Portsmouth City Council has praised the Government’s decision to establish new veterans support centres Portsmouth will benefit from, alongside additional housing investment. The £27 million initiative will fund a nationwide VALOUR hub network supporting 1.8 million former service personnel.
The new national Veterans Strategy dedicates central funding to create VALOUR centres, providing improved access to healthcare, accommodation, employment opportunities and essential services for ex-military members across the country.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt, who serves as the authority’s Armed Forces champion, commented:
“Having signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved gold status as a veterans’ employer, we remain dedicated to assisting those facing difficulties during their transition from military service.
“This announcement delivers a significant national commitment to veteran welfare. It presents an excellent chance to enhance our collaborative efforts supporting Portsmouth’s 37,000-strong armed forces community, ensuring they receive deserved opportunities to apply their distinctive capabilities and expertise.
“Through our Armed Forces Solent Partnership, we shall examine possibilities to secure funding for a local veterans support hub, extending assistance to former servicemen and servicewomen throughout Hampshire and the Solent region.”
The Government has additionally pledged £12 million towards tackling veteran homelessness nationwide.
Portsmouth City Council collaborates with community organisations delivering specialist housing assistance for current and former military personnel alongside their families. This partnership includes working alongside the MOD to repurpose and renovate its local properties for armed forces households.
Cllr Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Preventing Homelessness, stated:
“Ensuring quality accommodation for our veterans represents the minimum we owe individuals prepared to sacrifice everything for our nation. The Council’s partnership work delivering this support has earned national recognition. Therefore, we embrace any additional resources supporting this mission.
“We shall evaluate what the VALOUR programme can deliver for Portsmouth, whilst welcoming the renewed focus on homelessness prevention and recognising veterans’ value. Should we participate, we intend leveraging our extensive local expertise to maximise benefits for our armed forces community.”
Service personnel and veterans experiencing homelessness risks or other challenges may visit the Council’s Civic Offices at Guildhall Square for assistance, or telephone 023 9283 4989.
The Council partners with Veterans Outreach Support, providing comprehensive veteran assistance through drop-in sessions. Contact them on 023 9273 1767 or visit the Veterans Outreach Support.
