Lancashire veterans to benefit from new funding
Three charities with more than 35 years’ of combined experience supporting veterans have been awarded £1M over three years to lead a new North West veterans initiative, including working with veterans across Lancashire.
A consortium comprising Veterans in Communities, VIC, Armed Forces Community Support, Warrington and Liverpool Veterans HQ has secured funding through the VALOUR Recognised Centre Programme, administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
This award forms part of the UK’s first government funded network of veteran centres, with 14 locations nationwide selected to provide joined up local support as part of VALOUR, a new £50 million system designed to connect veterans with coordinated services across health, housing, employment and wellbeing.
The award will support the launch of VALOUR North West, a coordinated network of veteran support centres across Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside, with outreach extending into Cumbria and the Isle of Man.
Amanda Walton, Chief Executive Officer at VIC, said: “This funding represents a transformational opportunity for the North West. By bringing together three experienced organisations. We are creating a coordinated system of support, built around the real needs of veterans and their families. VALOUR North West will reduce barriers, improve outcomes and ensure no veteran is left behind.”
Over the next three years, the programme will provide integrated support to over 5,500 veterans and their families, focusing on health and wellbeing, housing, employment, financial resilience and social inclusion.
Chief Executive Officer at Armed Forces Community Support Arnie said: “We are delighted to be part of VALOUR North West. This investment will enable us to strengthen support across Cheshire and reach even more veterans who need timely, practical help with housing, welfare and wellbeing.”
VALOUR North West will operate from April 2026 to March 2029, leaving a long term legacy of collaboration, increased capacity and improved support pathways.
Minister for Veterans and People Louise SandherJones 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… Our message to veterans is simple: this Government is on your side.”