ALABARÉ is proud to share that the charity has been chosen to lead a partnership to deliver the Government’s VALOUR programme, supporting veterans in the South West.
Thousands of ex-forces personnel will soon be able to visit the UK’s first ever network of government-backed veteran support centres and gain easier access to local services across health, housing, employment and more, including one based at ALABARÉ’s Riverside Sanctuary in Salisbury.
Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones 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.
“With new connections across the system and field officers on the ground, VALOUR will build the most detailed picture yet of what’s working and what’s needed at a local and national level. Our message to veterans is simple: this Government is on your side.”
The minister has visited ALABARÉ, as the VALOUR network will help support the 265,000-strong veteran community in the South West of England, meeting veterans and ambassadors to talk about the difference the service will make.
Leading a group including six other military charities, ALABARÉ’s VALOUR-recognised centre in Salisbury will coordinate local access to housing, health, employment and wellbeing support for veterans and the wider armed forces community.
Andrew Lord, CEO of ALABARÉ, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Veterans Minister to the South West’s VALOUR‑recognised centre in Salisbury. The VALOUR programme is one of the most significant opportunities in recent years to transform how the UK’s Armed Forces community accesses support, recovery pathways, and long‑term independence.
“ALABARÉ’s partnership with Defence Medical Welfare Service, Defence Gardens, Icarus, The Poppy Factory, The Warrior Programme and Armed Forces Equine Charity reflects both our long‑standing commitment to supporting veterans and the strength that comes when organisations work together.”
14 veteran centres will receive over £13m of funding to become part of VALOUR – a groundbreaking programme that tackles the current fragmented nature of accessing support.
The wider £50m Government programme will include a headquarters in the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence, field officers and an online support platform.
Dame Sue Grey, Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Equine Charity, said:
“The Armed Forces Equine Charity is proud to be part of the VALOUR South West Alliance. We see first-hand the powerful role that equine-assisted support plays in recovery, confidence building and long-term wellbeing. This collaboration will strengthen existing relationships with our partners and increase our ability to ensure our Armed Forces Community has access to a wider network of meaningful, effective support when they need it most.”
Sally Coulthard MBE, Founder and CEO of Defence Gardens Scheme, said:
“The Defence Gardens Scheme is delighted to be part of the VALOUR SW Alliance. ALABARÉ has coordinated a strong collaboration of dedicated organisations, and we look forward to working together to strengthen resilience and recovery pathways for the Armed Forces community in the South West.”
Abby Dryden, Chief Executive of Defence Medical Welfare Service:
“We are proud and excited to be part of the VALOUR South West partnership. It is a strong and effective partnership, and working together and making connections more widely will ensure those who need support can more easily access this and be guided further to additional options, all of which help to build better outcomes, better health and wellbeing and better lives.”
Philippa Mainstone, Chief Executive of Icarus, said:
“The Icarus Charity is pleased to be part of the VALOUR South West partnership and to contribute our online mental health support. Working alongside other organisations enables us to provide more joined-up, accessible support for veterans and their families. Collaboration like this is key to ensuring they can access the right help at the right time, and we look forward to working with our partners to achieve this.”
Debbie Boughtflower, Director of Operations at The Poppy Factory, said:
“It’s exciting to be working with new VALOUR partners in the South West to help veterans and their families connect with a whole range of regional services. We know our specialist employment support helps veterans and family members feel healthier, more independent and more resilient – especially when they are also supported effectively by our partners.”
Charlotte Cole. CEO of The Warrior Programme, said:
“The Warrior Programme is delighted to join The VALOUR SW Alliance, which brings together seven trusted partners who already work together across the SW region to support Veterans and their families. This announcement will only strengthen this collaboration and the referral processes to ensure that those needing help with housing, employment and health and wellbeing get the right support closer to home. We look forward to working alongside our partners to make this happen.”
