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<p>The UK's ex-Service community is largely elderly; almost half are over age 75 and
64% are over age 65. It is important that this country meets their needs, just as
they answered the needs of their country; meeting the call of the nation during the
First and Second World Wars, through national service, voluntary enlistment and the
reserve forces.</p><p>To support this community, £5 million of LIBOR funding has been
made available every year for the next five years for any UK veterans who are surviving
World War Two veterans, those who undertook National Service and other voluntary enlisted
veterans who, by virtue of their age, may need some focused support in relation to
their health and social care needs.</p><p>The funds will not provide benevolence payments
to individuals. Charities can bid for money to provide practical support and/or companionship
to this group of veterans to improve their wellbeing. This might also include projects
to build or enhance access to centres where elderly veterans can meet, or to promote
the education of elderly veterans' needs, research and other support mechanisms.</p><p>The
Ministry of Defence intends to administer the fund through a dedicated grant scheme.
The terms of this scheme are being developed and will be announced in due course.</p>
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