veterans – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Thousands of veterans to benefit from new UK-wide support network

Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system being announced today, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

As nation prepares to celebrate VE Day, the Government announces new UK-wide veteran support system, called VALOUR.
New VALOUR network will deliver easier access to care and support with new regional networks connecting housing, employment and health services in every corner of the UK.
Backed by £50m of funding, VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is truly data driven.

Veterans across the UK will have easier access to essential care and support under a new VALOUR system being announced today, as part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served through the Plan for Change.

£50m of funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres across the UK and and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services – while harnessing the power of data to shape better services.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP and Veterans Minister Al Carns are announcing the new service during VE week, marking a major milestone in meeting this government’s manifesto promise to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant.  

The new Regional Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers and local government to provide more evidence and feedback driven support for veterans, across housing, employment, health and welfare.

The first VALOUR support centres will be operational next year, tailored to the specific needs on the ground and focused on the demands for each location. This could include advice on how to book GP appointments, access welfare or support with housing issues.

The Ministry of Defence is announcing today it will invite veterans to help design VALOUR through research, focus groups and feedback. While VALOUR will initially focus on veterans, the service is designed to be scaled up to support the wider Armed Forces community in the future.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “The nation owes a duty to those who’ve served to defend our country, and it is only right that the Government steps up our support to them. The Armed Forces set most people up for success in life but when veterans need help then support is too often a postcode patchwork.

“Our plan to develop a UK-wide veterans support service will work with enterprising health, employment and housing charities and it is backed by the one of the largest ever Government funding commitments to veterans.

“This Government is delivering on our Plan for Change and renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve.”

VALOUR will harness the power of data to shape better service provision and ensure the right type of support is available for veterans at a local level.

As the delivery arm, field officers will work with local services including local government bodies, to share best practice and guidance. This will include applying the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, the nation’s promise to support the armed forces community and their families, which will soon gain legal footing as part of the manifesto commitment.

Veterans Minister, Al Carns, said: “As a veteran who served for 24 years, I recognise the unique challenges they’ve faced and the skills they possess. This new investment will ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support services in the way they need it.

“We are creating the UK’s first ever data-driven framework for veterans’ services, ensuring our resources are channelled to where they’re most needed and can make the greatest difference to those who have courageously served their country.”

Director General of the British Royal Legion, Mark Atkinson, said: “The Royal British Legion welcomes today’s announcement to improve and better coordinate government support for veterans under VALOUR.

“Whilst there are a range of government services already in place for veterans, these services can vary depending on where you live and your access to information about the services available. Improved coordination across health, housing, employment, and mental wellbeing services is crucial to helping veterans lead successful lives.

“We look forward to working closely with government and partner organisations to help turn these commitments into meaningful change.”

Over the past year, the Government has delivered for veterans, including by removing the local connection requirement for veterans seeking social housing and awarding £3.5m of new funding for homelessness services. The recent launch of Op ASCEND has been critical in ensuring veterans can get onto the career ladder and access meaningful jobs.

New Support for Local Veterans

A new drop-in session for veterans living in the Edinburgh area is opening next week (26 November).

Emma Weir, who is the Community Builder for the local area for Help for Heroes is bringing a ‘Heroes Café’ to the Gyle Shopping Centre, as part of a programme to reach out to even more veterans across Edinburgh and the surrounding region.

Emma, who has been supporting veterans in Edinburgh for three and a half years, said: “We know that the city and surrounding area has one of the highest populations of veterans in the country. Over the years we’ve helped hundreds of people who have got in touch with us for support.

“The cafés give veterans an easy way to connect with others in the local area. People can just drop in and have a chat and a brew with others who share their life experiences. They can also find out about the different services we offer. It’s a gentle way to dip your toes back into the water and to feel like you’re part of a community again.”

Former service men and women can sometimes feel they’ve lost their support network, which can leave them feeling isolated and lonely.

