Day: November 10, 2025

A new focus for Education Scotland

Education Scotland is, as of the first of November, now a curriculum focused organisation. Education Scotland is now centred on the design, delivery and ongoing improvement of the curriculum that is taught in schools and settings across the country.

The inspection function is being removed from Education Scotland and the process of the establishment of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland is underway.

Scotland’s education system is being reformed to improve outcomes for learners of all ages, while ensuring that those delivering education in settings, schools and colleges are better supported. A new sketchnote highlighting the national priorities in education as set out in the National Improvement Framework will soon be available. 

Graeme Logan, Interim Chief Executive of Education Scotland and His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, said: “I am honoured to be leading both Education Scotland and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in Scotland through reform.

“As Interim CEO of Education Scotland, I am keen to continue my discussions with colleagues, stakeholders and partners on what this new curriculum focus can achieve and how it can improve support for teachers and other practitioners, and improve learning outcomes. 

“My vision is that educators will be better supported with evidence based curriculum resources and increased opportunity to contribute to our work. In HMIE, we are keen to develop new approaches to school inspections that put children and young people at the very heart.

“We have already carried out extensive engagement with our audiences – from educators, to parents and carers, and this helped inform the consultation on school inspections that was launched recently. This sharpened focus on engagement and stakeholders shaping our work is something that will be embedded in the work of HMIE. 

“The establishment of a new Advisory Council will also be an important part of this approach. I look forward to the Council being set up and the value they will bring to the work of the inspectorate. We will create an environment where educators feel heard, valued and empowered to influence and innovate – and we will shape an organisation that is adaptive, inclusive, connected to and understands the real world of Scottish education. 

“Collaboration will be central to this. We want to ensure collaboration is embedded in everything we do. For example, this will build on our recent approach to working with educators through the Curriculum Improvement Cycle.

“This will help ensure we develop the right support and resources at the right time, communicate more effectively and help develop cohesive practices across the curriculum, learning, teaching and assessment.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the work you do and to encourage you to look out for our new approach to communications over the coming year for both Education Scotland and HMIE. We look forward to working closely with you as the reform continues at pace, and we move in to our new ways of working.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “HMIE’s establishment and the refocusing of Education Scotland are key components of our education reform agenda, enabling them to support our education settings to deliver improved outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.

“The new inspectorate will help increase confidence in inspections and the role it has in driving improvement, while Education Scotland becoming a more curriculum orientated organisation will only serve to better support educators improve the quality of learning our children and young people receive.

“I want to thank Education Scotland and HMIE staff for their work to support the delivery of education throughout this reform process. The incoming changes will better support our educators and, in turn, benefit those in education of all ages across Scotland.”

See the latest news from Education Scotland or follow @EducationScot on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

See the latest news from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland or follow @hmiescotland on X and Facebook.

Vue Ocean Terminal welcomes luxurious new seating option

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.

The Ultra Lux is the best seat in the screen and is available for Ocean Terminal customers to experience from 7 November.

To mark its arrival, Vue has worked with The Flash Pack to create a bespoke video booth for customers, to give a taster of the immersive experience they can expect from watching a film in an Ultra Lux seat.

Customers visiting Ocean Terminal on 7 and 8 November tried out the special 360 video booth which was located within the foyer, and took a 360 video of customers sitting in the luxurious seat.

112 Ultra Lux seats have been installed across Vue Ocean Terminal’s 12 screens.

Each seat provides the very best view of the screen and comes with a host of premium features including an extra-wide armrest and personal table for snacks and beverages, and a back and legs which recline independently, allowing customers to find the most relaxing viewing position possible.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Ocean Terminal, said: “We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to Ocean Terminal and look forward to unveiling it to customers from 7 November. It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.

“The interactive video booth is a fantastic opportunity to test out the Ultra Lux and have a fun video to keep and share on social media, which will be emailed to each customer who visits the booth.”

Tickets for Ocean Terminal can be booked online by visiting myvue.com. 

Scottish International Storytelling Festival – most successful yet

TICKET SALES SOARED… that’s the story!

Multiple sell-outs and packed houses were enjoyed by audiences and participants at this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival (22 October to 1 November), which is supported by Multi-Year funding from Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund.

