Stevenage to host VALOUR centre for veterans and families
Thousands of Armed Forces veterans and their families will benefit from increased support following a successful application for VALOUR-recognised centre development funding led by Stevenage Borough Council, working alongside a range of partners.
The VALOUR-recognised centre will be based in Stevenage, providing a central hub for support alongside outreach services across North Hertfordshire, Welwyn Hatfield, East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne. it is set to open in January 2027.
The successful funding bid reflects a strong partnership effort, with Stevenage Borough Council working closely with The Muster Point, the Royal British Legion and a wide range of other local and regional partners supporting the Armed Forces community. Their expertise, commitment and practical support were instrumental in developing the proposal and demonstrating the strength of the partnership behind a new centre.
VALOUR is a £50 million UK-wide government support system for veterans and their families. It is a key commitment of the Veterans Strategy, and aims to make it easier for people to find the right support when they need it.
The funding award will help this community to access support with housing, health and wellbeing, welfare, employment and skills, while strengthening partnerships with organisations working across the Armed Forces community.
The VALOUR-recognised centre will not replace the many and varied statutory and non-statutory support services that already exist in these areas, including those provided by the third sector. It will work with them and collaboratively build networks at local, regional and national level so that it is easier for veterans and their families to access the support they need, when they need it.
VALOUR-recognised centres are one part of a wider support system. Veterans and their families can also find help on the Valour Website or through MOD Veterans Services, which provides a UK-wide telephone helpline and case management support, whether or not someone lives near a recognised centre.
Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said:
“Many members of the Armed Forces and their families need support. The provision of the VALOUR-recognised centre addresses an important local need and is a great asset for our Armed Forces community.
"Establishing the centre in Stevenage will enable us to significantly expand the support available to veterans. Work will now progress at pace to ensure the centre is up and running and ready to provide that support at the earliest opportunity."
Councillor Claire Parris, Stevenage Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:
“This is a hugely significant milestone for the Armed Forces community.
“To become a VALOUR-recognised centre is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the hard work, passion and commitment shown by everyone involved in the project to develop the hub.
“We are proud of our Armed Forces community and remain committed to ensuring that veterans, serving personnel and their families can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time. This recognition, backed by government funding, will allow us and our partners to build on the excellent work already taking place and reach even more people who may need support."
Kevin Bonavia, MP for Stevenage said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Stevenage has been selected to host this VALOUR-recognised centre, bringing veterans and their families better access to the support they deserve.
“Alongside fellow MPs Andrew Lewin, Chris Hinchliff, Alistair Strathern and Josh Dean, I was pleased to write in support of the council’s bid. I did so because I believe strongly that we have a responsibility to keep building on the services already available to our veterans' community, working together to make sure nobody is left without the help they need.
“This award recognises the strength of the partnerships we have here in Hertfordshire, bringing councils, public services, charities, and veterans’ organisations together to make a real difference. By coordinating that support across health and wellbeing, housing, employment and welfare, the new hub will make it easier for veterans and their families to find the right help when they need it.
“Our Armed Forces community has given so much in service to our country. We must continue to do everything we can to support them in return, and I look forward to seeing this hub build on the excellent work already taking place across our area.”
Stu Mendelson from The Muster Point said:
“We at The Muster Point are delighted to have supported the development of the bid and to see a VALOUR-recognised centre in Stevenage. This is great news for our Armed Forces community and veterans, we know from working directly with veterans just how important it is that people can find the right help quickly and locally.
“The new centre will be a great opportunity to bring organisations together, strengthen the support network and make it easier for veterans and their families to access the services available to them. We look forward to continuing to work with Stevenage Borough Council and partners as the centre develops.”
(Retired) Major Keith Greenough QVRM TD, Chair, The Royal British Legion Stevenage Branch said:
“The Royal British Legion is pleased to have supported this partnership and welcomes the establishment of a VALOUR-recognised centre in Stevenage.
“Veterans and their families can face a wide range of challenges, and it is vital that they know where to turn for advice and support throughout their lives. This centre will build on the excellent work already taking place, creating stronger connections between existing services and helping the Armed Forces community access support that will make a difference.”
Councillor Ajanta Hilton, Executive Member for Public Health and Community Safety at Hertfordshire County Council, and Chair of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board said:
“Securing a VALOUR-recognised centre in Stevenage is a fantastic step forward for our Armed Forces community. The Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board brings together councils and partners from across the county with a shared commitment to delivering the Armed Forces Covenant and improving outcomes for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
“The new hub will complement the excellent support already provided by statutory services, charities and voluntary organisations. By improving coordination and making it easier for people to navigate and access support, we can help ensure that members of our Armed Forces community receive the right help, in the right place and at the right time.”