Prudhoe Veterans Club becomes Northumberland's first VALOUR-recognised centre
The Armed Forces community in Northumberland is set to benefit from enhanced local support as Prudhoe Veterans Club officially becomes the county's first VALOUR-recognised centre.
The launch marks a major milestone in Northumberland County Council's delivery of the Government's £986,000 investment to strengthen support for the Armed Forces community across the county.
The recognition of Prudhoe Veterans Club as a VALOUR-recognised centre is the first step in establishing a wider network of Armed Forces support across Northumberland, helping veterans, serving personnel and their families access advice, activities and services closer to home.
Earlier this year, Northumberland was announced as one of just 14 areas across the UK selected to help pioneer the Government's national VALOUR initiative. The programme will see the development of three VALOUR-recognised centres across the county, supported by enhanced outreach and digital services.
Prudhoe Veterans Club has long been a trusted community venue for the Armed Forces community, providing opportunities for connection, peer support and wellbeing activities. As a VALOUR-recognised centre, it will play an important role in helping strengthen local pathways into support.
The centre will be open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday, providing a regular base for veterans seeking guidance and support, whether they need practical help, specialist advice or simply a listening ear.
Members of the Armed Forces community visiting the centre will be able to access support from a range of trusted organisations, including Citizens Advice Northumberland and Veterans at Ease, alongside signposting to other specialist services.
The aim is to connect members of the Armed Forces community with trusted local support, help services work together so that veterans don't have to repeat their story, and make it easier to access the right help quickly.
Councillor Gordon Castle, Northumberland County Councillor and Veterans Champion, said:
"This is an important milestone for Northumberland and our Armed Forces community.
"Prudhoe Veterans Club has built a strong reputation as a welcoming and supportive place for veterans and becoming the county's first VALOUR-recognised centre reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.
"Northumberland County Council is proud to be involved in a partnership dedicated to improving support for veterans and their families. This recognition is the first visible step in ensuring members of the Armed Forces Community can access the right help, in the right place, at the right time through the VALOUR programme."
Councillor Lyle Robert Darwin, Armed Forces Champion, said:
"Prudhoe Veterans Club has long played an important role in supporting our Armed Forces community, so it is fantastic to see it become Northumberland's first VALOUR-recognised centre.
“The 2021 Census identified 15,578 veterans living in Northumberland, representing 5.79% of the county's population. That highlights just how important it is that veterans and their families can access support, advice and opportunities to connect within their local communities.
"This is a significant achievement for everyone involved.”
Caroline Richardson, Chair of Northumbria Veterans Network and founder of Prudhoe Veterans Club, said:
"Prudhoe Veterans Club was created for veterans, with the aim of providing friendship, support and a real sense of belonging.
"To become Northumberland's first VALOUR-recognised centre is a proud moment for everyone involved. It recognises the work that volunteers and partners have put into creating a trusted local space where the Armed Forces community and their families can connect with others and find support when they need it.
"This is not just about a building. It's about strengthening a community and ensuring that no veteran feels isolated or unsure where to turn for help."
The VALOUR initiative is designed to create a more connected and accessible network of support for veterans across the UK, bringing together local authorities, charities and service providers to improve coordination and access to services.
Two more VALOUR-recognised centres are coming to Northumberland in Alnwick and Blyth later this year.
Veterans and family members seeking support can find out more on the VALOUR website and through Northumberland County Council as the wider network continues to develop.
