Denmark appoints veteran coordinators amid concerns over insufficient hours for support

Seventy-three municipalities in Denmark have appointed veteran coordinators to support veterans, but many coordinators report insufficient working hours for their roles. A survey of 35 municipalities revealed that in one-third of the responses, coordinators have only 0-2 hours per week dedicated to veterans. The Veteran Alliance has criticized the inconsistent support provided to veterans across different municipalities.

Claus Stenberg, a spokesperson for the Veteran Alliance, highlighted that in some areas, coordinators are poorly designated, suggesting that those struggling with other responsibilities may be assigned veteran support roles without sufficient resources. He emphasized the need for time to develop an understanding of available treatment options and support services for veterans and their families, which requires ongoing effort.

Veteran coordinator Jesper Søberg from Egedal Municipality reports that he typically dedicates his limited hour each week to hold gatherings at a veteran café. He expressed a desire for more time to engage with professionals and outreach initiatives, noting the variability in veterans’ needs for support.

Egedal’s mayor, Vicky Holst Rasmussen, believes having a coordinator is more important than the exact number of hours allocated, advocating for flexible support tailored to veterans’ calls for help. While acknowledging that the municipality has fewer direct inquiries from veterans, she stressed that a combination of volunteer efforts and municipal resources effectively addresses veterans’ needs.

The Municipalities’ Association of Denmark is currently mapping the veteran support landscape across municipalities, with an acknowledgment of the need for better coordination and a consistent approach to veteran assistance.