Stephen Kinnock MP welcomes £1million new funding for veterans in South Wales after supporting ‘game-changing’ charity bid
Port Talbot-based charity Bulldogs has today been awarded £1million of Ministry of Defence funding to transform support for veterans and the wider Armed Forces community across South Wales.
The financial award comes from ‘VALOUR’, the UK Labour Government’s new UK-wide programme, which is designed to make it easier for veterans to access the care and support they deserve. The award reflects Bulldogs’ proud record of well-recognised charity work on behalf of their local community, including veteran support.
This new project, Connected Forces Cymru, will establish a co-ordinated network of support hubs, bringing together Bulldogs BCA, Swansea Veterans Hub, VC Gallery and Woody’s Lodge to deliver a unified system of care and support across the region. The initiative will support more than 4,000 Veterans, alongside 9,500 indirect beneficiaries, by providing access to essential services including health, housing, employment and wellbeing support.
Support for the application was provided by local MP for Aberafan Maesteg, Stephen Kinnock, who sought advice in Westminster on how the application could showcase South Wales’ proud history of veteran support against the strict ‘VALOUR’ criteria. Stephen also worked strategically with other MPs in the region to create a network of political support.
Ceri Stilwell, CEO of Bulldogs Boxing & Community Activities, said:
“Securing this funding is a huge step forward for South Wales.
“Connected Forces Cymru will make sure Veterans and their families can access the right support, in the right place, at the right time. We already have incredible organisations doing life-changing work, this funding allows us to connect them into one reliable system.
“This is about making what already works accessible to everyone who needs it.”
Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg said:
“I am delighted to have supported Bulldogs’ successful bid. The UK Labour Government’s VALOUR funding will be game-changing for veterans who need and deserve support.
“Bulldogs is a pillar of our community in Aberafan Maesteg, providing an open-door to Veterans when they are most in need. Their new status as a VALOUR Recognised Centre reflects their important contribution.
“I look forward to working with Bulldogs, Connected Forces Cymru and our local community to deliver for veterans.”
The funding is a part of the UK Labour Government’s ambitious strategy to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve. This includes the biggest pay uplift in two decades, a landmark £9bn renewal of Armed Forces housing, and wraparound childcare for forces families.
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NOTES TO EDITOR
Delivering VALOUR in South Wales
This investment forms part of the UK Government’s VALOUR commitment to strengthen support for Veterans by creating VALOUR Recognised Centres, these will be trusted, accessible spaces offering co-ordinated, wrap-around support.
Connected Forces Cymru will deliver:
- A network of physical support hubs, open up to six days per week
- A “no wrong door” approach ensuring Veterans receive the right support first time
- Direct access and warm referrals into NHS, housing, employment and welfare services
- Outreach support for those unable to attend in person
Ending the Postcode Lottery of Support
The programme directly tackles long-standing inequalities in access to support across South Wales, where services have often been fragmented and dependent on location.
By connecting four established and trusted organisations into one system, Connected Forces Cymru ensures consistent, reliable support regardless of postcode, reducing isolation and improving outcomes for Veterans and their families.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Each partner organisation brings deep experience and strong community relationships, working together to provide:
- Safe, welcoming environments
- Trauma-informed and person-centred support
- Peer-led activities and social connection
- Practical guidance for real-life challenges
Contact:
For more information, quotes and interviews please contact [email protected] or call 07525251167.
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