Former Defence Minister and South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne, today welcomed the launch of a new telephone helpline to support homeless veterans.  

The brand new £500,000 helpline has launched as part of Op Fortitude – a two-year £8.55 million programme to end rough sleeping by veterans. The helpline will allow ex-servicemen and women to be referred to a network of support including housing providers and local charities.  

The programme has been designed to support 1,300 vulnerable veterans over two years across almost 60 housing complexes, ranging from apartment blocks to shared houses. 

Projects by nine housing providers will target difficult problems so that veterans can get back on their feet and thrive in civilian life. Wraparound services include specialist medical care, connections with local communities and the tools they need to get jobs. 

Mr Dunne, who spent four years as a Defence Minister, said:  

“Seeing those who have served their country without a roof over their heads is heart-breaking. So I welcome the launch of Op Fortitude with a brand-new phoneline to help get veterans off the streets and into supported housing, which forms part of a wider approach to end veteran rough sleeping in this country.” 

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and the organisations working with them are encouraged to contact the Op FORTITUDE hotline, which is operational now, on 0800 952 0774 or through a secure web portal at riv.org.uk/opfortitude. 

In the 2023 Spring Budget, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs secured £20 million for a Veterans Housing Capital Fund. The money will go towards providing extra housing for veterans through the development of new builds and the refurbishment of social and charitable housing for veterans.