The Ministry of Defence has launched a new UK Veterans Strategy and opened £27 million for local bids to create a network of VALOUR‑recognised support centres. The government states more than 1.8 million veterans could benefit. It is the first UK‑wide veterans strategy in seven years and is accompanied by a £12 million commitment for homelessness services and an extension of Op FORTITUDE, which has already helped house over 1,000 veterans, according to the announcement on 10 November 2025.
Under the plan, centres will offer clearer routes into health, housing and employment support, with scope to include finance, wellbeing and welfare advice. They will form a coordinated national network linked to a new VALOUR headquarters within the Ministry of Defence, with the first centres expected to open from spring 2026 and act as a single local contact point for veterans.
VALOUR was first set out in May 2025 as a UK‑wide service to connect local, regional and national provision. The model includes regional field officers working with councils, charities and service providers, and commits to using data to target support more effectively across housing, employment, health and welfare.
Applications to join the network are now open. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust confirmed it is administering the VALOUR‑Recognised Centres Development Fund and has published application information for organisations seeking recognition and start‑up support.
Housing support is being expanded alongside the centre rollout. The government has earmarked an additional £12 million for the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme and will extend Op FORTITUDE to place the service on a stable footing for the next three years. Ministers say this delivers on a pledge to ensure housing support is in place for veterans.
Op FORTITUDE remains the central referral route for veterans who are homeless or at risk. Referrals can be made directly by veterans or via local authorities, charities, the homelessness sector, HM Prison and Probation Service and Defence Transition Services; the helpline number is 0800 9520 774.
The Veterans Strategy, published on 10 November 2025, frames delivery around three priorities: celebrating service, deploying veterans’ skills across the economy and public services, and ensuring timely support for those who need it.
Government has also set out an approach to measuring outcomes. Initial indicators will be baselined in 2026, including veterans’ reported experiences, levels of public recognition, local authority engagement in veterans’ initiatives, and uptake of veteran identification schemes.
Officials stress the programme is UK‑wide. The strategy was developed alongside the Strategic Defence Review and the Armed Forces Covenant and is described as a shared endeavour between the UK Government and devolved administrations to ensure consistent access while allowing for local delivery differences.
Recent capital spending offers additional context for providers planning bids. On 31 October 2025, the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs awarded £4.5 million to 19 housing providers to build 45 homes and improve facilities for veterans and families, part of a wider capital housing investment programme.