A new veteran’s ID card, which allows ex-personnel to access special services, has been issued to leavers for the first time.
The veteran’s ID cards will allow ex-armed forces servicepeople to quickly verify their identity and maintain links to their career in the military. The cards will now be automatically issued to anyone who has left the army, navy, or RAF since December 2018.
Organisations including the NHS, charities, and local authorities could be more easily navigated with the card. Organisations will not have to perform extensive checks to confirm the veteran’s identity, which can be easily confirmed with the card.
Minister for Defence Tobias Ellwood 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.”
The card is one of three such services available to ex-service people. They will also be allowed to retain their military IDs, known as the MOD form 90, and access the Defence Discount service.
Last year the Strategy for Veterans was launched, in collaboration with the Scottish, UK, and Welsh governments. It outlines that all government authorities are responsible for ensuring military communities are treated fairly and not ‘disadvantaged’ by their service.
The NHS also announced dedicated mental health service for veterans in every part of the country, backed by a £10 million investment. More hospitals are also becoming ‘Veteran Aware’ in order to appropriately accommodate ex-personnel.
The government also provides a Veteran’s Gateway, a 24-hour service for accessing support, advice, and guidance. It has received over 20,000 contacts since it started in 2017.
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Defence People and Veterans ex-military ex-service personnel Government NHS Veterans veterans mental health Veterans’ Gateway
Post written by: Ciara Houghton
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