Adjusting to civilian life can also bring challenges, for example a recent report showed that over a quarter (27%) of adults who have served in the UK’s armed forces have run out of food in the last 12 months, and they did not have money to buy more*.

Help for Heroes offers practical support for anyone who has served from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces..

Chloe McKenrick, aged 49 and from Dumferline, was in the army for 22 years and has been supported by the Hidden Wounds service, which helps veterans deal with mental health challenges and has taken part in different sports and social activities. She said: “I’ve attended a number of Help for Heroes Cafés and have always found them to be a great way to catch up with fellow veterans.

“It enables you to socialise in a civilian setting, which can be hard for some of us for a variety of reasons – and being with people who genuinely understand and support you makes you feel more relaxed and safe.”

The Help for Heroes café will be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Space to Be in the Gyle Shopping Centre.

You can find out more by going to Help For Heroes | Community Taster Sessions | Help For Heroes or by contacting Emma Weir emma.weir@helpforheroes.org.uk

NHS Lothian: Veterans First Point service to be closed down

NHS Lothian has taken the difficult decision to withdraw joint funding from a service that provides support to veterans in Lothian, following a stark financial review.

The health board has told Veterans First Point Lothian staff and patients that it can no longer provide its share – £214,778 – of the total budget required, to maintain the service amid the significant financial challenge facing health boards.

Veterans First Point Lothian was jointly funded by Scottish Government and NHS Lothian as a “one-stop shop” offering support, advice and mental health care for veterans. It is a multi-award-winning service that has provided support to over 2500 different veterans throughout the last 15 years.

By April 2025, the service will cease to exist in its current form and a significant redesign and move of premises is planned by March 2025.

It comes as NHS Lothian is forced to review all services and departments in a bid to make efficiency savings of seven per cent following the budget allocation made earlier this year.

Further reductions in part of the mental health budget of 4.6 per cent means that the health board can no longer continue to find its share of this service.

Tracey McKigen, Director of Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services, NHS Lothian, said: “This has been a really difficult decision and we apologise to all of our patients and staff who are affected. We would like to thank the team for their dedication and commitment to supporting our veterans over the years.

“This is no reflection on the quality of the Veterans First Point Lothian service, but it does serve as a stark reminder of the extremely difficult choices that we are facing every day as we balance the need to provide safe and effective healthcare while meeting the severe financial challenges facing health board and other public sector organisations.”

Scottish Government will allocate its 40 per cent share of the funding and NHS Lothian is currently reviewing the future service provision possible within the remaining budget.

However it does mean that Veterans First Point Lothian will no longer be able to accept new referrals or commence any new episodes of treatment. Veterans, who are impacted by the change, are urged to contact the team to discuss alternative support.

If veterans feel they need help or support and are not already part of Veterans First Point Lothian, they should contact their GP during the day, and at evenings and weekends they should contact NHS 24 on 111.

Hiring a veteran is good for business!

New figures reveal 20% increase in the number of employers looking to hire veterans

New figures released by the Forces Employment Charity to coincide with Armed Forces Day (Saturday, 29 June) reveal that the number of employers actively looking to hire veterans has jumped by over 20% in the last five years, increasing from 2981 in 2018 to 3603 in 2023.^[1]

The charity has also unveiled new research which shows that employers who have hired veterans report that they contributed significantly to the workforce.

Results show:

1 in 4 (24%) employers praised veterans for bringing strong leadership skills to the workforce^[2]
1 in 5 (22%) employers say having a veteran in the organisation is great for building team spirit²
1 in 5 (22%) employers praise veterans for bringing unique skills to the workforce²
1 in 5 (20%) employers say hiring a veteran is good for business²

The Forces Employment Charity, which supports all members of the military community in achieving civilian employment success, has also seen a massive rise in the number of job roles it has secured for its clients. Last year, the charity secured 13,246 placements,^[3] compared to 11,994 the previous year,^[4] reflecting more than a 10% year-on-year increase.

