Communities Minister Gordon Lyons used Armed Forces Day celebrations in Coleraine to encourage veterans, serving personnel and their families to use Northern Ireland’s first dedicated government support line for the armed forces community.

The Veterans Support Line NI was launched last month by the Department for Communities. It offers information on benefit eligibility and other support services to former and current service members and their families.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said his department had worked closely with veterans’ organisations in recent months to identify the barriers veterans face in daily life. He said the service was developed in response to a clear need for tailored support.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also attended the event and met members of the armed forces. The regimental mascot of the Irish Guards, Seamus, was present.

The support line adds to the department’s existing advice network, which includes the Make the Call telephone and outreach service. It is designed to help veterans navigate benefits and other assistance they may not know are available.

The free phone number is 0800 158 5556. Veterans can also text ADVICE to 07860 042576. Further information is available on the nidirect website.

Armed Forces Day is an annual event recognising the contribution of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families. The Coleraine event saw the Minister visit a stall promoting the new service and engage with attendees.