York is set to open a new support centre for veterans as part of a UK-wide expansion of a national network.
City of York Council is among 21 organisations to receive a share of £13.2 million in government funding to develop new centres under the VALOUR system, which aims to improve access to services for ex-service personnel across the UK.
The funding forms part of a wider £50 million investment to expand the VALOUR network from 14 to 34 organisations across the UK by the beginning of 2027.
York’s centre will be operated by York council, which was selected in the latest funding round.
VALOUR centres provide support for veterans and their families, helping them access services related to health, employment, housing, and general wellbeing.
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The news was welcomed by York Central MP Rachael Maskell who said: "Thanks to the tireless work of the Royal British Legion in York, throughout the year, much progress has already been made in developing services with local agencies.
"Having the VALOUR Centre takes this to the next level.
"It is a place for veterans to get all the support they need, alongside their families.
"At each centre, you’ll find a space where you can talk things through, ask questions and take the next step in a way that feels right for you, with people who understand military life and are ready to help."
The scheme is part of the UK Government’s 10-year Veterans Strategy and is overseen by a headquarters in the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) within the Ministry of Defence.
The VALOUR network aims to create a more consistent support system for the UK's estimated two million veterans.
Centres will offer in-person support, while a helpline and online resources will also be available through GOV.UK.
Luke Charters MP for York Outer said the news was particularly welcome in York, which has a proud military history and a strong Armed Forces community, including at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Strensall, in his constituency.
He said: "York has a long and proud connection with our Armed Forces, particularly in Strensall and Fulford, where generations of service personnel and their families have been part of our community.
"Those who have served our country deserve to know that support will be there for them when they need it. Whether that's finding a job, getting help with their health or securing somewhere to live, getting the right support shouldn't be a struggle."
He added: "As we approach Remembrance Sunday, it's important that we remember those who have made sacrifices for our country. But we also have a responsibility to look after those who have served, and their families, throughout the year. This investment is a really welcome step towards doing just that."
City of York Council has also previously received recognition through the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme for its commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families.
The network is designed to improve coordination between national, regional, and local services, with support from field officers working to strengthen collaboration between councils, charities, and public services.
This expansion follows a first round of funding earlier this year, which saw 14 organisations receive more than £13 million to launch the initial set of VALOUR centres.
The Government has now allocated more than £26 million to develop centres across both funding rounds.
Calvin Bailey MBE MP, minister for veterans and people, said: "Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, I'm pleased that we can pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our armed forces community by giving veterans easier access to the support they need, regardless of where they are in the UK."
Further information about the VALOUR network, including how to access support, is available at gov.uk/valour.
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