Despite a significant increase in employers recognising the value of hiring veterans, less than half of UK employers (41%) say they know where and how to access talent from the military community.²

Furthermore, only 1 in 3 (35%) veterans say they feel proud of the skills they acquired during their time in the military, and whilst around 15,000 men and women leave the Armed Forces every year,^[5] less than 1 in 10 (8%) working-age veterans state that they know where to go for civilian employment support.^[6]

The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. The charity also delivers Op NOVA on behalf of the NHS, supporting veterans in contact with the justice system.

Edinburgh-based Leanne Bonner, Ex-Forces Programme Manager at the Forces Employment Charity, says: “As someone who works with the military community on a daily basis, helping them to take their next step on the career ladder, I am delighted to see so many more employers actively looking to hire veterans.

“Anyone who has served has a wealth of skills to offer, such as resilience, accountability, leadership and team skills, and an ability to be trained. With the help of moments such as Armed Forces Day, I look forward to seeing more employers taking steps to recruit veterans into their teams.”

Danielle Sandy, Military Talent Acquisition at Barclays, sought the support of the Forces Employment Charity’s Military Women programme to help her secure her new role, which drives veteran recruitment.

She says: “My advisor was fantastic throughout my application process for the Barclays position. She helped me not only with my CV but also put me through a number of mock interviews, which set me up perfectly on the big day.

“She is extremely knowledgeable and always on hand to provide support – no matter what time of the day. I will be forever grateful for her assistance during a daunting experience. Going from a very comfortable position into a huge corporate brand during a pandemic was a risk and a challenge.

“Still, with her support, I could make a very smooth transition. She was engaged throughout the whole process, from the first viewing of the job advert and initial application to even following up with me in weeks one and three of my new role.

“The whole experience was superb, and she gave me the confidence to take the next big step in my career. Although I have offered Service Leavers and Veterans advice for years, I often found it difficult to apply that same advice to myself and lacked confidence!

“Thankfully, my advisor was able to offer me advice and build my confidence.”

Speaking about her role as Military Talent Acquisition at Barclays, she adds: “As a Royal Navy veteran, I know first-hand both the incredible skills that veterans can bring to the civilian workforce, but also the common challenges that can sometimes act as a barrier to accessing meaningful employment once you have finished your Forces career.

“I am so proud to work for an organisation that takes active steps to embrace military talent and nurture their skills and abilities.”

Shaun Harrison from Glasgow sought the support of the Forces Employment Charity, having served in the British Army. With the help of his dedicated Advisor, who provided job signposting, CV advice and helped with interview technique, Shaun secured a role as a Nursing Assistant with the NHS.

He comments: “With the help of my Advisor, I was able to secure employment without getting overly stressed. Knowing someone had my back whilst I was navigating this job minefield was good. It let me focus on other things in my life that I love.”

Staff from the Forces Employment Charity will attend a host of events all over the country in support of Armed Forces Day. They will be on hand to provide more information about how the charity can help members of the military community take their next step on the career ladder, whether that be helping with their CVs, searching for suitable jobs, or using interview techniques to help secure funding for training opportunities.

For more information, visit www.forcesemployment.org.uk

MSP welcomes tailored support for veterans across Edinburgh

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the announcement that veterans and the families of those in the armed forces are to receive more tailored healthcare under a new scheme for GPs.

The General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme is now open to GP surgeries across Scotland, including Edinburgh, following a successful pilot. It includes easy access to training materials setting out the specific issues these individuals face in clinical case to aid understanding of specific needs and the range of healthcare support that can be provided.

This will better enable healthcare providers to focus on the specific health challenges they may face following military service.

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The launch of this scheme will see more tailored, local support delivered across the wider city but is particularly important in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency given the high numbers of forces families and veterans living there.

“The SNP Scottish Government is taking meaningful action to support those who have served our country and continue to do so, along with their families, and this scheme will go a long way to addressing the specific challenges that these individuals face.

