The UK Government has announced significant funding as Scotland Office Minister Melanie Ward hosts a Remembrance Reception in Edinburgh to honour Scotland’s Armed Forces community, including veterans. This initiative aims to facilitate improved access to local services for an estimated one million veterans and their families across the UK, through the expansion of the VALOUR network.
Earlier this year, 14 organisations received over £13 million to establish the first wave of VALOUR-recognised centres. Among these, SSAFA Scotland’s drop-in centre in Glasgow was awarded up to £1 million. Now, the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) charity in Dumfries and Galloway has been allocated £859,281 as part of a second wave of funding exceeding £13.2 million to support an additional 21 organisations in launching VALOUR-recognised centres by early 2027.
Support for Armed Forces Community
DMWS provides crucial medical welfare and assistance to those who have served on the frontline and their families. This service is integrated within NHS Boards throughout Scotland, offering vital bedside support to Armed Forces patients, including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.
The VALOUR initiative has been created to assist the UK’s approximately two million veterans in accessing the support they require through VALOUR-recognised centres, a helpline service, or via government resources.
In a statement, Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed pride in honouring veterans not only on Remembrance Day but throughout the year, acknowledging their service and sacrifices. He noted, “I’m incredibly proud to see the VALOUR network grow to provide support to more veterans and their families – those who have given so much to protect communities across the country.”
Commitment to Veterans
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander highlighted the immense sacrifices made by veterans and serving troops, emphasising the importance of translating gratitude into tangible support. He stated, “This £859,000 UK Government funding will help the Defence Medical Welfare Service in Dumfries and Galloway be there for them and their families when they need it most.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, remarked on the significance of providing veterans with easier access to necessary support ahead of Remembrance Sunday. He shared positive feedback regarding the impact of centres like Citizens Advice, which are making a substantial difference in people’s lives by joining the VALOUR system.
Collaboration for Enhanced Support
DMWS CEO Abby Dryden expressed pride in being part of the VALOUR programme, which aims to deliver a more cohesive approach to supporting veterans, serving personnel, and their families across South Scotland. She stated, “VALOUR will make it easier for people to access the right help at the right time, wherever they live.” This partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that no member of the Armed Forces community faces challenges alone.
The VALOUR initiative is overseen by a headquarters within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence, aiming to enhance collaboration between national oversight, regional coordination, and local service delivery. VALOUR field officers are actively working to strengthen ties between local councils, public services, and charities.
Expanding VALOUR Network
The ongoing rollout of VALOUR exemplifies the UK Government’s commitment to the 10-year Veterans Strategy, which focuses on celebrating and supporting those who have served. Funding for VALOUR is included in the Defence Investment Plan, which reflects a long-term strategy for veteran support.
Currently, there are approximately 176,000 veterans residing in Scotland. The country boasts two VALOUR-recognised centres: the DMWS and SSAFA Scotland’s drop-in centre in Glasgow, which connects veterans with local services. This service caters to around 76,000 veterans in several regions, including Glasgow and its surrounding areas.
Minister Ward’s Remembrance Reception at the UK Government’s Queen Elizabeth House HQ in Edinburgh brings together members of Scotland’s Armed Forces community, including veteran organisations, military representatives, Scottish MPs, and other distinguished guests.
Funding and Development Notes
Over £26 million has been allocated for the development of VALOUR-recognised centres across two funding rounds. In the second round, 21 lead organisations will receive £13,260,580, contributing to a total of £26,516,357 invested in the initiative. These organisations join the initial 14 announced earlier in the year, including the Defence Medical Welfare Service charity, The Poppy Factory, and various local councils and charities.
For more information on VALOUR and how to access support, further resources are available through government channels.
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