In an important step to streamline and improve services for veterans, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) has recently launched a new Support Directory and a series of online guides. This initiative aims to ensure that veterans and their families can easily access the support they need, from health and well-being to financial assistance and employment. Notably, this new service also marks the retirement of the Veterans’ Gateway, which had served as a key resource for many years. Here’s what veterans and their families need to know about this new development and how it affects them.

What is the OVA’s New Support Directory?

The OVA’s Support Directory is a comprehensive online resource that provides veterans with direct access to a range of services tailored to their needs. It brings together a wide array of support networks, charities, and government services, making it easier for veterans to find assistance quickly and efficiently. The directory covers areas such as:

• Health and Wellbeing: Resources for physical and mental health, including access to specialised NHS services, mental health charities, and rehabilitation programs.
• Financial Support: Information on pensions, benefits, and grants that veterans may be eligible for, as well as guidance on managing finances and debt.
• Housing: Assistance with finding affordable housing, housing adaptations, and support for homeless veterans.
• Employment and Education: Resources for those looking to retrain, upskill, or find new employment opportunities, along with educational grants and funding for vocational training.
• Community and Social Support: Links to local veteran organisations, social clubs, and community groups that help veterans stay connected and build a support network.

The OVA has made it a priority to ensure the directory is user-friendly and easy to navigate, so veterans can quickly find relevant information and contacts without having to navigate a maze of websites and organisations.

Use the link here to access the directory: https://www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans

Online Guides: Empowering Veterans with Information

In addition to the Support Directory, the OVA has also introduced a series of online guides designed to provide veterans with the knowledge they need to navigate civilian life. These guides cover practical topics, such as transitioning from military to civilian life, managing finances, and accessing healthcare services. By providing this information in a straightforward format, the OVA aims to empower veterans to make informed decisions and feel more confident as they navigate post-service life.

The online guides are available to access from any device, making them a convenient resource for veterans and their families, no matter where they are. Each guide includes step-by-step instructions and tips, as well as links to additional resources and support organisations.

Use the link here to access the directory:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-support-for-veterans-and-their-families

Veterans’ Gateway: A Fond Farewell

As the OVA’s new resources take centre stage, the Veterans’ Gateway is being retired. Launched in 2017, the Veterans’ Gateway served as a central point of contact for veterans, connecting them to services across the UK. Over the years, it has provided invaluable support, but the decision to retire it comes in light of the enhanced and more streamlined services offered by the OVA’s Support Directory and online guides.

For those who have relied on the Veterans’ Gateway in the past, the transition should be smooth. The OVA has ensured that all information previously available through the Veterans’ Gateway can now be accessed through the new Support Directory. Veterans can be confident that they will still receive the same level of support, if not more, through the new system.

What This Means for Veterans

The introduction of the new OVA Support Directory and online guides represents a significant step forward in supporting the veteran community. The OVA has recognised the need for a simplified, accessible, and centralised system that veterans can rely on as they navigate life after service. By combining comprehensive support services with practical, easy-to-understand guides, the OVA is making it easier for veterans and their families to get the help they need.

If you or someone you know is a veteran needing support, now is the time to explore the new OVA Support Directory and online guides. With these resources at your fingertips, accessing support has never been easier. For more information, visit the OVA’s website and start discovering the wealth of resources available today.