Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is committed to supporting Veterans across the Borough. Many Veterans face challenging times after leaving the Armed Forces and we want to ensure that all Veterans receive the support and care they deserve.

Working closely with the Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, Danny Kinahan and The Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office, the Council have put together this dedicated website page which includes everything from Health and Wellbeing to Financial support. We hope this support page will help all Veterans living in our Borough.



The Armed Forces Covenant is the Nation’s commitment to Veterans. It is a pledge that ensures that Veterans and their families have access to a wide variety of support and are treated fairly.   The committee has produced a Veterans' Handbook which is designed to be a sign-post to local agencies.

The Veterans' Handbook can be found here.

 

Councillor Jim Montgomery	Veterans' Champion Alderman Paul Michael BEM
Councillor Jim Montgomery is fully committed to supporting our Veterans and has played a pivotal role in setting up this support service.	The Council have a designated Veterans’ Champion, Alderman Paul Michael BEM who is available to help with any issues regarding Veterans, he will consult with the Northern Ireland Veterans Support Committee to provide advice and assistance..
Contact details: Councillor Jim Montgomery T:  07471 147666 E: jim.montgomery@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk	Contact details: Alderman Paul Michael BEM Veterans' Champion E: paul.michael@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk  T: 07587 657120M

Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland

In August 2020, Danny Kinahan was appointed as the first Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, to act as an independent point of contact to support and enhance outcomes for veterans in Northern Ireland.
Danny Kinahan is a former Army Officer, who served as Ulster Unionist Party MP for South Antrim from 7 May 2015 - 3 May 2017. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for six years prior to serving as an MP. He is also the coordinator and co-creator of the Westminster Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Group and is Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim.

Please find letter from Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland, Danny Kinahan to all Veterans living in Northern Ireland.

Contact details:
Danny Kinahan
Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland
NI Veterans Commissioner's Office
Stormont House
Belfast
BT4 3SH

T: 028 905 27734
E: info@nivco.co.uk
W: www.nivco.co.uk 

Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office

Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office (NIVSO) based in Belfast, provides vital support for Veterans across Northern Ireland. This support includes;

• Financial Support
• Health and Wellbeing
• Benefits 
• Pensions
• Housing 
• Legal 

Full details of all the services provided by Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office can be found here

 

Newsletters

April Newsletter

January Newsletter

December Newsletter

July Newsletter 

October Newsletter

​Support in the Borough

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity providing care and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families. www.britishlegion.org.uk/ 

There are a number of British Legion branches across the Borough;

Antrim - Branch & Club
Ballyclare - Branch & Club
Crumlin - Branch
Carnmoney & Glengormley - Branch
Randalstown - Branch
Whiteabbey - Branch & Club

 

Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry OBE to provide lifetime support to those wounded in the service of their country. No matter when someone served, we believe that those prepared to put their lives second, deserve a second chance at life. Every course and activity we offer aims to empower them to look beyond illness and injury, regain their purpose, reach their potential and have a positive impact on society. Full details can be found here



 
SSAFA is a National charity operated on a regional basis. All branch members are highly trained volunteers, giving their time freely. For more information see here

Combat Stress are  the UK's leading charity for Veterans' Mental Health.

For over a century Combat Stress have been  helping former servicemen and women deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today we provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service.

UDR Memorial

A UDR Memorial has been unveiled in a special service of dedication at Ballyclare War Memorial Park. 

The service, led by Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim , Mr Edward Montgomery MBE, DL and former Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Jim Montgomery, paid tribute to The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR), an infantry regiment of the British Army from 1970-1992.