veterans – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Help for veterans and families

Projects to benefit from £600,000 fund to support ex-Service personnel

A scheme to help wounded or sick veterans recover their confidence through golf is among 30 projects to receive backing from the Scottish Veterans Fund.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced successful applicants to the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund on a visit to the On Course Foundation at Drumoig Golf Hotel in Fife.

The fund, which the Scottish Government had committed to maintaining for the rest of the parliament was in fact boosted with a further £100,000 in the 26-27 budget, a 20% increase.

The On Course Foundation has been awarded £39,008 over three years to run golf activities across Scotland aimed at improving confidence, reintegration to civilian life and improving employment opportunities.

Other recipients of the 2026-27 funding round include:

Scottish Veterans Residences, which is awarded £40,000 for employability and mental health work with homeless ex-servicemen and women
Shared Parenting Scotland, which will receive £16,500 to work with veterans and their families who are going through family break-up
Erskine which receives £9631 to support veterans experiencing hearing loss.

Since being launched in 2008, the Scottish Veterans Fund has provided more than £3.8 million to nearly 220 individual projects supporting ex-service personnel and their families.

Mr Dey said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the work being done to help veterans recovering from illness or injury by the On Course Foundation here in Fife.

“The Scottish Veterans Fund has supported thousands of veterans and their families with services such as financial support, employability and by helping them cope with mental and physical health challenges.

“This year’s funding allocations will continue to provide targeted support for our Armed Forces and veterans community across Scotland, and prioritise projects that address recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting service personnel and their families – past or present, living or based in Scotland – and to ensuring they have access to all the help, support and public services they require.”

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said: “It was greatly encouraging to see such a strong field of high-quality applications from organisations across the length and breadth of Scotland.

“I warmly welcome the increase in funding to £600,000 this year, enabling support for a greater number of impactful projects. I was particularly pleased to note proposals that align closely with recommendations made by my predecessors and me, including in the areas of justice and financial wellbeing, and those reaching the less heard from parts of the veteran community.”

MAIN FUND

Organisation – Project Title – 26/27 = 27/28 = 28/29 – Project Overview

Venture Trust

Greater Glasgow

Outdoor Therapy Programme

£24,433

£25,655

N/A

The project will support veterans through a two year Outdoor Therapy programme designed to improve veterans’ health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities in access to support, strengthen families and support successful transition into civilian life.

Reading Force

Scotland‑Wide (Multi‑Region – Moray, Fife, Angus, Argyll and Bute, Perth and Kinross, and the Highlands)

Free story-sharing initiative

£9,914

£9,999

£10,088

The project will continue and expand their free story-sharing initiative for the Veteran community across Scotland, supporting Service leavers, their spouses, partners and children, and bereaved families with resources to help look after their own wellbeing and stay well within their communities.

Scottish Veterans Residencies

Edinburgh

FO(OT)HOLD

£40,000

This project will use occupational therapy to improve the mental health and employment prospects of homeless Veterans in supported housing.

Housing Options Scotland

Edinburgh

Military Matters Programme

£50,000

This project will provide 1-1 housing information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces community, supporting veterans and serving personnel with expert housing brokerage at the point of transition to navigate the complex processes involved in securing appropriate housing.

Lothians Veterans Centre

Lothians (Dalkeith)

Drop-in Centre

£31,781

£33,846

£35,930

Project will fund the drop-in centre in Dalkeith, offering a range of holistic, person-centred advice and support to veterans and families primarily in the Lothians.

Royal Marines Association

Angus (Arbroath)

Transition Support Officer North

£9,000

This project will fund a Transition Support Officer , based at 45 Commando in Arbroath.

Shared Parenting Scotland

Edinburgh

Separation and family breakdown support

£16,500

This project will expand activity underway to strengthen support for veterans and their family’s experiencing separation, family breakdown and loss of contact with children.

On Course Foundation

Scotland‑Wide

Confidence building golf activities

£7,872

£15,568

To deliver a programme of confidence building golf activities throughout Scotland, supporting the recovery of wounded, injured and sick veterans and Service personnel on recovery duty.