“It is also important to recognise the huge sacrifice that so many have made to keep us safe, particularly as we approach Remembrance Sunday.

“I encourage GPs both in the south west and the wider city who have not already done so to sign up so that more individuals and their families can benefit from this scheme.”

Fringe: Veterans comedy show takes to the stage at Poppy Factory

Is laughter really the best medicine? The ‘Recovery Through Comedy Show’ sets out to prove it is, as a group of Armed Forces veterans, and a currently serving female member of the Armed Forces, bring their unique comedy to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 11^th and 12^th August at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory.

The performers are all graduates of an innovative veterans’ programme developed by the Royal British Legion. The programme uses comedy techniques to promote resilience, and support mental health and wellbeing. Although they had no previous experience, the participants have been supported to create their own original stand-up comedy sets and received rave reviews for their earlier performances.

This will be the first time Poppyscotland, the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity, has hosted a Fringe event and follows the refurbishment of the historic Lady Haig Poppy Factory building.

Poppyscotland’s Director, Austin Hardie, said: “We’re very proud to be able to bring the ‘Recovery through Comedy Show’ to this year’s Fringe. Not only is it very funny, the show also gives a voice to veterans in a new and inspiring way that challenges preconceptions.

“At Poppyscotland, we provide support for current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families in whatever way works best for them. Initiatives like ‘Recovery through Comedy’ show that there are many ways to help them overcome whatever challenges they face.”

The free, ticketed show will be at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Warriston on Friday 11^th and Saturday 12^th August, with performances at 2pm and 6pm each day. Capacity is limited so guests are encouraged to secure their tickets as early as possible.

Tickets are available from www.poppyscotland.org.uk/recovery-through-comedy.

Supporting Scotland’s veterans

£500,000 for projects across Scotland

Seventeen projects across Scotland have been awarded funds totalling £500,000 to help ex-service personnel access support for physical and mental health, financial, employment and cost of living challenges.

The grant awards for 2023-24 are from the Scottish Veterans Fund, which has now provided more than £2.8 million to nearly 220 projects since 2008.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced the funding awards while visiting Community Veterans Support in Glasgow. The organisation has been awarded £18,536 for its Warmer, Healthier, Safer Veterans project which is providing food, peer support and financial advice to veterans facing challenges as a result of the cost of living crisis.

Mr Dey said: “Scotland has a long and proud military tradition and we must ensure our veterans and their families continue to be supported during this cost of living crisis.

“I am grateful for the close-knit charity sector here in Scotland, and I’m continually impressed by the level, and quality, of support charities are providing. The excellent work of Community Veterans Support is a great example of what can be achieved.

“Each of the seventeen projects awarded funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund this year will make a real difference and will mean our veterans can get the help they need, when they need it.”

The Scottish Veterans Fund (SVF) was set up in 2008-2009 as the Scottish Government’s main means of directly supporting veterans in Scotland.

From 2022-2023 the fund has been increased to £500,000 annually, with organisations able to bid for up to £50,000 per project.

Below is a full list of projects which will receive SVF funding this year:

