Representatives from Scotland’s armed forces welfare community have discussed the creation of a ‘one-stop’ veteran support service for the North East.
Members of 10 veteran bodies met at iconic Balmoral Castle to discuss how former serving personnel and their families can get help from the third sector, council and government, but also about how they can “slip through the cracks”.
Focused on making ex-forces support more accessible, there were attendees from services including Veterans Housing Scotland, Royal British Legion Scotland, SSAFA, Horseback UK, Forces Children Scotland, Networks of Wellbeing, RAFA Scotland, and What Makes a Difference.
The meeting was hosted by Andrew Bowie, the shadow minister for veterans’ affairs and West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP.
Mr Bowie said:
“Veterans and their families can face a confusing, often daunting landscape when looking for help.
“Life off-base can be difficult to adjust to. There may be an immediate need for help when it comes to physical or mental health.
“The camaraderie and special bonds once felt with squadmates can fall away without the daily rigours of service underpinning it.
“Even just finding work and adapting to civilian life can be so difficult. It can be easy to slip through the cracks.
“And so, it was brilliant after months of planning to have so many Scottish and North East voices around the table, to discuss elevating the profile of what is already here, but also to agree on a one-stop service that can tie it all together.”
The former Royal Navy officer is keen to hear from former servicemen and women in the North East who will share their experiences of any successes and disappointments in dealing with public services and charities over the years. Please email [email protected] with details. Correspondence will be treated in confidence.
