Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MBE MP visited Citizens Advice Rushmoor in Aldershot on Monday, 2 November, to meet staff and the local veterans they support.
Earlier this year, 14 organisations received more than £13 million to launch the first wave of VALOUR-recognised centres. Citizens Advice Rushmoor is among 21 organisations sharing over £13.2 million in funding to open the second wave of centres by the beginning of 2027.
VALOUR has been designed to help the UK’s estimated two million veterans access the support they need through VALOUR-recognised centres, a dedicated helpline service, or GOV.UK.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
It is a privilege to honour our veterans, not only as we mark Remembrance Day but throughout the year, as we remember the service and sacrifice of those who fought for the lives we live today.
I am incredibly proud to see the VALOUR network expand to support more veterans and their families—those who have given so much to protect communities across the country.
Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MBE MP said:
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, I am pleased that we can pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our armed forces community by giving veterans easier access to the support they need, regardless of where they are in the UK.
I have heard wonderful stories about how centres like Citizens Advice in Rushmoor are making a real difference to people’s lives. Joining the VALOUR system will help them support even more veterans and their families.
Calum Stewart, CEO of Citizens Advice Rushmoor, said:
Becoming a VALOUR-recognised centre is a significant step for Citizens Advice Rushmoor and for the veterans we support in Aldershot—the home of the British Army—and beyond. No veteran should have to navigate support alone. We know that good advice can make a lasting difference, helping people understand their options, resolve problems, and move forward with confidence.
Through our network of local Citizens Advice charities across the South East, we bring together trusted advice, local knowledge, and strong community connections. As part of the VALOUR system, we will build on those strengths to help more veterans and their families access joined-up advice and support, receiving the right help at the right time so they can live independent and stable lives.
VALOUR is overseen by a headquarters in the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) within the Ministry of Defence. It will bring together national oversight, regional coordination, and local delivery to improve how services work together.
VALOUR field officers are also working regionally to strengthen collaboration between partners such as councils, local public services, and charities.
The continued rollout of VALOUR demonstrates the government’s delivery of the 10-year Veterans Strategy, which aims to celebrate, contribute to, and support those who serve and have served. Funding for VALOUR is included in the Defence Investment Plan.
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