Cumbria’s Labour MPs have secured Government backing for a new network of veterans support centres, bringing specialist help closer to thousands of former service personnel and their families.
The successful bid will see a flagship VALOUR centre established in Penrith, supported by local centres in Carlisle, Barrow, Grange, Kendal, Whitehaven and Workington.
The investment follows a joint campaign by Cumbria’s Labour MPs, who pressed the Government to ensure the county’s large veteran population received its fair share of funding.
More than 5 percent of Cumbria’s adult population have served in the Armed Forces, among the highest proportions in the country.
But accessing specialist support can be difficult, particularly for veterans living in rural and coastal communities.
The new centres will make it easier to get help with healthcare, housing, employment, benefits and wellbeing, without having to travel long distances or navigate multiple services.
The rollout of the second phase of centres announced today forms part of the Labour Government’s £50 million VALOUR programme, and will more than double the national network of recognised veterans support organisations.
The successful Cumbrian bid was developed by Westmorland and Furness and Cumberland Councils, supported by the Cumbria Armed Forces Families Alliance and backed by the county’s MPs.
Barrow and Furness MP, Michelle Scrogham who is a member of the Defence Committee, said: “This is a fantastic result for Cumbria’s veterans and their families, and something we’ve worked hard together to secure.
“We made the case directly to Government that a county with such strong Armed Forces connections deserved better access to dedicated support.
“With Remembrance Sunday approaching, this is a practical demonstration of our commitment to those who have served.”
Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: “I’m delighted we’ve secured this investment, with Penrith at the heart of the new Cumbrian network.
“Our veterans have served their country, and they deserve to know that support will be there when they need it. This is a major step forward.”
Julie Minns MP for Carlisle said: “I am delighted we have secured VALOUR for our county and for our veteran community here in Carlisle and North Cumbria.
“It means veterans across Carlisle and our wider region will get the direct support, help and connection they rightfully deserve.
“Our service personnel have given so much for us, and this hub ensures we are delivering the vital care and recognition they and their families need.”
Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister said: “We’ve fought to secure this investment because veterans in West Cumbria deserve proper support close to home.
“New centres in Whitehaven and Workington mean people won’t have to travel miles to get help with housing, health, work or benefits.
“Our Armed Forces veterans have given a great deal to this country. Making sure we’re there for them when they need us is the least we can do.”
While Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, which covers part of the south east of county, said: “I’m pleased to have backed this successful bid, which will also benefit veterans and Armed Forces families in Morecambe and Lunesdale.
“Together with the investment already secured for veterans services in Lancashire, this means better support across our region.”
The MPs thanked the Cumbria Armed Forces Families Alliance, both councils and the local veterans organisations, charities and community groups who helped develop the successful proposal.
The new centres will form part of the nationwide VALOUR network, which is expanding from 14 to 34 recognised organisations, backed by an additional £13.2 million, with the latest centres due to launch in early 2027.
The centres will provide safe, welcoming and accessible spaces for veterans, serving personnel and their families, helping them access support, build social connections and navigate services more effectively.
The investment is expected to improve outcomes in health, employment, housing and wellbeing while reducing the inequalities in access to support that have historically affected many veterans living in Cumbria.
Further information is available at http://www.gov.uk/valour
