Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a dedicated government telephone and text service for armed forces veterans in Northern Ireland.

The Veterans Support Line NI provides information on benefits eligibility and other support services. It is available to veterans, serving personnel, those transitioning to civilian life, and their families.

The service offers free and confidential needs assessments and acts as a single point of entry to the Department for Communities. Staff have completed veterans-related training and hold the highest level of security clearance.

The launch follows engagement with the Veterans Commissioner and support groups that identified a need for a dedicated service.

Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone described the service as a significant step toward ensuring no disadvantage for armed forces members and veterans in areas such as housing and welfare.

The line can be contacted on 0800 158 5556. The department will continue engagement with the Veterans Commissioner and representative groups to inform ongoing service delivery.