Thistle

Edinburgh

Meaningful Connections

£40,000

£42,000

£44,000

The project will refine and build on the successes of the Meaningful Connections programme, which has improved the health, wellbeing and social participation of over 120 veterans and their families across Scotland to date.

Sacro

Edinburgh

Veterans Mentoring Service (VMS)

£25,000

N/A

This project is available for military veterans who are currently in or are at risk of becoming involved in Scotland’s Justice System. The service works closely with each veteran to build an intensive support plan, providing practical and emotional support throughout their journey.

Combat Stress

Highlands & Rural North

The Veterans and Family Recovery Network.

£32,000

£16,000

N/A

The service will provide veterans and their families’ access to a mental health education programme.

Forces Employment Charity

Scotland‑Wide

NOVA Scotland programme

£50,000

This project supports veterans in contact with the Scottish Justice System, with the overarching aim of reducing reoffending, facilitating reintegration into the community, and encouraging a successful transition into a sustainable, law abiding lifestyle.

Royal Caledonian Education Trust

Edinburgh

Support to Service leavers’ and veterans’ children.

£37,500

Funding to support children and young people to achieve a successful transition to civilian life when their parent leaves the forces.

Defence Gardens Scheme

Highlands & Rural North

Strong Roots

£24,000

This project is for all members of the Armed Forces across the Highlands and will deliver bespoke evidenced horticultural therapy and train practical growing skills to enable veterans and their families to become Veteran Volunteers.

Organisation

Location

Project Title

26/27

27/28

28/29

Project Overview

ACVC Hub

Greater Glasgow

Creative Well-Being Enterprise Programme

£15,000

This project will deliver arts and crafts tutored sessions to veterans and their families, 3 days weekly over 3 years. Using arts and crafts as a non-clinical support tool to improve mental health, build routine, reduce isolation and support transition to civilian life.

Fresh Start Scotland

Edinburgh

Support for veterans working through addiction

£15,001

£15,450

£15,913

This project will be delivered through a partnership between Fresh Start, LEAP (Lothians & Edinburgh Abstinence Programme), and Recovery Through Activity, to provide a tailored pathway to support veterans who are in, or emerging from, addiction recovery.

Money Advice Scotland

Lanarkshire (East Kilbride)

Money Advice for Veterans

£15,000

A specialist training programme delivered to the sector on supporting veterans with financial advice and challenges.

Roxburgh and Berwickshire CAB

Scottish Borders

Supporting rural veterans

£28,065

N/A

A project advisor to reach out and provide additional physical outreach to support for veterans within the rural community.

Royal British Veterans Enterprises

Greater Glasgow

Empowering Scotland’s Bravest

£31,297

£35,980.46

£37,409.91

A pilot which will restructure RBVE’s Accredited Training Centre, in partnership with West College Scotland (WCS) and provide a dedicated training programme for disabled, disadvantaged, vulnerable and underemployed veterans and military families in Scotland.

SMALL FUND

Organisation

Project Title

26/27

Project Overview

Archaeology Scotland

Lothians (Dalkeith)

Wellbeing Through Archaeology

£10,000

This project offers a unique, archaeology-based approach to improving health and wellbeing for female veterans, female serving personnel, and their families.

Clyde Coast Radio

Inverclyde (Port Glasgow)

Veterans Radio Show

£9,000

A volunteer group of Army veterans providing support to veterans through radio.

Cyrenians

Lothians (Wilkieston)

Sanctuary for veterans and families.

£10,000

To provide support for veterans and focus on under-represented groups such as the LGBTQI+ community and families through wellbeing activities at the Linburn Walled Garden.

Erskine

Renfrewshire (Bishopton)

EARS 2 Hear

£9,631

The project will provide a hearing support initiative for veterans.

Larkhall and District Volunteer Group

Lanarkshire

Veterans Group

£10,000

To provide veterans support through fortnightly meet-ups, offering a varied programme of activities and support based on the needs and interests of the group.

Macmerry and District Mens Shed

East Lothian

Twice weekly workshops

£7,500

A twice weekly workshop bringing veterans together, with the opportunity to learn new skills and access support.

Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership

Lothians (Dalkeith)

CAB services for veterans

£3,000

Project will increase access to local up-to-date information and confidential advice on a range of support services for veterans through Dalkeith & District Citizens Advice Bureau Virtual Expert Remote Advice portable touchscreen devices.

Nature 4 Health

Highlands (Forres)

EVAC North Sessions

£9,600

Weekly 90 minute activity sessions to be held at Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North, ranging from dissertation writing on subjects of interest to learning bushcraft.

Rothiemurchus Lodge

Highlands (Aviemore)

Refurbishments

£9,410

To refurbish the Lodge and provide respite accommodation for veterans and their families.

Stand Easy

Fife

Drama-based therapy

£10,000

Drama-based therapeutic workshops to support ex-Service personnel and their families affected by Post-Traumatic Stress.

What Makes the Difference

Ayrshire / West Coast

Support to veterans in custody

£10,000

A 12-week pilot to deliver structured coaching to veterans in custody, addressing the unique challenges of identity loss, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and neurodivergent traits that often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Letter to Editor: Supporting veterans’ mental health

Dear Editor,

January can be a particularly challenging time for mental health. The combination of shorter days, colder weather, financial pressures after Christmas, and a sense of anti-climax following the festive period can affect many of us. For members of the veteran community, these challenges can be even more pronounced.

Many veterans face ongoing issues linked to their service, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. During the winter months, feelings of isolation can intensify, especially for those living alone or with limited support networks.

At the RAF Benevolent Fund, we see first-hand how vital timely, accessible support can be. We offer a confidential Listening and Counselling Service, providing serving personnel, veterans and their families with a safe space to talk through challenges and access professional support. We are also preparing to launch an online wellbeing portal, which will give easy access to trusted mental health resources and self-help tools.

Loneliness is another major concern at this time of year. To help combat this, we run Telephone Friendship Groups and facilitate local veteran meet-ups across the country, helping people reconnect, share experiences and feel less alone during the darker months. In addition, our financial support can help relieve some of the pressures associated with higher energy bills and living costs over winter, which are often a significant source of stress.

No one in the RAF Family should feel they have to face these challenges alone. Support is available, and reaching out can be the first step towards making a positive change.

For more information, please visit rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919.

Yours sincerely,

Dave Pinner

Head of Contact and Casework, RAF Benevolent Fund

Kirsty McNeill visits Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company

Scotland Office Minister meets veterans

UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill visited Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company – which produces high-quality road, rail, and commercial signs – in Renfrewshire last week to hear more about its work and meet veterans.

UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: “Ahead of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, it was a privilege to visit Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company to meet veterans working there and hear about their successful military to civilian career transitions at this King’s Award-winning social enterprise.

“It is clear that veterans truly enrich our economy and our communities and our support is vital when they leave service.”

Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) is a division of Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and operates as a social enterprise based in Bishopton, Renfrewshire. Established in 2018 in response to a 2015 Forces in Mind Trust study highlighting significant deprivation among Scottish veterans, SBMC won the King’s Award for Enterprise in April 2023 for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

SBMC empowers veterans and individuals with disabilities to regain independence through employment and personal development. As Scotland’s only signage social enterprise, it supplies road, rail and commercial signs to the public and private sectors.

The team has grown significantly and is primarily veterans and veteran family members. SBMC is the principal signage supplier to Bear Scotland and several local authorities, holding contracts with public bodies including Forestry and Land Scotland, Scottish Canals, and Scottish Water. It also supplies Tier 1 contractors such as Amey, Balfour Beatty, and RJ MacLeod.

RBLI has supported thousands of veterans over its 106-year history, and more than 70% of its social enterprise workforce are veterans or people with disabilities. SBMC provides nationally recognised training and development opportunities, helping employees regain independence through skills and qualifications.

All profits are reinvested to support mental health and accommodation services for vulnerable veterans and their families.

Robert Lappin, Assistant Director of SBMC and a military veteran himself, said: “We were pleased to welcome Minister McNeill to our Bishopton factory. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to highlight our work and the meaningful social impact we deliver in Scotland.

