Volunteers needed to tackle isolation

Scotland’s largest membership charity for veterans is on the lookout for volunteers from Monklands to help tackle isolation and loneliness among the Armed Forces community.

Legion Scotland’s recruitment drive for its Veterans Community Support Service, which was launched last year, is asking people in Airdrie and Coatbridge to spare a few hours in order to improve support for veterans and their families in the community.

Kevin Gray MM, the charity’s chief executive officer, said: “We have experienced a huge increase in demand for our unique service since it was launched in July 2017.

“In this time, we have helped nearly 300 veterans get back on their feet and feel confident with their surroundings, and this is all down to our fabulous volunteers who give their time freely to help others.

“There is more to be done and we need your help to do more for those who have served the nation.”

Mr Gray added: “The ethos of military life and the importance of comradeship that is achieved through that bond of friendship found during service can never be underestimated.

“It’s hard to imagine that any veteran could be suffering from isolation and loneliness and struggle to settle into a community – but it happens, and it’s a genuine problem that is increasing.

“We must tackle it now, but we need your free time; it only takes an hour or two a week to make a difference to someone’s life.”

For more information on volunteering with the service, which runs in tandem with the Unforgotten Forces project, email support@legionscotland.org.uk or call the support team on 0131 550 1560.