The Office for Veterans’ Affairs has made £200,000 available to organisations to bid for in support of nuclear test veterans.
Organisations will be able to bid for up to £70,000 each to run community-led programmes that help to recognise and support nuclear test veterans and their families.
The fund represents a crucial further step in the continuing drive to recognise the historic contributions of nuclear test veterans to the nation’s security.
The cohort of veterans known as nuclear test veterans are ex-service personnel who contributed to Britain’s nuclear testing programme, including serving in Australia and the south Pacific between 1952 and 1967.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said: 'To this day the nuclear deterrent remains the cornerstone of our defence and that is substantially due to the service and contribution of the brilliant nuclear test veterans.
'It is only right that we support and recognise the experiences of our nuclear test veterans, so future generations can learn from their experiences.
'This funding kickstarts that process, and I look forward to seeing the fantastic projects put forward by our third sector partners.'
To receive funding, the projects must satisfy at least one of three criteria: directly support nuclear test veterans and their families, memorialise nuclear test veterans and their experiences, or provide educational activities to raise public awareness of their service. The decisions on funding will be made by a government steering group.
The funding will allow projects to progress at speed, to honour those who were involved in keeping our country safe.
The Office for Veterans’ Affairs will also continue its work with academic institutions to create a living history project, further raising awareness of nuclear test veterans and their experiences.
Organisations can apply for funding here.
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