Minister launches Veterans Support Line NI
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the first ever dedicated Government support line in Northern Ireland for armed forces veterans.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched the first ever dedicated Government support line in Northern Ireland for armed forces veterans.
The Department for Communities’ Veterans Support Line NI service will provide information on benefits eligibility and other support services to veterans, serving personnel and their families.
The announcement follows engagement with the Veterans Commissioner and support groups which highlighted a need for a bespoke service for those in the armed forces community.
Minister Lyons said:
“I’m delighted to announce that the Veterans’ Support Line NI will go live from today – offering a free telephone and text service and providing a free and confidential needs assessment. This pathway will help identify potential eligibility for benefits, support, and services and will act as a single point of entry to the Department for Communities.
“The need to build the trust and confidence of veterans lies at the very heart of the service and staff have undergone veterans-related training and the highest level of security clearance to safeguard the quality and confidentiality of the service.
“Hearing first-hand the lived experiences of those who serve currently in our armed forces, those who have left active service, and their families is absolutely crucial to ensuring that we provide the right services in the right way to meet the specific needs of the veterans community.
“No one should face disadvantage when trying to access the support to which they are entitled.”
The service will be available to veterans, serving members of the armed forces, service personnel transitioning to civilian life, and their families.
The Department has also nominated a senior official to act as strategic lead for continued service delivery which will be informed by ongoing engagement with the Veterans Commissioner and representative groups.
The new service adds to the Department’s expert advice provision for people across Northern Ireland to assist them in accessing benefits and other supports. This includes the Make the Call free telephone and outreach advice services and dedicated online resources.
Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone said:
“This is a significant and positive step as we work towards ensuring that there is no disadvantage towards members of our Armed Forces and veterans in the areas, including housing and welfare, that are within the remit of this Department. I look forward to further engagement with the Minister and his officials on these important matters and would like to thank him and his staff for this proactive and important work.”
The Veterans Support Line NI can be contacted on 0800 158 5556. For more information visit nidirect.
Notes to editors:
- Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone at the Royal Ulster Rifles Regimental Museum in Belfast during the launch of the Veterans Support Line NI.
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