Wakefield Council helps secure veterans support hub for West Yorkshire
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Wakefield Council has joined up with four other West Yorkshire councils to secure funding for a hub that supports veterans and their families.
The bid was led by Leeds City Council in collaboration with Wakefield, Barnsley, Calderdale and Kirklees and has secured almost £1million (£999,014).
The funding comes from the Government’s VALOUR-recognised centres development fund. VALOUR is a new national programme that will help veterans and their families access the right support at the right time through a more coordinated and accessible system.
“We are pleased that Wakefield Council has played its part in bringing the VALOUR programme to West Yorkshire, helping to strengthen and coordinate support for veterans and their families across the region.
"This initiative helps strengthen the support that is already well-established for veterans in our district. The VALOUR-recognised centre ensures that we are working together with partners to deliver a joined-up system of support for all veterans in West Yorkshire.”
Cllr Rebecca Webster
Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities
Veterans and their families, whether recently discharged or having left service many years ago, will be able to access support on housing, finances, education, employment and a wide range of other services.
The physical VALOUR-recognised centre will be based in Armley (Leeds), and the programme is designed to benefit five areas in West Yorkshire. Wakefield residents will be able to access support locally through outreach activity and Community Connectors.
Over the next three years, the project is expected to provide direct support to around 1,500 veterans and reservists, while a further 3,100 people, including family members, are set to benefit from easier access to services.
Wakefield Council played an active role in developing the successful West Yorkshire consortium bid and will continue to help shape delivery across the region.
Find out more about VALOUR at https://valour.campaign.gov.uk/
For armed forces support in the Wakefield district, visit https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/our-people-and-communities/armed-forces-support