A new Veterans' Gateway is to be developed by a number of military charities to allow ex-servicemen and women to access better support. 

A consortium of charities, which includes Combat Stress and is being led by the Royal British Legion, are aiming to make it simpler for veterans to access the support that is available to them.

Around £2 million is being put toward the Veterans Gateway programme, which ex-service personnel will be able to use to access advice and support on a number of issues. This includes things like housing and healthcare. 

Veterans will be able to access the gateway via a dedicated website and a mobile app, while a 24/7 phone line will ensure they are able to speak to someone at all times. 

It is being designed for all British veterans, regardless of age and location, providing them with a simple point of contact that can give them all the information they need on private, public and charitable services that they can access. 

Sue Freeth, chief executive of Combat Stress, said: “I’m delighted that Combat Stress will be involved in this very important initiative.

“Transitioning to civilian life can be a difficult process for some veterans, so it’s important that they are able to get help as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Veterans’ Gateway will make it much easier for veterans to get the support they need.”

Plans to create the Veterans gateway follow on from calls from veterans' groups and charities for an easier way to navigate all the services that are available to those who have served in the Armed Forces. With so many different services available, it can be difficult to find all the information out there, which this should hopefully address. 

The gateway is part of the Armed Forces Covenant, which the government has set up to ensure that those serving in the Armed Forces are not disadvantaged for doing so. It provides £10 million each year to support the covenant by funding different projects.

The Veterans' gateway will be launched within the first six months of 2017.