Veterans in South Shropshire are being urged to find out more about government support available to them.
The Veterans Minister Al Carns has enlisted Stuart Anderson MP's support to encourage organisations supporting veterans to find out more about the new VALOUR programme.
This collaborative approach seeks to ensure that veterans in South Shropshire and across the country achieve the recognition, support and opportunities that they deserve.
Al Carns MP, who is responsible for veterans welfare support in the UK, sought Stuart's help after he had tabled a formal written question on support available to veterans in South Shropshire as part of the programme.
The Minister stated that the "institutionally resilient system" will ensure that support is available across the country, tailored to the needs of veterans in local communities like South Shropshire.
The VALOUR pilot has launched on 26th June 2025, in partnership with Combined Mayoral Authorities in Manchester, Liverpool, and Yorkshire.
Stuart hopes that rural areas like South Shropshire will also benefit from the support that has been made available. The Minister has confirmed that the pilot will develop a "blueprint" to roll out across the country.
The Minister added the rollout means that existing organisations in South Shropshire will be able to apply for funding. If successful, they will be recognised as a VALOUR support centre.
The Minister has said that this process will "recognise existing best practice in local communities, while maintaining agility and flexibility across the sector."
The Minister added that further details will be released in the "coming months." Stuart has said that he will keep his veteran's support navigator updated with the latest details so that organisations can apply as soon as possible.
Launched in April 2024, this helps veterans to better locate government support available to them and their loved ones. It is part of his campaign to make Shropshire the best place to be a veteran.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"South Shropshire is home to over 4,000 veterans, nearly a tenth of households in the constituency. In Parliament, I called on Veterans Minister Al Carns to ensure support for veterans benefits residents in rural areas like South Shropshire, as the new scheme was initially launched in more urban areas. I am glad that Al Carns MP confirmed that existing organisations in South Shropshire will be apply to able for the funding, when details are announced in the coming months. I will keep my veterans support webpage updated with the latest details so that organisations can apply as soon as possible."
Veterans Minister Al Carns MP said:
"I would ask the hon. Member to encourage organisations and veterans in your constituency to sign up for updates and to register their interest in taking part in future surveys or focus groups on VALOUR. This collaborative approach will ensure that this service works for those who need it."
More information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/valour-information-and-next-steps.
