Funding secured for armed forces support hub

A new support centre for veterans serving personnel and their families will open in York after the council secured more than £600,000 in government funding.

The hub, which will be based at the council's West Offices site, will act as a point for the military community to get help with issues including housing, employment, skills and wellbeing.

The funding comes through the government's Valour programme designed to help military veterans and their families access support services more easily, with York one of 20 areas to receive it.

The centre is expected to open in January and will operate until March 2030.

The money, which totals £625,114, will also be used to expand outreach services across the city.

City of York Council said the funding would help support about 1,500 veterans as well as a further 3,000 family members and others connected to the armed forces community.

A key part of the scheme will see veterans and their families helping to shape the services on offer, with people drawing on their own experiences to identify gaps in support and influence how it is delivered.

Councillor Claire Douglas, leader of City of York Council and the authority's armed forces champion, said the funding was "fantastic news" for the city.

She said the new centre would make support "more accessible, better connected and easier to navigate" for those who need it.

The project will be delivered in partnership with organisations including York Learning, Age UK York, York Carers Centre and York Centre for Voluntary Service.

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