New centre opened for enhanced veterans support

A new support centre will offer enhanced services to thousands of veterans across Kent.

The opening is part of the government's £50m Valour initiative, rolled out on Thursday, and it aims to provide former servicepeople and their families easier access to care and support such as housing, healthcare and employment.

The Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) in Aylesford says it is the first Valour-Recognised Centre and marked its launch with a ceremony.

Lisa Farmer OBE, chief executive of the charity, said this accreditation was an "important milestone".

Farmer said the charity has supported veterans for more than 100 years by creating jobs, providing homes and building communities.

"As part of the Valour network, we'll help more veterans across the South East access the right support at the right time," she added.

Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, says: "As a veteran, I know finding support after leaving the Armed Forces shouldn't feel like a battle."

Bailey added he was "proud" to open the first Valour at the RBVE at the ceremony on Thursday.

"Veterans in Kent and across the UK would now have a clear local point of contact for housing, health, employment and welfare support," he said.

The Ministry of Defence added individuals would also be able to access support online and through a new helpline service.

Ian Jacklin had served 25 years as a military engineer before being medically discharged.

However, his transition to civilian life was fraught with many challenges and at times he said he had no choice but to sleep in his car.

"I've watched friends fall through the cracks because support wasn't joined up or easy to access," he said.

Commenting about his appointment as the programme manager of the charity's Valour network, he said it was a "privilege" and he was "proud to help build a system that truly stands in veterans' corner".

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