“As we approach Remembrance, appreciation of our work, led by veterans, is especially poignant.”

Among those the Minister met last Thursday was Anton Docherty, 35, a Royal Artillery Army veteran from Paisley who joined SBMC through its traineeship programme. After overcoming significant challenges with his mental health, Anton has become a valued member of the team as a Manufacturing Operative.

Reflecting on his experience Anton said: “An opportunity came up to work at Scotland’s Bravest with RBLI, and I grabbed it with both hands. It’s been really good here.

“I feel part of the team; it’s given me routine, structure, and the chance to be around people from similar backgrounds with different stories. We work hard in this place, and while it’s a workplace, it feels like a family too. I see the benefits it brings to others as well.

The previous evening (Wednesday) Minister McNeill hosted a Remembrance Reception at the UK Government’s Queen Elizabeth House HQ in Edinburgh, bringing together Scotland’s Armed Forces community, including Scottish MPs with constituency guests, cadets, Scouts, veteran organisations and Armed Forces representatives.

Lorna strikes gold in epic Cairngorms challenge

Lorna gets gold at Cateran Yomp endurance event in aid of soldiers, veterans and their families, and is set to become top fundraiser for Army charity

Lorna Coulter from West Lothian has completed one of her toughest challenges yet – the 2025 24-hour Cateran Yomp in Perthshire in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund’s (ABF) support for soldiers, veterans and their families.

She joined nearly 1,100 people gathering in the Cairngorms on Friday 6^th June, the anniversary of D-Day, to take on the gruelling endurance event this weekend – walking non-stop for up to 54 miles over 24 hours, to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the event attracts international participants and supporters from across the UK to hike the scenic but challenging terrain of the historic Cateran Trail in Perthshire. Lorna and her fellow participants faced Scotland’s famous “Four Seasons in a Day” as they trekked through the Trail’s beautiful hills and glens through the day and night for 22, 36, or 54 miles in aid of the Army’s national charity.

The Cateran Yomp is now in its 14^th year and, since2011,Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £5m for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). This year’s youngest ‘Yomper’ was aged 16, and the oldest participant was born in August 1944, the same birth month and year as the founding of the charity.

With four Yomps already under her belt, Lorna, 53, was delighted to bag her fifth ‘gold’ at the event by walking with her teammates, Lorna Frame and David Balfour, to complete the full distance.

Lorna and her husband Andrew Coulter, a former officer/soldier NCO in the 1st Battalion, the Irish Guards, are long-term supporters of military charities, and have seen at firsthand the importance of support for those who have served or continue to do so.

This has motivated Lorna to raise over £8,500 for the Army’s national charity – making her the top fundraiser so far for this year’s Yomp. She puts this achievement down to the generosity of her family, friends and colleagues from Edinburgh-based legal firm, Anderson Strathern LLP.

Lorna says: “The Cateran Yomp is special, there’s incredible camaraderie. Veterans often face challenges, particularly with their mental health and some get a raw deal. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s helped me raise funds for the ABF, which gives far-reaching support for veterans, as well as serving soldiers and their families.”

The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) provides a lifetime of support for soldiers, veterans and their families who are in need or facing hardship. Last year (FY 24/25) it helped over 80,000 people in 52 different countries through its grants to individuals and organisations including Scottish-based charities, Erskine and Bravehound.

Starting from Blairgowrie at 6am on Saturday 7^th June and ending in the early hours of Sunday morning, the event challenged teams of brave souls from as far afield as the USA, Georgia, Ukraine, Canada and Denmark, and all over the UK to walk side by side on the 54-mile route around the foothills of the Cairngorms.

The event attracted teams from 40 Scottish, UK and international businesses and was sponsored by Arnold Clark and Blairgowrie- based company Castle Water. The Cateran Yomp also works with a range of local sponsors who donate gifts in kind for the event, including Gin Bothy.

Reflecting on an incredible weekend, Major General Tim Hyams CB OBE, Chief Executive of the Army Benevolent Fund, said: “At this year’s Cateran Yomp, over 1,000 people, including more than 350 serving soldiers, crossed the start line to walk or run for up to 54 miles in 24 hours across the Cairngorms.

