A NEW service that will transform the support available for the armed forces community in Scotland has been launched by Poppyscotland.
The Scottish veterans charity’s Welfare Support Service will have a strong local focus and will be tailored to the needs of each individual.
The Welfare Support Service team 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 support to vulnerable veterans and to those identified as having complex needs, including mental or physical health and problems with money and housing.
The independent living adviser will provide support to help give those with a long-term health issues the ability to maintain their independence and live in their own homes for longer.
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 significant development for veterans across the country. The implementation of the Welfare Support Service enables us to deliver greatly enhanced support in local communities across Scotland; providing one-to-one and face-to-face support to individuals who are particularly vulnerable and have complex needs.”
Veteran Chris Fisher has previously used the Poppyscotland service.
He served in the Royal Navy from 1970 to 1977 and now lives in Helensburgh with his wife Julie.
Fisher has 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, so getting anywhere was impossible until Poppyscotland provided a grant for a specially adapted van which allows Chris to get out and about.
He said: “I approached Poppyscotland and within two weeks I had a new van sitting in the driveway.
“It’s emotional because without the van, I wouldn’t have a life, I wouldn’t be able to go outside and to do what other people take for granted.
“I cannot thank Poppyscotland enough for all that they have done for me. It’s heartening to hear of the new Welfare Support Service that will help other veterans like me to access the right support in the right location.
“I feel lucky to have got the support so quickly, but there are so many other veterans out there who have similarly complex needs and struggle to seek out help.
“However, the new Poppyscotland service will ensure that they have the right package of support put in place within their own community and that will make a huge difference.”
Money raised from the Scottish Poppy Appeal and Poppyscotland’s year-round fundraising enables them to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored funding and assistance.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here