Cllr Colin Ferguson was named as the Leader of the Council last month, after his Liberal Democrat party won the most seats at the May elections.
As Armed Forces Week begins, the Gosforth councillor says only a low number of veterans have registered for a new priority housing band.
The B+ housing banding was introduced with stories of homeless veterans, common place on social media, and local veteran groups saying housing was a priority.
It was designed to help veterans move from supported accommodation into secure social housing more quickly – providing stability during their transition to civilian life.
The support is one part of a range of wrap around services available to the military community with dedicated initiatives also in place for employment and mental health.
Cllr Ferguson said his Cabinet is proud to support the armed forces and reiterated that veterans would always be considered in policy development.
But he also said he wanted to do more to promote existing support available in the city, and to spread the message far and wide.
“Newcastle has a rich military past, and you only have to look to Remembrance Sunday parades and VE Day commemorations to see how proud this city is of our veterans,” said Cllr Ferguson.
“Prioritising their needs is a sign of our respect and gratitude for the sacrifices and service made by them and their families. We want every veteran in Newcastle to know that support is here for them.
"Leaving the Armed Forces can be a significant life change, and it is vital that people don’t feel they have to navigate that journey alone.
“We have already strengthened our housing offer and widened access to tailored support, but just as importantly, we are encouraging veterans and their families to come forward, speak to us, and tell us what they need.
“We want to make sure that the support already on offer is fully utilised, and for me that means we need to get better at spreading the message. We are here to listen and to help."
Building on plans first announced last year, the Council is strengthening its commitment to the Armed Forces community by improving access to housing, employment opportunities, and personalised wellbeing support.
Over the past year, the Council has also delivered a series of dedicated events for veterans, providing support and guidance on key issues including finances, housing and employment.
While these events have been well received, the Council recognises that many veterans and their families might be missing out on the help available, and is urging them to come forward.
Alongside housing support, the Council continues to deliver on its inclusive employment pledge.
Guaranteed interviews are offered to applicants who meet essential criteria and are disabled, referred through Newcastle Futures, care leavers supported by the Council, affected by grade protection changes, or Armed Forces personnel seeking their first civilian role.
This ensures veterans have fair access to employment opportunities as they rebuild their careers.
Newcastle’s commitment has been nationally recognised through the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, while the Council also proudly upholds the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that no veteran is disadvantaged when accessing public services.
Anyone who has served in the Armed Forces and their partners are encouraged to highlight this when applying for housing to ensure they can benefit from available support.
Veterans and their families are urged not to wait until they are in crisis to seek help.
For tailored support or to discuss individual needs, contact Steve Roden, the council’s Armed Forces Outreach Service worker by emailing steve.roden@newcastle.gov.uk or calling 07928 129183. Alternatively, if you're in need of urgent accommodation, click here.