Known as Valour, the £50 million scheme will see regional networks set up to connect service providers, local government and charities in order to better meet the welfare needs of ex-military personnel.
The first centres are expected to be operational next year and will use data to ensure the assistance they provide is tailored to the specific demands of each area.
According to the MoD, veterans will be invited to give input through focus groups, research and feedback. Defence Secretary John Healey said that while most service leavers do well on civvy street, those who struggle often faced “a postcode patchwork” in accessing help.
“Valour will harness the power of data to shape better service provision and ensure the right type of support is available for veterans,” he continued.
“As the delivery arm, field officers will work with local services including government bodies, to share best practice and guidance.”
Welcoming the news, director general of the The British Royal Legion, Mark Atkinson, said improved coordination was crucial to enabling former troops to lead successful lives.
* Veterans and soldiers visiting emergency departments in London are being issued with specialist kit to help support their mental health. Clinicians at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust have been signing over special care packs containing kit such as stress balls, eye masks, earplugs and support leaflets to help with conditions including post-traumatic stress. The move, introduced to coincide with mental health awareness week back in May, was introduced following feedback from a veteran patient. Staff have also been given more training to spot and assist members of the wider armed forces family – including alerts to medical records.