The festival’s programme, themed under ‘Lights of the North’, included live storytelling, music, art, and song.  Across the core festival programme, which included 39 live performances and workshops at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, over 93% of all available tickets were sold, and an incredible 77% of all events were completely sold out (30 total).  Ticket income increased by 70%, and the number of festival passes bought doubled from 2024.

Highlights included international guest storytellers from the world’s northern arc, sharing tales of Huldufólk (or the hidden people from Iceland), trolls, and the dark northern winters. Plus, there were tales from Scotland’s Travellers; stories about Vikings and selkies; and as the festival nudged closer to Halloween, there were plenty of dark tales inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s original collection of fairytales, tales of Corpse Roads, spooky stories, and mystic legends to be enjoyed.

Even though the main festival has ended, throughout November the festival’s Go Local programme continues in village halls, churches, castles, and venues across Scotland. 

Plus, at the University of Edinburgh, on Saturday 8 November, Festival Director Donald Smith and playwright Linda McLean, will join Randall Stevenson and Greg Walker the editors of the Oxford Handbook of Scottish theatre, for Religion and Scottish Drama, at the New College Festival of Books and Belief. 

And, also on Saturday 8 and 22 November, Stephen McCabe, who is a storytelling therapist, will be running Folktales for New Scots: Connected with Nature, which are nature-connection walks aimed at migrants and the local community.

These walks, starting from outside the Scottish Parliament also include a printing from nature art workshop with Beetroots Collective’s artists Marta Adamowicz and Robert Motyka.

Online audiences can still continue to enjoy more stories by listening to the festival’s podcast series Another Story, hosted by Daniel Abercrombie, Associate Director, Scottish International Storytelling Festival, available on all podcast platforms via: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/another-story

Plus, there are Recorded Performances of some of this year’s events available to watch on Youtube at: https://www.sisf.org.uk/home/recorded-performances:

  • The Alan Bruford Lecture ‘A Curious Episode at Balquhidder: Placenames in the North and the Nackens’ with Dr Robert Fell and special guest Shamus McPhee.
  • Storyteller: Martyn Bennett and the Travellers’ Stories with James MacDonald Reid, Gauri Raja, Jess Smith and Gary West.
  • Open Hearth storytelling session with storytellers Grace Banks, Johan Sandberg McGuinne, Jackie Ross and musician Tom Oakes.

Donald Smith, Director, Scottish International Storytelling Festival said: “The storytellers and musicians excelled; packed audiences loved it; workshops were full of fresh talent. We all made new friends.

“I’ve worked in a lot of festivals over fifty years, but this one will resonate for years to come – it was the pure drop.”

Catriona Hawksworth, Traditional Arts Officer at Creative Scotland said: “The Scottish International Storytelling Festival’s resounding success is a testament to the richness and diversity of storytelling it brings to audiences – from the heart of Scotland to voices around the globe.

“With vital support from the Scottish Government’s EXPO funding, the festival has flourished as a beacon of international collaboration and socially engaged storytelling. By celebrating intangible cultural heritage, it’s inspiring communities and setting a vibrant example of how traditions can be shared, honoured, and reimagined across Scotland.”

The dates of next year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival are 21 to 31 October 2026.

Christmas Songbook to bring festive cheer to Edinburgh

Scotland’s iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Edinburgh this December. 

With a legendary line up fronted by beloved accordion player Phil Cunningham, dazzling new arrangements, and the same heartwarming charm that has made it a seasonal staple for nearly two decades, this year’s tour is set to be one of the most enchanting yet.

Edinburgh audiences will be treated to three unforgettable performances at The Queen’s Hall on Friday 19th, Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd December.

For 19 years, Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook has been a cherished tradition, blending exquisite musicianship, captivating storytelling and a joyful mix of contemporary and traditional Christmas tunes.

Joining Phil on stage is a stellar lineup of some of Scotland’s most celebrated musicians, including the incomparable Eddi Reader, the soulful Karen Matheson, multi-instrumental maestro John McCusker, Orcadian roots sensation Kris Drever, guitar virtuoso Ian Carr, and the ever-versatile double bassist Kevin McGuire. 

