Statement from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner - David Johnstone - 15 May
I welcome the UK Government’s announcement of the new VALOUR service, supported by a £50 million investment over three years, in veteran services across the UK. This is a significant opportunity to strengthen support for our veteran community.
That said, I await further detail on the duration of this funding and how it will be allocated in practice. In Northern Ireland, it is important that any new support structures build upon and complement the existing, trusted networks of veteran-focused organisations and services, rather than duplicate or fragment the support already in place.I note the introduction of regional field officers, which appears to reflect the collaborative approach already working well in NI through the Veterans Welfare Service (NI), where close engagement between statutory agencies, the voluntary sector, and veterans themselves has been key.
It is encouraging to hear that veterans and key stakeholders will be consulted in the development of VALOUR. Their voices and lived experience must be at the heart of this initiative. I look forward to contributing to its shaping so that VALOUR delivers meaningful, lasting impact for veterans in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
David Johnstone
NI Veterans Commissioner
Information provided by HIVE NI