“The Army Benevolent Fund relies on the generosity of our supporters to ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.

“The support we receive from individual participants, and the organisations that not only sponsor the Yomp but also encourage their staff to take part, is vital. I am extremely grateful to every single participant; all of whom have demonstrated teamwork as well as mental and physical resilience. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for life.”

Yompers gathered this year on the anniversary of D-Day before setting off on Saturday 7^th June, and the event takes place ahead of VJ Day in August, marking the end of the Second World War in the East.

The Army Benevolent Fund was set up 80 years ago, so that brave servicemen and women would never face the post-war hardships experienced by veterans of the First World War. As thousands of ex-service men and women returned home, the Army Benevolent Fund was there with the help some needed. Its founding purpose remains unchanged today, and the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families is at the heart of its work.

There’s still time to show your support for Lorna’s fundraising efforts by donating here: Army Benevolent Fund – Lorna Coulter

Military rehabilitation specialists use pedal power and get on their bikes for Poppyscotland

A group of six military rehab specialists will set off on an epic 530-mile charity cycle in aid of veterans’ charity Poppyscotland next week.

Known as the Rehab Rollers, they aim to complete their challenge in just six days, leaving from Redford Barracks in Edinburgh on Saturday, May 31, stopping at nine rehabilitation centres located across the country. These include Faslane, Kinlochleven, Fort George, Lossiemouth, Arbroath and returning to Edinburgh on June 5.

The keen cyclists, who help to rehabilitate injured tri-service personnel, will also place commemorative poppy wreaths at every location they visit to mark 80 years since VE Day and the approaching 80^th anniversary of VJ Day.

Gordon McKay, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at Redford Barracks, is taking part in the challenge and said: “We have chosen to do this in aid of Poppyscotland because a lot of the people who come through us we aim to get back into full deployable service, but there are some unfortunate souls who don’t make it back and when they leave the service they may well find themselves relying on some of the veterans’ charities located in Scotland.

“So, we thought we would raise some money to help those charities whilst also challenging ourselves and cycling is something we all really enjoy, so it seemed the perfect thing for us to do.

“We have prepared with lots of cycling as a team and solo rides at the weekend and generally trying to get as much time on the saddle as possible. I’m sure there will be blood, sweat and tears but we massively appreciate any donation you can give.

“We’re proud to support Poppyscotland and help our veterans. Together, we can make a difference.”

All funds raised by Poppyscotland are used helping countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.

To donate to the Rehab Rollers please visit their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/rehabrollers-poppyscotland

Or to find out more about the charity, please visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk

Veteran teams up with fellow soldier to complete LeJog – Lands End to John O’Groats – this weekend

Two retired Army veterans with over 75 years’ military service between them are set to finish their demanding 65-day walking challenge – LeJog – this weekend.

John McBride from Fife (65) and Barry Ince (70) from Shropshire set out on 23 March 2025 to walk the 1200-mile End to End trail from Land End to John O’ Groats. They are expecting to reach their destination on Sunday 25 May, passing through Lybster, Wick and Freswick along the way.

Accompanying the pair to the finish line is ‘honourary’ member of the LeJog team, Katie, 22. Katie was hoping to realise her lifelong dream of walking from Lands End to John O’Groats with her partner, until a serious foot injury cut short his hike.

When John and Barry heard about Katie’s plight, halfway through their walk, they welcomed her to the team. Katie’s father has followed her progress with the team from home and has helped support her along the way.

As John says: “In the Army we say, leave no man or woman behind and Katie has been an absolute star!”

John and Barry are long-time friends and Army veterans, who have taken on one of the world’s most famous walking challenges to raise money for four charities which are close to their hearts. Two are national charities – Cancer Research UK and the Army Benevolent Fund – and two are organisations working locally to each man’s hometown.

Fife resident, John, explains: “We have both been touched by cancer and by the loss of many dear friends and family. The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity and does great work supporting many of our veterans and their families in times of need.