Phil Cunningham said: “The Christmas Songbook is my favourite time of year. It’s a chance to bring people together, share music, laughter and a little festive magic.

“From contemporary carols and tunes to a mix of classics, we’ll be bringing the Christmas cheer in spades to Edinburgh and can’t wait to see the smiles on faces and hear people singing along.

“It’s a privilege to share the stage with such incredible musicians and to celebrate the season with audiences at The Queen’s Hall.”

Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook takes place across Scotland, 13 – 22 December 2025.Tickets available now at: philcunningham.com/live-shows

Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird this Christmas

This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.

Running from 21st November until 28th December, the Winter Village offers families, friends and couples the perfect festive day out.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “It’s brilliant to bring the Winter Village to Fort Kinnaird for the first time, creating a space for our community to come together and celebrate the season.

“Whether you’re visiting to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, catch a festive classic at the cinema or simply soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way for families and friends to get into the festive spirit and make special memories.”

Market magic

The Winter Village will be complete with over 20 artisan market stalls providing visitors with plenty of options when browsing for gifts for loved ones or even treating themselves to something special this Christmas.

Grab a bite as you wander, with plenty of sweet and savoury options to keep you fuelled – such as tasty dishes from Salt and Chilli Street Food, and classic pick ’n’ mix treats to take home.

Gift hunters can browse baubles and handmade luxury decorations that make ideal keepsakes. There will also be a range of personalised gifts on offer that are customisable while you wait, making the gift buying process as simple as can be.

Big‑top thrills:

Two dazzling circus shows will be brought to life under the big top, providing festive entertainment for all the family.

Santa’s Mystical Christmas:

Step into a festive circus pantomime packed with aerial acts, daring stunts, seasonal music and audience fun. When Santa arrives at the circus bearing gifts, a mischievous witch casts a spell that traps him inside the big top. With Christmas hanging in the balance, Santa and his trusty Elf must outsmart their foe, restore the magic and save the season.

Freestyle Circus

For something with more adrenaline, Freestyle Circus delivers high-energy acrobatics, precision choreography and jaw-dropping stunts. Expect the famous Globe motorcyclists, the nerve-testing Wheel of Death, and a soundtrack that mixes hip-hop beats with street-style swagger.

Fun for all ages

From family-friendly spinners and mini-coasters to faster attractions for older visitors, there will be something for everyone at Fort Kinnaird’s Christmas funfair – the perfect dose of seasonal adrenaline.

Glitter tattoos and face painting are also on offer to help visitors look the part this festive season.

Availability can vary throughout the season, and some rides carry height restrictions, so it’s worth checking boards on the day.

Make a full day of it

The Winter Village sits at the heart of Fort Kinnaird, Edinburgh’s largest retail and leisure destination. With more than 70 shops and restaurants and a seven‑screen Odeon cinema, it’s easy to spend a full day out that blends festive fun with gift shopping and a bite to eat.

The Winter Village will run at Fort Kinnaird from Monday 21st November until Friday 28th December.

The market is free to explore, with a small fee for the funfair rides and other activities like face painting. The two circus shows are ticketed events.

Find out more and book for the shows at wintervillagefk.co.uk or visit fortkinnaird.com for general information.

Keep Walking Live: The Johnnie Walker Experience hosts globally renowned Scottish DJs

  • FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor
  • The multi award winning Edinburgh venue’s 1820 Rooftop Bar will see sets from homegrown talent La La, DIJA & Maveen, curated by NTS
  • Championing pioneering music movements, this unmissable event will be the first from new initiative, Johnnie Walker Keep Walking: Live

Tickets for a night of performances from leading Scottish musical talent at The Johnnie Walker Experience, Edinburgh, are now live.

In collaboration with legendary radio and music platform NTS Radio, music fans will have the chance to enjoy exclusive sets from DJs La La, DIJA and Maveen as Keep Walking Live with NTS, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience is launched at the venue on Thursday 13th November (7-11pm). Tickets are free for guests via sign up on Resident Advisor.

Keep Walking Live with NTS, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience will be one of the first events in the country from the new music-led initiative, Keep Walking: Live, a platform which champions pioneering music movements and the talent within those. Keep Walking : Live will celebrate local artists, crews and creatives through localised events, nurturing a community of culture lovers.

