ALABARÉ in Salisbury selected as one of the government's brand new VALOUR centres

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 at ALABARÉ's Riverside Sanctuary in Salisbury.

13 existing veteran centres, in addition to ALABARÉ's Riverside Sanctuary, on Churchfields in Salisbury, 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 programme will include a headquarters in the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Ministry of Defence, field officers and an online support platform. The system will work together to share data and build stronger connections among local charities, councils, and service providers.

This government is investing record levels in support for our veterans, and is renewing the nation's commitment to those who serve with a 10-year Veterans Strategy, which aims to celebrate and support veterans, and help them to contribute to their local communities and the economy.

Salisbury Radio's Andy Munns talked to Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones, when she visited ALABARÉ's Riverside Sanctuary, about VALOUR and the impact it will have on support for veterans. You can listen to the full interview below:

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 was speaking on a visit to one of the centres that will soon become part of the VALOUR network to learn more about how the additional funding will help support the 265,000-strong veteran community in the South West of England. 

Alongside six local military charities, ALABARÉ’s VALOUR-recognised centre in Salisbury will coordinate 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."