Northern Ireland: Statement from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner on OP VALOUR

 

NORTHERN IRELAND - OP VALOUR

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.

Defence update - Your Offer - recognising your service

 

What Defence is doing to improve Service life and information on support and opportunities for you and your family.

The substantial range of benefits and allowances available in your Armed Forces Offer recognises the unique demands of military life and individual needs, at home and abroad.

Pay is the most well-recognised aspect of the Offer, but the breadth and complexity of everything that’s included within the Armed Forces employee package means it can be difficult to navigate and understand.

That’s why work is underway to help simplify the way we talk about ‘Your Offer’ – with Discover My Benefits being the place to go to find out what’s covered, what it’s worth, where to find out more and what you need to do.

What is Discover My Benefits?

Grantham: Healthwatch Lincolnshire - Explaining your right to an NHS dentist

Do you have a right to register with an NHS dentist? 

For answers and information click: Healthwatch

Information provided by Grantham HIVE 

Worcester: Veterans and Families Event

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Grantham: Virtual Autism Hub - NHS Lincolnshire Partnership

Virtual Autism Hub

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Grantham: What is start for life?

New Start for Life booklets available at the HIVE Community Centre, Bldg. 162.

https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/startforlife

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Grantham: Grantham College & University Centre never too late to learn

Apply now! Never too late to enrol, with lots of adult FREE courses. 

Grantham College & University Centre

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

 

Grantham: Why not try something new? Lincolnshire adult skills & family learning service

Another way of taking care of your mind is by remembering to #keep learning.

Why not try something new? Sign up for a course or learn a new hobby?

It can boost your self-esteem, connect with others and even enhance your career prospects.

Visit: 2aspire.org.uk

Information provided by Grantham HIVE

(SFA) Communications Update 13 May 25: Business from Home - update

Applications to run a Business from Home in your Service Family Accommodation (SFA) were paused in January 2025, to allow a review of the policy and associated processes to take place.

This review has now been completed, and DIO is able to confirm that the processing of applications to run a Business from Home has resumed with immediate effect. The existing guidance and application form for running a Business from Home is available here.

DIO is working with Pinnacle to finalise some adjustments to the application process, form and policy. Once these changes are finalised, the policy will be updated and shared on the Pinnacle website in the near future.

Under the changes, those operating a Business from Home can expect to receive better and clearer communication from a named Housing Officer who can help answer their specific housing related queries.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Suicide prevention is everybody’s business

“Research tells us that military personnel are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as non-military civilians. A culture of self-sufficiency and not admitting ‘weakness’ still exists, which is a potential barrier to accessing support.” Ged Flynn, Chief Executive of PAPYRUS

Those working on the frontline with vulnerable veterans know this challenge all too well. It’s why the Armed Forces Covenant Trust (the Trust) has made this a key priority in their Embedding Prevention of Veteran Suicide programme (EVPS), awarding over £1.5 million to 18 projects that are driving real change in veteran suicide prevention.

PAPYRUS is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Speaking about their EPVS funded bespoke training project, Ged explains: “Veterans may not want to engage with civilian mental health services as they feel it won’t cater for their military experiences.