From Catterick to Salford, veterans across the North are set to get a single, clear way into support as the government confirms a UK‑wide roll‑out of VALOUR centres. Announced on 10 November 2025, the plan ties local hubs into a new Ministry of Defence headquarters team and regional officers working on the ground, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Ministers have opened £27 million for bids to join the network, alongside an extra £12 million for homelessness services, and an extension of Op FORTITUDE - the housing pathway that has already helped more than 1,000 veterans. It’s part of the first Veterans Strategy in seven years. “We are on your side,” Defence Secretary John Healey said as the package was unveiled, per the MoD announcement.

For the North, this is not abstract: ONS data shows the North East has the highest share of veterans in England at around 5% - roughly 109,000 people - and Richmondshire, home to Catterick Garrison, has one of the highest local concentrations at 9.5%. That’s a strong case for well‑resourced, easy‑to‑reach centres in our patch.

The roll‑out follows a pilot across Greater Manchester, Liverpool, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. Speaking as Oldham joined the pilot in June, council leader Arooj Shah said it’s about “meaningful action, not just words” and “making sure no veteran falls through the cracks” - a tone echoed by others across the North West.

Councils are already asking for clarity. The Local Government Association welcomed the investment but urged that the new service “strengthens – but does not duplicate” what town halls and local partners already run, and pressed for funding that matches the ambition, the LGA said in May.

The homelessness element matters in our region. Alongside the new £12 million, Op FORTITUDE will be put on a long‑term footing; the pathway has been running since 2023 and has been delivered nationally with partners including social housing provider Riverside. Veterans can call 0800 9520 774 to get into the system today.

Riverside says its Fortitude work has supported hundreds into accommodation, underlining demand. On the front line in the North, Launchpad - which runs homes in Liverpool, Newcastle and County Durham - reports referrals outpacing available beds. “We have been surprised at the scale of demand,” chief executive Jill Murray said, calling for sustained backing.

VALOUR centres are due to open from spring 2026. The MoD says each area will have field officers joining up services, with recognised centres offering one place to go for help with health, housing and work. The strategy applies UK‑wide and has been developed with the devolved governments and the Armed Forces Covenant team.

There’s also a bricks‑and‑mortar track. On 31 October, ministers confirmed £4.5 million to 19 providers to build 45 homes and upgrade shared facilities - a small but useful boost that will sit alongside the new VALOUR service as it scales.

The test now is delivery. Bids for the £27 million pot are live, with recognised centres expected to start opening from next spring. For Northern councils, NHS teams and charities, that means less ceremony and more coordination - turning a crowded field of services into something veterans can find and trust.