From the beginning of January, a new ID card for veterans will be automatically rolled out to help ex armed forces personnel get access to specialist support and services. 

This includes specialist NHS services which the health service has committed to providing such as mental health support which has been backed by £10 million. This also includes access to local services, authorities and charities. 

Any veteran who have left the service since December 2018 will be automatically supplied with the ID card. All other veterans will be able to receive an ID card when phase 2 is launched. The Government has stated that as soon as it is practically possible they will start phase 2 and release further information closer to the date. 

Former Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood, who originally developed the ID Card, said:

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the ex-forces community, and we are working hard to ensure they receive the support they deserve.

“These new cards celebrate the great commitment and dedication of those who have served this country, and I hope they can provide a further link to ex-personnel and the incredible community around them.”

Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, commented:

“This new ID card is a fantastic new resource for veterans, not only providing them with a physical link to their service but also to the specialist services that are available to them at home.

“Gosport has a proud and rich military history and I look forward to seeing how veterans across the Constituency will benefit from the rollout of the ID card.”

Any veteran in need of support can contact the 24 hour Veterans’ Gateway service here.