Veterans centre given 'significant' accreditation

An armed forces hub has been named as the first and only Valour-recognised centre for veterans in the West Midlands.

The Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub in Dawley, Shropshire - named after a former councillor who served in the Army for more than two decades - offers advice and assistance to the armed forces community.

The Office for Veterans' Affairs' Valour initiative is designed to make it easier for veterans and their families to access care, advice and support.

Councillor Paul Davis, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for strong communities, local pride and veterans, said it was a "hugely significant milestone" for both the centre and veterans in the region.

"To become the first Valour-recognised centre in the West Midlands is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the hard work, passion and commitment shown by everyone involved in the Hub since it opened.

Valour-recognised centres provide co-ordinated access to multiple services for veterans at a local level, and are expected to meet specific quality standards, support timely access to appropriate services, and hand over data and insights to inform continuous improvement.

The centre in Dawley has been supported by £670,709 of funding, which was awarded in March through the government's £50m Valour programme.

The funding will allow it to extend its opening hours, offer more face-to-face support and widen access to services covering housing, health and wellbeing, welfare, employment and skills.

"We are proud of our strong military connections 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," added Davis.

"This recognition, backed by more than £670,000 of 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."

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