Created in 2019, the OVA leads UK Government efforts to make the United Kingdom the best place in the world to be a veteran. Part of
@cabinetofficeuk
.
"When I get it, it won't be for me, it will be for the 22,442 blokes killed on D-Day. That's what it's all about."
🎖️Veteran Harry Billange has received an MBE in the
#NewYearHonours
list for his work remembering those who did not make it home from WWII.
#Honours2020
Veterans can travel to & from services of remembrance by train for free anywhere in Britain on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November. 🎖️
Those attending the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph can travel to any London terminal for free on Saturday 11 November or on the day.
The first ever Veterans' Survey has been launched today.
Veterans' Affairs Minister
@JohnnyMercerUK
calls on ex-military personnel to fill in the survey, which takes less than 30 minutes.
Train companies will be offering free travel for serving military personnel and veterans to and from Services of Remembrance across Great Britain 🇬🇧
Find out more 👇
Veterans’ Minister
@JohnnyMercerUK
met with Ron Watson, who marched past the Cenotaph with his Nuclear Test Medal for the first time today. The former Royal Engineer took part in Operation Grapple - part of the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme - in 1958.
#LestWeForget
In tribute to servicemen and women who participated in Op Telic,
@JohnnyMercerUK
led a small Remembrance service at the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial in Westminster. This year marks 20 years since the beginning of UK military operations in Iraq.
#LestWeForget
No one, not least those who served our country, should be homeless.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer outlines what we're doing to end homelessness in our veterans community, including £8.55m in funding for more than 900 supported housing units.
Learn more 👇
Ahead of the closing ceremony, Defence Minister
@LeoDochertyUK
has congratulated
#TeamUK
on an amazing performance at the
#InvictusGames
.
Reaching the Games and earning a place on the pitch is a huge achievement for wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans.
#IG22
Former Armed Forces personnel will for the first time be able to identify themselves as veterans in the next Census, following new legislation passed today and announced by
@JohnnyMercerUK
.
Every year on Remembrance Sunday we observe two minutes of silence at 11am - the time Armistice was announced.
We commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women and remember those who lost their lives in war.
#LestWeForget
Today Ministers
@OliverDowden
and
@JohnnyMercerUK
have launched the Office for Veterans’ Affairs🎖️
We will work at the heart of government to ensure world-class provision of veterans' care services in the UK.
Under new Government plans, employers will pay no National Insurance on the salary of any veteran they hire, for the first year.
This is to encourage businesses to tap into the wealth of skills and experience the veteran community provides.
👉
Train companies will be offering free travel for serving military personnel and veterans to and from Services of Remembrance across Great Britain 🇬🇧
Find out more 👇
"I am really proud that we continue to deliver on our promise to veterans and every year we’re seeing more and more people helped into a job when they leave the military."
@JohnnyMercerUK
spoke in the
@HouseofCommons
this morning about latest
@CTPinfo
figures.
We are launching the UK Government's action plan following a consultation on the veterans strategy. Key findings include the need for:
👉 a more coordinated approach to support
👉 increased awareness of existing support
👉 a positive perception of veterans
"I'm absolutely committed to getting these people the help they deserve."
👆
@JohnnyMercerUK
spoke this morning about the positive contributions veterans make to society and the need to counter misconceptions about their experience. Watch the debate 👉
Tell your GP practice if you’ve ever served in the UK Armed Forces. It could be relevant to your health and means you’ll get the support that’s right for you.
Veterans and people who have helped the ex-forces community have been recognised in HM The King's Birthday Honours.
@JohnnyMercerUK
congratulates all those receiving awards today.
Find out more below. 👇🏾
#BDHonours23
"The Office for Veterans’ Affairs was set up to get things done for our veterans. I'm pleased to see that the OVA is already able to show it is achieving just this, working with
@transportgovuk
to deliver this railcard." -
@OliverDowden
.
Read more 👉
Former Armed Forces personnel will for the first time be able to identify themselves as veterans in the next Census, following legislation passed last month. Better data will mean better public services for veterans.
Find out more 👇
We’re committed to ending homelessness in our veteran community. That’s why today we’ve announced:
£8.55m over two years in funding for supported veterans housing
A dedicated pathway for veterans to access housing this Christmas
Read more below 👇
Veterans have your say! 🗣️
With the
@ONS
we have launched the first ever UK-wide survey for veterans and their families.
The survey can be completed in under 30 minutes and support in filling it in is available ☎️
👇
@TheParachuteReg
veteran Hugh Keir talks about how his work with
@React_Response
has helped him understand the value veterans can bring to any organisation.
The veterans railcard went on sale today, giving those who've served our country, and their families, a third off their travel. We will continue to support
#veterans
throughout their lives and recognise their service to our country
"Our duty to our veterans is borne by the nation.
It is only right we continue to serve them, as they have served for us."
Veterans Minister,
@JohnnyMercerUK
reflects on veteran provision 20 years since the start of Operation Telic.
Jonny Ball, a medallist at this year’s
@WeAreInvictus
Games, found help through Op COURAGE - the veterans’ mental health service run by
@NHSArmedForces
.
