A PROJECT supporting armed forces veterans across Wales is to continue for two more years.

Last year the Welsh Local Government Association was given funding by the Welsh Government to appoint armed forces liaison officers, responsible for supporting veterans and their families with housing, education and other issues.

Although this funding was due to come to an end next year, local government and public services secretary Alun Davies has now announced he will hand over £500,000 to allow it to continue for two more years.

He said: "I have been carefully following the valuable work they are doing, including the Construction Insight Day, which provided service leavers and veterans with an opportunity to meet employers in the construction and civil engineering sector to give them an overview of opportunities within these areas of employment.

“This funding will come to an end in 2019. To continue this momentum, and build on the good work already being undertaken, I am allocating half a million pounds from next year to enable covenant guidelines and services be fully embedded by councils over the next two years.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with our key partners to make a difference for our armed forces community.”

Mr Davies also said the Welsh Government is working with employers to promote the qualities armed forces veterans can bring as employees.

The Blaenau Gwent AM said: “This time of the year serves as a poignant reminder of those who fought bravely in previous conflicts to preserve our way of life.

"We must never forget those who have paid the ultimate price, and those that survived with serious injuries, to protect the freedom we have today."

Other support provided to veterans by the Welsh Government include an annual £700,000 to Veterans NHS Wales, which is working to support those with mental health problems and tackle issues such as homelessness and substance misuse. A scheme offering serving personnel and veterans free swimming was also recently extended to 2021, which a £250,000 pot of funding is available for schools to support children of people serving in the armed forces.