“Barry’s chosen local charity is the incredible Midlands Air Ambulance service, which always needs funds, and mine is Include Me, which provides much-needed support to vulnerable adults in Northeast Fife, by matching them with Volunteer Citizen Advocates.”

The route from Cornwall to Northeast Scotland has taken in the best of British countryside including the scenic West Highland Way and Ben Nevis which Barry and John climbed together earlier this month.

But the team has faced tough times during their journey. John has suffered with severe shin splints for prolonged periods and Barry injured himself falling off a badly maintained stile earlier this month, which is still causing him pain.

So far the LeJog challenge has raised almost £15,000 for the four charities and donations are still coming in. What has kept both veterans going is the support of the local communities they have passed through and their family and friends, some of whom have joined them for part of the walk and helped with free accommodation, meals, laundry and moral support.

Barry says: “We set ourselves a goal to achieve this very difficult task, to walk 1200 miles in 65 days with no rest days, including climbing Ben Nevis. Our extensive military service, self-discipline and determination means neither would allow ourselves to fail.

“We wanted to raise awareness and much needed funds for charities we believe make a difference.”

Sunday will be the culmination of a challenge which has been over almost 18 months in the planning. As they approach John O’Groats, the pair admit to mixed emotions as fatigue and niggling injuries are starting to set in, but they are determined to push themselves to the limit after LeJog is over.

Barry and John hope to lace up their walking boots again just 2 weeks later by taking part in the Army Benevolent Fund’s gruelling 24-hour trek in the Cairngorms, the 54-mile Cateran Yomp on 7^th-8^th June.

Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund said: “We are so grateful for all the efforts made by Barry and John, and their team in taking on this epic 65-day challenge from Lands End to John O’Groats for the Army Benevolent Fund and other charities.

“It is only thanks to funds raised through events such as these that the ABF is able to offer a lifetime support to soldiers, veterans and their families. We look forward to welcoming both veterans to this year’s Cateran Yomp in June, after some well-deserved rest and recovery!”

The Army Benevolent Fundis here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides.

Last year, the ABF supported over 75,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 50 countries around the world.

Follow the team on https://www.instagram.com/barry_and_john_lejog_walk/ and to support LeJog visit at www.givewheel.com/fundraising/5787/lejog

Scotland’s Salute VE80 Concert kicks off remembrance events ahead of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day

A spectacular poppy drop brought a poignant close to the nations official 80^th anniversary commemoration concert for VE Day at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh last night.

Second World War veterans and their families were in attendance as special guests of honour, joining a packed crowd to remember those who fought for our freedom 80 years ago and to mark the historic event that was to become known as VE Day on May 8, 1945.

Also in attendance was First Minister John Swinney, along with currently serving members of the Armed Forces and members of the public, who heard first-hand testimonies from surviving Scottish VE Day veterans on the big screen.

Musical highlights included touching performances from Fife singer songwriter Cammy Barnes, who joined the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Military Wives Choir, singer Niamh Corky, and BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra violinist Iona McDonald.

Scottish actor Nicholas Ralph, of All Creatures Great and Small fame, also took to the stage to perform with young actress Sadie Addington. The evening was narrated by former MEP, journalist, and voice of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, with broadcaster Mark Mckenzie, of BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service), acting as compere.

Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “We were thrilled to welcome our VE Day veterans to the Usher Hall as we came together in a national act of remembrance to honour those who lived through – and the all too many who sadly lost their lives during the period that was World War Two.

“Our national commemoration concert was a huge success, and you could feel the emotion in the room as our veterans’ stories were told on the big screen. The performances were memorable, touching and apt, and it was the ideal way to celebrate 80 years since VE Day.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended tonight, in particular those from the Armed Forces, both past and present – we thank you for your service.

“A huge thank you also to everyone behind the scenes for all their efforts in putting together this wonderful show, and also to our fabulous performers on the night.

Photo caption:- Band Scot’s girls Holly Eggleton, Maddy Lyons and Erin Gunn

“As VE Day approaches this Thursday, May 8, we encourage you to stop and take time out of your day to remember just as we have done tonight.”

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