Carl Sargeant has thanked organisations in the housing and Armed Forces sectors who have worked with the Welsh Government to develop the National Housing Pathway for Ex-Service Personnel.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The pathway aims to prevent homelessness amongst ex Service personnel and help them find suitable accommodation.
Echoing one of the eight ‘asks’ of Welsh Government in the Royal British Legion’s 2016 Wales Manifesto – Live On – Building a better future for the Armed Forces Community in Wales.
Carl Sargeant said:
"I take very seriously the responsibility we have to those members of our communities who have served, or are still serving, in the Armed Forces. Helping them to find suitable accommodation is an important part of the much broader and wider package of support which helps them to settle back into our communities.
"We will continue our work to implement the Housing Pathway, particularly amongst organisations working on the front line of homelessness. We also aim to do more to raise awareness, with the publication of advice for veterans. This will build on the contents of the Pathway. It will be targeted at those due to be discharged from duty as well as those who were discharged at some point previously. It will include advice cards for those who are sleeping rough. The Pathway will also be shared widely amongst organisations providing support for the Armed Forces community in Wales.
"I am grateful to all the organisations who have worked with us on these developments. In collaboration with The Armed Forces Expert Group and partner organisations, we will continue to support and provide effective services for our Armed Forces community in Wales."
Antony Metcalfe, Area manager for The Royal British Legion Wales said:
"The Royal British Legion welcomes the new Housing pathway for the Armed Forces community and the commitment the Welsh Government has shown in addressing the issues around housing support for the Armed forces community in Wales.
"The Legion called for such a pathway in our Welsh Assembly election manifesto 2016, following a national conversation we held with the Armed forces community in Wales, who told us that accessing clear housing advice and support was difficult and that too often they were being given inconsistent advice which was leaving them confused about access to housing in their local areas. This document should now help provide clear information for the Armed Forces community but also be used as a training resource for housing professionals so that everyone is clear about housing support that can be expected and delivered."