Organisation	Project Title	Amount	Project Overview
Community Veterans Support	Warmer, Healthier, Safer Veterans	£18,536	Extend “Warmer Spaces” provision for veterans into evenings and weekends, including food, peer support and financial advice.
Erskine	One-Stop-Shop	£13,450	Extend provision of tailored financial advocacy, guidance and support to veterans through Erskine’s One Stop Shop.
Fighting with Pride	The Journey Home Project in Scotland	£49,042	Fund the introduction and development of the Veterans Standard Manager role in Scotland to build the community of LGBT veterans in Scotland and support developing capacity in services that can support that community.
FirstLightTrust	Supporting the support	£25,000	Introduce a new support worker for the Hawick Hub to help develop support pathways for veterans impaired by physical or psychological trauma.
Forces Children Scotland	Future Transitions \| Financial Education for Civilian Life	£38,624	Develop a bespoke financial education service to support children, young people and parents in making the transition from military to civilian life.
Forces Employment Charity	Early Service Leavers – Scotland Co-Ordinator	£50,000	Continue pilot scheme from 2022-23, which introduced an Early Service Leavers co-ordinator for Scotland to provide dedicated employment support for this vulnerable cadre.
Lothian Veterans Centre	Warm Welcome for veterans and their families	£22,572	Provide support in current cost of living crisis by opening warm hub for veterans and their families to provide food, heating and social interaction in a location that can provide onward access to other support.
Military Wives Choir	Supporting our Hidden Community	£40,000	Enhance level of support given to members in Scotland and to reach and recruit more members amongst women whose lives are currently impacted by their connection to the military.
On Course Foundation	Golf skills and employment programme	£16,344	Deliver a sustainable golf skills and employment programme with confidence building events, peer networking and employment experience and opportunities.
RAF Association	The Battle Ahead	£23,695	Provide programme of support to ensure that no member of the RAF veterans community is left cold, hungry or lonely as a result of the cost of living crisis.
RAF Benevolent Fund	Scottish Welfare Support Executive	£17,032	Provide welfare support to RAF veterans and their dependants with complex needs living in Scotland. Assess individual’s circumstances and create tailored support plans.
Salute my Job	Career Jumpstart Programme	£41,700	The Career Jumpstart Project aims to reskill jobseekers from the Armed Forces community for employment in roles in greatest demand in public, private and third sector.
Scotland Bravest Manufacturing Company	Enhanced Manufacturing Traineeship	£50,000	Provide opportunities for early service leavers and other veterans to obtain qualifications and sustainable employment with the support of a qualified trainer.
Scottish Veterans Residences	Occupational Therapy to Improve Veterans’ Health and Wellbeing	£43,150	Employ a full time occupational therapist to support Veterans’ physical and mental health recovery and rehabilitation through the use of a holistic and biophysical approach.
SSAFA	Professional Support to Relieve the Cost of Living Crisis	£10,000	Partly fund the employment of a Regional Casework manager to better manage workload of case workers in Scotland to provide a more agile and individualised response to veterans.
Thistle Health and Wellbeing	Meaningful Connections	£20,124	Support 150 veterans and their families across Scotland who have been severely impacted by long term conditions, particularly early service leavers, medically discharged veterans and those with mental health needs.
Veterans Housing Scotland	Tenancy Sustainment Service	£20,000	Expand pilot project to identify and support tenants at risk of tenancy failure.

Scotland remembers on Armistice Day

Communities across Scotland fell silent at 11am today (Friday 11^th November) to mark Armistice Day and remember those who laid down their lives in defence of our nation.

Veterans, members of the Armed Services and the public came together around the country to pay tribute, including children of serving military personnel paying their respects in Dunblane.

The First World War came to an end at 11am on the 11^th of November, 1918 with the signing of the Armistice. Each year since 1919 the nation has paid tribute to the fallen from that and other conflicts at the same time.

While the service and wreath-laying could not go ahead as planned at Edinburgh’s Garden of Remembrance in Princes Street Gardens due to high winds, the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, joined Legion Scotland and veterans to reflect at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. Legion Scotland National Padre Revd Dr Karen Campbell led a short service, before wreaths were laid.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom, from the First World War to more recent conflicts. Today is about remembering them, as well as those servicemen and women who came back with mental or physical injuries.

“We were very disappointed that the planned service at Princes Street Gardens could not go ahead due to the weather warnings, but public safety has to be paramount. While the service was much smaller than planned, we were glad that veterans from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and elsewhere were able to join us in paying tribute, while people across Scotland observed the two minutes silence.”

SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Tabatha Holly Clark (s1) with Nathan Collie S1 (L) and Rebecca Wise (s1) right.