If you are a veteran struggling this
#WorldMentalHealthDay
, support is available across the UK:
NEWS: New funding and support scheme to finally end armed forces veterans homelessness.
- Over £8.5 million in funding 💷
- New referral pathway for Christmas so veterans can access support 🎄
- Call 01748 833797 📞
Minister
@LeoDochertyUK
shares a message for veterans and those affected by the news from Afghanistan.
For those seeking support, find out more on the services available here 👇
"That's been great for me, working with veterans to solve problems in probably one of the hardest crises the country has faced."
👆 Former
@R_Signals
officer Paul Gudonis talking about his experience of volunteering during the
#coronavirus
pandemic.
#Veterans
@React_Response
Armed Forces veteran and CEO of
@Missionmotorspt
James Cameron has been enjoying the
#Coronation
this morning as a guest of the OVA.
Mission Motorsport helps the recovery and rehabilitation of veterans by providing opportunities through motorsport and the automotive industry.
Yesterday,
@JohnnyMercerUK
met with veterans and charities to discuss the challenges of homelessness in our veterans community.
No one should be homeless, not least our veterans. That's why we've launched an £8.55m fund, and a dedicated pathway to end rough sleeping.
Under new plans, employers will pay no National Insurance on the salary of veterans they hire, for their first year after service.
We want employers to continue to recognise the skills of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
Find out more here 👇
"I am determined that we change
the narrative around the UK’s veteran population so that your service is recognised and your
successes celebrated."
Minister
@JohnnyMercerUK
shares a message to veterans' and their families 👇
“It’s difficult to put into words how much it can change your life.”
Royal Engineers veteran Chris Anslow has competed at the Invictus Games in The Hague & Düsseldorf.
Hear how
@WeAreInvictus
has helped bring back his confidence and sense of community.
"I thoroughly enjoyed what I did, I did it to the best of my ability."
👆 Chelsea Pensioner Alan Rutter reflects on his career and the satisfaction experience he took from the service for
#ArmedForcesWeek
.
@RHChelsea
Today, we are excited to unveil the design for the Nuclear Test Medal, which honours veterans who took part in Britain’s nuclear test programme.
Find out how to claim here 👇
"We are aiming to reduce suicide risk through tackling stigma, education and providing access to mental & physical health support."
👆
@JohnnyMercerUK
spoke in the
@HouseofCommons
yesterday about misconceptions around veterans' mental health & ambitions for further support.
"You're not alone, you know, everyone's going through it."
Former
@RoyalMarines
Nick Goldsmith and his wife Louise set up Hidden Valley Bushcraft in 2015. Their Woodland Warrior Programme helps
#veterans
find purpose through outdoor survival skills and community living.
The newly formed Civil Service Armed Forces Network will increase the visibility of the armed forces community in the Civil Service and showcase the skills they have to offer.
@JohnnyMercerUK
launched the new Network alongside the Chief of Defence People
@DefenceHQ
.
NEWS: New government-funded hotline to end veteran homelessness now live across the UK
Call 0800 952 0774 if you are a veteran in need of housing support today 📞
Calling all veterans - there's still time to fill in the first ever
@ONS
Veterans' Survey.
Have your say and help us improve services for ex-forces personnel.
There are 75 days to go until the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
@PoppyLegion
is searching for WWII veterans to take part in a procession on the Mall in London, one of many events planned to commemorate the occasion. Find out more here:
#VEDay75
“I’m honoured to take on this role. I want the OVA to champion veterans & ensure that their skills & talents are recognised fully by employers, business and wider society."
Retired Colonel & recovery expert David Richmond CBE to head up
@veteransgovuk
Minister
@LeoDochertyUK
visited Veterans into Logistics, a charity which provides training for veterans to secure careers as HGV drivers
#EmployVeterans
Veterans have unique skills and experience that they can bring to employers.
Today
@JohnnyMercerUK
visited Barclays to meet with veterans working at the bank and hear about their successful Military Veterans Outreach programme.
"It is important that we understand the effect of this terrible pandemic on the veteran community too, so we can provide effective support, tailored to their needs."
👆
@JohnnyMercerUK
welcomes
@kcmhr
study looking at impact of COVID-19 on UK veterans.
👉
Earlier today
@michaelgove
chaired the inaugural meeting of the Veterans' Advisory Board - a key part of our ambition to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran 👇
From 6 April, employers who hire former members of the UK regular armed forces will be able to claim a National Insurance holiday for 12 months starting from the first day of the veteran's first civilian employment 1/2
#EmployVeterans
"We are genuinely changing what it feels like to be a veteran in this country."
To mark one year since the OVA started work,
@JohnnyMercerUK
spoke about the government's achievements for veterans so far - and looked ahead to what's next 👇
An update on Veterans ID cards:
"We're investing £44million into
@VeteransUK_MOD
.
"I'm confident that we will achieve the digital success that we need to."
@JohnnyMercerUK
"I think it's really important to celebrate the success from our community as military veterans and as our military family."
