Veterans Information Roadshow - Belfast (Shankill) - 23 March 2023

The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office recently held its tenth in a series of Veterans’ Information Roadshows in the Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road, Belfast.

Liz Brown of The Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office speaks about available services to Veterans in NI

The aim of the Information Roadshows is to better inform veterans of ‘veteran friendly’ services and organisations within their local and regional areas that can assist, if and when needed. There was a good turnout from the veteran community in the Spectrum Centre, who were able to engage with over thirty-five support organisations and charities and also listen to informative presentations on the role and remit of the Veterans’ Support Office; the work of Inspire Wellbeing, one of the mental health charities that supports veterans across the island of Ireland, and the Victims’ Payment Scheme, delivered by a case worker from South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF).

NI Veterans Commisisoner addresses the audience at Belfast Spectrum Centre – Veteran Information Roadshow

During the course of the event, the Veterans Commissioner, Mr Danny Kinahan, made the following remarks;

“One of the main issues that I’ve heard from veterans as I’ve travelled throughout Northern Ireland is that many veterans don’t know where to go for help or don’t know what support is out there for them. It is therefore hoped that these Roadshows will go some way to help address this problem.

“When our country faced civil war at the hands of terrorism, it was you the veterans who answered the call to stand up and protect those who could not protect themselves. Sadly some made the ultimate sacrifice while many still carry the scars, both mentally and physically. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Greenfinches, when the first female recruits joined the ranks of the Ulster Defence Regiment, and we pay tribute to those brave Greenfinches for their willing and professional service during the Troubles.

“As your voice I will continue to use my position to press and influence our political representatives, whether at Westminster or here locally, the statutory agencies and others to ensure they fulfil their responsibilities, and I will do my utmost to be a strong voice and tireless advocate on behalf of all veterans who have given so much in service to their country”.