Retired Army Major Andrew Johnstone, from Brisbane, Australia, joined the service at the factory. He said: “When you sign up, you sign a blank cheque that you are prepared to give your life for your country.

“I know many who are not here today because of that, and it’s important that we remember them.”

Aidan Stephen, from Edinburgh, who served as a Major with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, was among those paying tribute in Edinburgh City Centre. He said: “We just can’t forget. There isn’t a single person in my family who has not been affected by conflict in some way. I think of them today, as well as the friends I’ve lost.”

Pupils at Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, which has been looking after the children of UK service personnel since 1908, visited Bud, Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum. They learned more about the origins of the poppy as our national symbol of remembrance and the vital work Poppyscotland still undertakes supporting the Armed Forces community today.

S1 student Ruby May Gibson, whose father and brother are both currently serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “My brother, my dad and my grandparents all served so this is an important day for me. On Armistice Day I think about the people who fought and died for us.

“I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the poppy on Bud. I think it is so important that we always remember.”

Armistice Day is followed tomorrow by “Poppy Saturday”, a day when streets and shopping centres will be filled with thousands of Poppyscotland volunteers as the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal approaches its culmination.

One day later, Scotland will again fall silent to mark Remembrance Sunday. The First Minister will join military and civic leaders, serving personnel and veterans at the Stone of Remembrance in Edinburgh at 11am, with local Remembrance Sunday events taking place in communities across the country.

SCOTLAND REMEMBERS ON ARMISTICE DAY Photo caption:- Sienna Patounas (S1) lays a poppy in the Garden of Remembrance at Queen Victoria School.

Stagecoach extends UK-wide free travel for veterans and military personnel to include cadets on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday

Free travel for military and ex-military personnel available again on 11th and 13th November
The operator has now extended the offer to include cadets wearing uniform
Available on all Stagecoach bus and tram services across the country
Transport operator proud member of Armed Forces Covenant

Stagecoach has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the armed forces by extending its new policy of free travel for veterans and military personnel to include cadets who wish to attend remembrance services. Free travel will be valid on its bus and tram services right across the UK on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The commitment to free travel, which is now in its second year, comes on the back of the launch of Stagecoach’s employee led Veteran’s Network. The network was launched last year to allow Stagecoach colleagues to come together as one voice to make change, raise awareness, help influence business decisions and introduce new ways of working to make the company even stronger.

As a cause that is close to the hearts of its employees and customers, Stagecoach has been a long-time supporter of the Poppy Appeal, and in addition to free travel on 11th and 13th November, Stagecoach will be operating a number of Poppy Buses across its network. Poppies will also be displayed on the front of buses across the country with some destination blinds showing the messaging “We will remember them”.

Employees across Stagecoach will also respect the two minutes silence and where safe to do so, drivers may pull over to honour this.

Stagecoach has also been a member of the Armed Force Covenant since March 2015, recognising the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families to both the country and businesses across the country.

With Remembrance services planned at memorials across UK, it is hoped that people wishing to pay their respects will take up the offer to travel for free to the service of their choice.

This commitment from Stagecoach allows for the business to unite and to offer free travel to all military, ex-military and cadet customers and it will continue each year on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday  as well as Armed Forces Weekend.

Simon Tramalloni, Operations Manager in Preston & Chorley is co-lead for the Stagecoach Veterans Network. He previously served in the Armed Forces serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa and the Middle East.

He said: “After the idea came about last year, I am so proud that we are now able to offer this to military cadets and celebrate a second year of offering free travel to military and ex-military personnel.

“Stagecoach has a strong commitment to supporting the armed forces and our veterans, and we have thousands of ex forces personnel working across our business.

“The Veterans Network is allowing us to build on the work that Stagecoach has led over many years to identify how else we can support those veterans already working for us and those that may want to come and join the company.

“Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal are causes close to the hearts of many of our employees and customers and we are very pleased to be making this commitment that will hopefully help people to attend memorials across the UK.”