Northern Ireland Executive

06/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/21/2026 04:59

Lyons reiterates commitment to supporting veterans

Lyons reiterates commitment to supporting veterans

Date published: 21 June 2026

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has reiterated his support for the veterans community during a visit to Coleraine for Armed Forces Day.

Last month, the Minister launched the Department for Communities' Veterans Support Line NI, the first ever dedicated Government support line in Northern Ireland for armed forces veterans.

The service provides information on benefits eligibility and other support services to veterans, serving personnel and their families.

Minister Lyons said:

"My Department has had significant engagement with veterans' organisations over recent months and we have identified a clear need within the armed forces community for tailored support.

"We have worked hard to better understand the barriers veterans face in their everyday lives and, in turn, identify how we can best support them in the range of areas for which we are responsible.

"I am delighted to be at this Armed Forces Day to raise awareness of the Support Line and encourage veterans and their families to avail of the service."

Veterans Support Line NI adds to the Department's expert advice provision for people across Northern Ireland to assist them in accessing benefits and other supports. This includes the Make the Call free telephone and outreach advice services and dedicated online resources.

The Veterans Support Line NI can be contacted on 0800 158 5556 or by texting ADVICE to 07860 042576.

For more information visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/veterans-support-line-ni.

Notes to editors:

Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly met members of the armed forces in Coleraine, including Seamus, the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards.

2. Photo caption2: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons met members of the armed forces who visited his Department's Veterans Support Line NI stall during Armed Forces Day in Coleraine

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Northern Ireland Executive published this content on June 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 21, 2026 at 10:59 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]