Poppyscotland will launch a new Welfare Support Service for the Armed Forces community in Scotland in the coming months.
The military charity is on the lookout for two talented and committed individuals in Fife, Edinburgh and the Lothians to help deliver this exciting new initiative.
From early summer, a new team of six will deliver the service, which will significantly enhance Poppyscotland’s already comprehensive range of support. The service will have national capability, but, critically, will have a local focus and be tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
The Welfare Support Service will be made up of four Welfare Support Officers and two Independent Living Advisers, each working within a designated geographical area.
The Welfare Support Officer will provide holistic support to vulnerable beneficiaries and to those identified as having multiple and complex needs in the area.
As well as acting as point of contact for Poppyscotland’s clients, the individual will work alongside a wide network of professionals, agencies and volunteers to ensure that veterans in Fife, Edinburgh and the Lothians who require support get the help needed.
Working alongside the Welfare Support Officer will be a locally-based Independent Living Advisor, who will provide advice, support and advocacy for members of the Armed Forces community who are living with – or caring for someone living with – long term illness, continuing care or disabilities and to help them to access statutory support services, where appropriate.
Gary Gray, the Head of Welfare Services at Poppyscotland, said: “Poppyscotland is at the forefront of delivery of support to our Armed Forces community across Scotland. We reach out to those who have served, those still serving, and their families at times of crisis and need by offering vital, practical advice, assistance and funding.
“This is a hugely exciting period for Poppyscotland’s Welfare Services team. The implementation of the Welfare Support Service will offer us a unique opportunity to deliver support in the communities across Scotland; providing a holistic, person-centred support to individuals who are particularly vulnerable and have complex needs.”
Chris Fisher, who served in the Royal Navy from 1970 to 1977 and now lives in Helensburgh with his wife Julie, has received help in the past from Poppyscotland.
Chris suffers from a progressive and degenerative disability, in which his body has been trying to form a foetal position. He only has the use of his left hand and his hips and knees have fused, meaning getting anywhere was impossible until Poppyscotland provided a grant for a specially adapted van which allows Chris to get out and about.
On the help he has received, Chris says: “The difference the support has made is huge. I have much more freedom and independence now and cannot thank Poppyscotland enough for all that they have done for me.
“Looking ahead, it’s great to hear of the new Welfare Support Service that will help other veterans like me to access the right support in the right location. The local focus will be so important, especially given the complexity of so many of the cases that Poppyscotland deals with. My own condition is incredibly rare, so it will prove invaluable in the future for those in need to have a named point of contact.”
Further information about the role and the skills and qualities required are contained in the Job Description available atwww.poppyscotland.org.uk/about-us/current-vacancies/.
If you are interested in this role please send your CV and covering letter, highlighting how you meet the key skills and experience, to recruitment@poppyscotland.org.uk by 23rd January 2019.
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