Defence Transition Service to provide support for armed forces leavers

A new service from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to provide extra support for those leaving the armed forces and returning to 'civvie street', it has been announced.

The Defence Transition Services has been established to create a comprehensive resource for service leavers that includes identification of those who may face the greatest challenges in moving away from the army, navy or air force.

It will provide expanded support and guidance in areas including healthcare, housing and personal finance, focusing on everyday tasks such as paying council tax.

This builds on the MoD's already successful Career Transition Partnership - which assists armed forces personnel in finding jobs - and the government's Our Veterans strategy.

Announcing the new initiative, defence secretary Ben Wallace said: "We have a duty of care to our service personnel and veterans and today's stepped up support will help ensure that no veteran is left behind. Providing more comprehensive support at the crucial transition stage will help in giving service leavers an extra boost when they re-join civilian life."