The Royal British Legion, on behalf of Veterans’ Gateway Consortium, has awarded Ulster University £129,282 towards an 18 month research project which will evaluate the effectiveness of the new Veterans’ Gateway service.
Launched in June 2017 by a consortium of charities, led by The Royal British Legion, Veterans’ Gateway was established to be the first point of contact for veterans in need of support - connecting them with organisations to help with a range of issues including housing, finance, metal health and employment.
Veterans’ Gateway provides website, online chat, phone line and text message services, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ulster University’s Professor Cherie Armour said:
“This research is an important step forward in understanding the best way to support veterans once they leave the armed forces. Securing this major funding is a significant endorsement of the outstanding quality of Ulster University research. It provides a real opportunity to look at how accessible and usable the new Veterans’ Gateway service actually is in assisting veterans and their families following transition out of the military environment.”
Mark Collins, Assistant Director, Veterans’ Gateway, added:
“Veterans’ Gateway aims to improve access to charitable welfare services and reduce the time it takes for veterans to access appropriate , information advice and the support they deserve from a broad range of statutory and referral partners
“Ulster University’s research will provide a crucial evaluation of how accessible, usable and effective this new service is for veterans.”