👆
@Awardsveterans
founder &
@forcesfitness
MD,
@SeanAMolino
discusses the pride he takes in celebrating
#ArmedForcesWeek
with the veterans community.
A new hotline, Op FORTITUDE, run by
@RiversideUK
has launched today to provide homeless veterans & those at risk of homelessness with a dedicated referral pathway.
Vulnerable veterans are encouraged to contact the hotline on 0800 952 0774.
Find out more below 👇
We are excited that the UK bid to host Invictus Games 2027 has been shortlisted
The UK has world leading health provision for veterans, with Op COURAGE & Op RESTORE. We are hoping to build on the legacy and bring the Games home to Birmingham. Read more👇
"Veterans who are making a difference across the UK when it really matters."
👆
@Missionmotorspt
founder James Cameron explains how the veterans community has risen to the challenge of coronavirus.
Under new plans, employers will pay no National Insurance on the salary of veterans they hire, for their first year after service.
We want employers to continue to recognise the skills of those who have served in the Armed Forces.
Have your say here 👇
One year on from the Veterans Strategy Action Plan, progress has been made across key areas such as:
- Health 💟
- Housing 🏡
- Employment 🧑💼
@JohnnyMercerUK
updates on the OVA's work.
"There should be no one sleeping rough in this country due to a lack of provision.
"If you're a veteran, you can go into a supported housing placement+get wraparound help."
@JohnnyMercerUK
spoke this morning to
@TalkTV
about the launch of Op Fortitude
Happy New Year to all veterans and their families!
This year, the government continues its commitment to supporting veterans, and is excited for the months ahead.
"We've got absolutely everything we could wish for and more in old age."
@RHChelsea
continues to be an international beacon of best practice for the care of some 300 army veterans who live at the Royal Hospital today.
The OVA has secured up to £26 million in the Spring Budget to support our bid to bring the 2027 Invictus Games home to the UK. The Games are a festival of recovery which support veterans and their families through the power of sport.
@hmtreasury
@Jeremy_Hunt
@WeAreInvictus
“It’s important... because it brings back history."
Christmas Island nuclear test veteran Ronald Watson reflects on the importance of remembering and his experiences at the National Service of Remembrance, held at The Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday.
#LestWeForget
Today
@JohnnyMercerUK
,
@FLOTUS
and Mrs Murty met with veterans from Fighting Chance at No.10. The charity supports Veterans through boxing training programmes focused on improving wellbeing and employability.
@TheFightingCha1
"Everyone who served in Afghanistan should be very proud of that service"
Veterans minister
@LeoDochertyUK
highlights support available for veterans who may be struggling at this time 👇
📢 Budget 2023 📢
We've received a further £33 million to support our veterans and their families
✅£10 million over 2 years, doubling the OVA budget
✅£20 million to build, refurb and modernise housing
✅£3 million to further support our injured veterans with mobility issues
We are pleased to announce that
@SarahAthertonMP
will chair an Advisory Group to support development of the Women Veterans’ Strategy, looking at the specific needs & challenges faced by women veterans & celebrate their successes.
Read more here 👉
"I thoroughly enjoyed what I did, I did it to the best of my ability."
👆 Chelsea Pensioner Alan Rutter reflects on his career and the satisfaction and experience he took from service
@RHChelsea
#Veterans
This morning
@DefenceHQ
announced that veterans dismissed due to their sexual orientation can apply to reclaim their medals.
Read more from
@JohnnyMercerUK
👇
Today is
#LondonPoppyDay
, and
@PoppyLegion
are aiming to raise £1 million in one day.
This morning
@JohnnyMercerUK
sold poppies at Westminster station alongside
@RossKemp
and armed forces serving personnel and veterans to support the RBL’s Poppy Appeal. 🎖️
The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey has been organised by
@PoppyFactory
since 1928.
This morning
@JohnnyMercerUK
visited the Field ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
308 plots have been laid out in the names of military associations + other organisations
@PoppyLegion
"I hope today's announcement goes some way to redress some of the pain that has been caused over the years." -
@JohnnyMercerUK
speaking to BBC and Sky News this morning.
Read more 👉
Thanks to Op FORTITUDE, almost 400 veterans have somewhere to call home this Christmas
Today
@JohnnyMercerUK
visited
@MJHRiverside
, a supported housing site in Aldershot, to meet veteran residents & hear about how the facility is equipping them with skills to live independently
“This means the world to veterans.”
@JohnnyMercerUK
encourages GPs to become veteran-friendly accredited and veterans to tell their GPs they served in order to access the right support, as part of new health campaign.
Today, the OVA is hosting the UK’s biggest veterans conference. The event brings together sector leaders - across health, research and policy - to share best practice on how to turn evidence into action.
Today Minister
@LeoDochertyUK
met with veteran charities to discuss their experience supporting veterans through adaptive sports, and how this can be used to improve physical and mental health.
This forms a key part of the UK’s National Disability Strategy 🏀⚽🏉
➡️Mental health
➡️Ending homelessness
➡️Tackling the cost of living
MPs were updated yesterday by
@JohnnyMercerUK
on the work of the Office for Veterans' Affairs.