The Princes Street venue’s 1820 Rooftop Bar will be taken over for the evening, with the experience soundtracked by the country’s top talent, complimented by a menu of incredible Johnnie Walker cocktails, and views of the Edinburgh skyline. It’s the perfect destination as this movement launches in Edinburgh.

The Johnnie Walker Experience event is a milestone as its first dedicated live music moment at the home of the world’s number one scotch, Johnnie Walker. In partnership with global platform NTS Radio, this kick off event will strengthen the venue’s connection with music audiences in its hometown of Edinburgh, and contribute to the healthy cultural ecosystem within the bustling city.

Ticketholders will be treated to performances from 7-11pm from three acts who embody the sound of Scotland’s dance scene now. Representing Scotland to global audiences and highlighting the depth of talent in the country, these artists are quickly becoming household names.

  • La La, Scotland born and now based in London, plays shows from Ibiza to Sydney and was seen playing to thousands at Glastonbury earlier this year. A champion of house music, she also runs a label where she empowers fellow Scottish artists.
  • Egyptian- Lithuanian DJ, promoter and visual artist, DIJA is a key player in Scotland’s modern music scene with a residency in Glasgow’s La Cheetah Club. Her eclectic taste ranges from Arabic disco to Afro house.
  • Maveen is a powerhouse of musical talent with genre-defying taste. DJ, radio host, label runner and more, his label Kintu is dedicated to “spotlighting under- appreciated artists”.

Erin Ramsay, Head of Johnnie Walker Experience, said: “Scotland has always been at the forefront of the global music scene, and at The Johnnie Walker Experience we love celebrating the creativity and talent our country has to offer. Keep Walking Live with NTS, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience, is a perfect way to bring that energy to life.

“We’re thrilled to host this new platform and connect with our fans through music and culture. In partnership with NTS Radio, who lead the way in music and events, we can’t wait to put on a night to remember this November.”

Johnnie Walker has long championed those who dare to push boundaries in culture. Through the development of its Keep Walking purpose, the brand aligns with a global audience who embrace resilience, creativity, and community – a movement for the bright and bold thinkers who find purpose in discovery, and connection. Johnnie Walker is on a journey in culture, especially in music, where they move from fan to follower to curator.

Tickets will give guests access to an up-close and intimate event with Scotland’s top musical talent, a Johnnie Walker highball on arrival, and a night of shared experience amongst likeminded people.

Sign up for complimentary tickets: https://ra.co/events/2293497*

*T&Cs apply

Tomorrow: Free community energy advice event at LifeCare

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY from 10am – 2pm

Almost a third (28 per cent) of people in Scotland still don’t seek professional advice or support when struggling to pay their energy bills, despite the support available.

Reasons for this include belief that they won’t qualify (34 per cent), stigma or embarrassment (31 per cent) or due to a lack of information (27 per cent)

In fact, 53 per cent agree they find it difficult to talk about struggling to pay their energy bills, rising from 33 per cent last year.

A new poll, commissioned by British Gas as part of its independent charitable trust British Gas Energy Trust (The Trust), found gas and electric costs are the most challenging for 24 per cent, followed by council tax (18 per cent) and mortgage payments (13 per cent).

It comes as British Gas and British Gas Energy Trust have partnered with the Post Office and 20 local charities to offer 120 free drop-in events across Britain over the next 12 months.

These events give people the chance to get practical, face-to-face support on budget planning, managing energy debt, applying for debt write-off grants, and accessing simple energy-saving measures to help keep homes warmer and bills lower.

Tracey Talbot, Interim Chief Executive Officer, at British Gas Energy Trust, said: “We know that managing household budgets remains a real challenge for many, with the cost of living putting pressure on people across the country. And although we’re starting to see more people coming forward to seek support, we recognise that doing so can still feel difficult.

“That’s why we’ve partnered with the Post Office and trusted local charities to bring support into communities across Britain – including Scotland.

