£1 Million Boost To Improve Support For Isle Of Wight Veterans

Veterans on the Isle of Wight are set to benefit from a major new funding boost, as part of a £1 million programme to improve support services across the Solent region.

Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) and its partners will lead the Solent VALOUR Recognised Centre (VRC) — a new initiative backed by the Government and designed to make it easier for veterans and their families to access help.

The Isle of Wight is one of several local authorities involved in the scheme, alongside Isle of Wight Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, helping to deliver joined-up support across health, housing, employment and wellbeing.

The programme aims to build on existing services already available to the Island’s veteran community, ensuring people can access the right help without barriers — a so-called “no wrong door” approach.

Across the Solent, there are more than 59,000 veterans, with the Island playing a key role in supporting former Armed Forces personnel and their families.

Over the next three years, the scheme will focus on improving access to mental and physical health support, helping tackle homelessness, boosting employment opportunities and reducing isolation among veterans.

It will also provide tailored support for those leaving the Armed Forces, including help with CVs, job searches and interviews, alongside advice on housing and benefits.

Veterans Outreach Support says the funding will help strengthen and expand services already supporting the Island’s veteran community, building on years of work across the region.

The organisation says the goal is to ensure veterans on the Isle of Wight can access consistent, high-quality support, wherever and whenever they need it.