Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to increase to support for veterans entering civilian life in Lincolnshire.

Across the country, including within Lincolnshire, a wide range of support is currently available for Armed Forces personnel as they transition into civilian life. For support with employment, the Career Transition Partnership is the initial point of provision for those leaving military Service and Op ASCEND is the employment pathway for veterans. In England Op RESTORE and Op COURAGE provide physical and mental health specialist services. Housing support is available across the United Kingdom via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway connecting veterans with support.

We recently announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support, which will ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the country. A new regional approach, based on a network of VALOUR support centres and regional field officers, will help to ensure that services are designed to meet the needs of their local communities. Further details on VALOUR will be announced in due course and more information can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/valour-information-and-next-steps