These drop-in sessions provide practical advice on budgeting, managing bills, and accessing grants, all in a friendly and approachable setting.  Our Individuals and Families Fund and Energy Support Fund are also now open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers – whether you’re on a prepayment meter or a credit account. If you need support, you can find out more and apply through the British Gas Energy Trust website.

“No one should feel alone in this – and we want people to know that help is not only available, but designed to work for them, wherever they are in life.”

According to the research, for those who are willing to seek support, their first ports of call are either friends and family (38 per cent) or energy provider payment plans (29 per cent).

It also found 60 per cent believe advice from a trusted local money and energy advice charity would also make it much easier for them to get the support they need during difficult times.

With 50 per cent likely to go straight to their energy provider in this situation.

63 per cent believe there should be more Government and charity programmes to help people manage rising energy costs.

Christina King, Customer Vulnerability Manager at British Gas, said: “It’s encouraging to see more people speaking to their energy provider when they’re finding things tough. That first conversation can make a real difference and there are many ways we can help.

“Our British Gas advisors will be available at local pop-up events to offer practical, face-to-face guidance – and these sessions are just one of the ways we’re helping customers during the upcoming winter. We committed £140 million to help customers since 2021 with their energy bills, the biggest voluntary support package from an energy company.

“Through the British Gas Energy Trust, we’re providing access to grants, funding, and free advice services alongside additional support like matched debt repayments and non-repayable credit for those in serious difficulty.”

The drop-in events are taking place in Edinburgh in partnership with Citizens Advice Edinburgh at LifeCare Edinburgh on 11th & 12th November and then at Citizens Advice Edinburgh on 18th & 19th of November.

See the full list of events here.

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Edinburgh Blue Balls launch first Annual – A bold celebration of men, mental health and community

Edinburgh Blue Balls, known for its cold-water dips and open conversations, launches its first Edinburgh Blue Balls Annual.

The coffee table–style publication is a bold and raw collection of portraits and personal stories told by men, for all to read.

The Annual is free of charge and distributed across independent cafés, bookshops and workplaces. A launch event will take place on 14 November at The Pitt, Granton, where everyone is welcome to see the portraits and meet the men behind the stories featured in the Annual.

Founded in 2021 by photographer Marc Millar, what began as a handful of strangers meeting for cold-water dips at Portobello Beach, has grown into a supportive community. Around 40 men now gather every Sunday and mid-week for dips, to connect, and talk openly about mental health.

Edinburgh Blue Balls exists to keep the conversation around men’s wellbeing alive. No membership, no expectations, just men showing up, sharing, and finding strength in connection.

The launch of the Annual marks the start of a growing body of creative work highlighting the lived experiences of men, from resilience and recovery to laughter and loss.

Featuring stories from men across Scotland and portraits by photographers Marc Millar and Graham Williams, the publication captures the unfiltered reality of men’s mental health.

The Annual also includes contributions from comedian Greg Hemphill and footballer Zander Murray, exploring masculinity, vulnerability, and visibility in sport and society.

Marc Millar, founder of Edinburgh Blue Balls, said: “We spend too much time scrolling past things that deserve to stop us in our tracks.

“I wanted people to sit with these stories, to hold them, feel them, and connect. It’s not about likes or followers; it’s about being human, together.

“Everyday pressures continue to impact men’s mental health and wellbeing, something I’ve seen first-hand, and the stigma and shame that still exists.

“The stories in the Annual are honest, sometimes heavy, but full of hope. They show that even in the darkest moments, when men connect, talk, and support each other, things start to change.”

The Annual was supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and will be launched on the 14 November at The Pitt Market, Granton.

For more information please contact info@edinburghblueballs.co.uk

New sauna to open at Leith Community Croft

A new sauna is coming to Edinburgh this autumn. Puffin Sauna, a converted horse trailer turned wood-fired sauna, will soon be setting up on Leith Links. 

Located within Leith Community Croft – home of the charity Earth in Common – the sauna will sit alongside the urban croft’s food-growing plots, Sunday market, Populus Cafe and regular community events. It’s the perfect place to escape the city and unwind.

Set to open on Saturday 29 November, Puffin Sauna will host community sessions for up to six people, with two refreshing cold plunge barrels for the full contrast therapy experience.

