues from across the wider northern region, the Ministry of Defence and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs, we have a unique opportunity to shape a joined-up approach to the Armed Forces Community support.

“Together, we can build a future where those who served in the Armed Forces feels valued, supported, and empowered. Ultimately, this is about making things better—for our veterans, for their families, and for the communities they call home. 

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, said: 

“As a veteran who served for 24 years, I recognise the unique challenges they’ve faced and the skills they possess. This new investment will ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support services in the way they need it.   

“We are creating the UK’s first ever data-driven framework for veterans’ services, ensuring our resources are channelled to where they’re most needed and can make the greatest difference to those who have courageously served their country.”

VALOUR will create a network of recognised centres across all UK nations and regions, with Regional Field Officers connecting charities, local government and service provider – while harnessing the power of data to shape improved services. 

Development funding will soon be available for existing and new veteran centres to gain VALOUR accreditation and help signpost those requiring support to the right place.

The partnership will enhance data collection to shape better services, and the VALOUR network will have central oversight, providing even greater support to our veterans. This is the first time that the Government will draw on local expertise and collaborate across regions in enhancing support provision for veterans.