Rishi has backed Northallerton Citizens Advice’s bid to become a recognised centre for veterans’ support.
He met staff, volunteers, partner organisations and a veteran client, at the Northallerton Branch as the team outlined their application to join the national VALOUR scheme, an initiative designed to make it easier for veterans and the wider armed forces community to access coordinated, in-person support.
Rishi has formally supported the application as part of the bid process.
If successful, Northallerton Citizens Advice would become a VALOUR Recognised Centre, helping to bring together services that are often delivered separately.
The scheme focuses on ensuring veterans can access guidance on health, housing and employment, alongside wider support covering finances, wellbeing and welfare, all through a joined-up local hub.
The VALOUR programme, funded by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, will award grants of up to £1 million to centres across the country.
The aim is to reduce the “postcode lottery” in access to services and strengthen coordination between charities, community groups and statutory providers, following a “no wrong door” approach so individuals are directed quickly to the right help.
During the visit, representatives from Citizens Advice, MIND, CarersPlus and local veterans’ organisations discussed how building on their working partnerships would strengthen support for veterans.
A local veteran also spoke about the positive impact Citizens Advice had already made and how a recognised hub would simplify the journey for others seeking help.
Rishi said:
“Veterans and their families have given so much in service to our country, and they deserve support that is easy to access and joined up. What Citizens Advice and its partners are hoping to build here in Northallerton is exactly the kind of coordinated, community-based model that can make a real difference to people’s lives. I’m pleased to support their application and the work they are doing to ensure no one is left to navigate complex systems alone.”
Rachel Allen, Deputy CEO of Northallerton Citizens Advice, added:
“The visit from Rishi was such a boost. We are excited about the opportunity of becoming a Valour Veteran's Hub and what it offers to the people who need our support now and in the future. With our partners, Carers Plus and MIND, and wider network colleagues we could go even further in providing critical, wraparound support.”