Designed to be welcoming and relaxed, Puffin Sauna is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned sauna-goer or it’s your first time.

Follow @puffinsauna on Instagram to be the first to know when booking opens, and to see behind-the-scenes updates as the sauna is installed at Leith Community Croft.

 Max Schilling, founder of Puffin Sauna said: “Sauna culture is booming in Scotland and we’re so excited to be adding to it.

“Leith Community Croft is the perfect setting for an urban sauna and as a community hub, so it’ll be the ideal place to come and disconnect from the day-to-day, recover from a gym session, catch up with mates.

“Wellness isn’t exclusive, it’s for everyone, so come and give it a go!”

Veterans support centres to be rolled out across the country

UK government is launching its new Veterans Strategy to transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution

  • £27m in government funding goes live for local bids, turbocharging network of recognised VALOUR centres.
  • First Veterans Strategy in seven years will transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country.
  • Developed alongside the Strategic Defence Review and the Armed Forces Covenant, the strategy commits new £12m fund for veteran housing.

Over 1.8 million veterans across the UK will benefit from a new network of local support centres, as the MOD launches a transformational Veterans Strategy to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.    

The new centres will help improve access to support services such as health, housing and employment, and may extend to finance, wellbeing, welfare and integration into society.   

The local centres will fundamentally transform how assistance is provided, offering the first coordinated national network of support centres. They will connect to a new VALOUR headquarters within the Ministry of Defence, with regional centres and field officers working in communities.    

On top of the £50m VALOUR fund, the Government is also committing an additional £12m to vital homelessness services through the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme.

Op FORTITUDE will also be extended, putting the service that has already housed over 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing.

These programmes will deliver three years of support services across the UK for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, fulfilling the Prime Minister’s pledge that homes will be there for heroes.  

This strategy, like the Armed Forces Covenant, applies equally across the UK, with its vision, themes and priority outcomes a shared endeavour between UK and devolved governments. The strategy has benefitted from the inputs of veterans themselves and from organisations in all parts of the UK – across the public, private and third sector – that work with veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.  

As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the new strategy recognises veterans as national assets, whose unique skills strengthen communities, boost the economy and enhance national security. The strategy is built on three priorities: celebrating those who have served, harnessing veterans’ skills, and ensuring effective support for those who need it.  

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, and that is only possible through the extraordinary men and women in our Armed Forces.

“Our nation owes a duty to those who have served, and this new Strategy recognises veterans as one of our greatest assets.

“Today’s announcements will boost support for veterans across the UK, from better healthcare to housing to jobs. Our message to veterans and the Armed Forces community is simple: we are on your side.”

Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:  “Our new Veterans Strategy fundamentally resets how we celebrate and support the remarkable men and women who have served in our Armed Forces, whilst harnessing their invaluable talent and skills across society.

“At the core of the strategy is VALOUR – backed by £50 million in funding. From today, organisations can bid for the first tranche of this funding to become part of a network of support centres across the country for our heroes – ensuring easier access to the assistance they need, when and where they need it. 

“This strategy has been informed by those who it seeks to benefit: veterans, and we remain committed to stand by those who have stood by us.”

VALOUR – which launched earlier this year and is backed by £50m in total – will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is truly data driven.

VALOUR-recognised support centres will open from spring 2026, offering veterans with a single contact point for support needs.  

The announcement comes after the government announced a commitment to support World War Two veterans to travel to overseas commemorative events and expanded the eligibility for the Nuclear Test Medal. 

Developed alongside the Strategic Defence Review and the Armed Forces Covenant, the new strategy forms part of the Government’s Plan for Change commitment to strong national security foundations. 

Nick Pope, Chair of Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities, said: “Cobseo welcomes the publication of this Veterans’ Strategy and the government’s ongoing commitment to enabling a thriving Armed Forces Community that is both valued and supported by society.

“There are two key building blocks to this; the Armed Forces Covenant; and the Veterans Strategy, which resets how we engage with the Armed Forces Community to support, to contribute, and to celebrate their endeavours. 

“The Armed Forces charity sector has a key role to play in delivering this and ensuring that all Cobseo members continue to provide their brilliant support to their beneficiary communities.”