Launch of guide to help older veterans

A national advice guide has been launched to make older military veterans more aware of their rights and the extra support available.

Developed with 50 veterans, the Veterans’ Guide to Later Life in Scotland includes information on entitlement to priority NHS treatment for conditions caused by or worsened by military service, military pensions, benefits, subsidised holidays, housing and community support.

Veterans Minister Keith Brown backs the free handbook, which he said will help “older veterans understand their rights”.

Charity Age Scotland developed the advice with the charity consortium Unforgotten Voices which supports over-65 veterans and their families in Scotland, and said it is the only guide of its kind.

Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan said: “Age Scotland knows about the issues involved in growing older in Scotland and has written this guide with the needs of older military veterans in mind.

“It will be of value regardless of how long ago, or for how long you served. You may have had a military career, a short period of national service, been a reservist, or supported a military operation with the Merchant Navy.

“The guide will tell about your rights and inform you of organisations that can help with tackling loneliness and isolation, healthcare, housing, social care, money, planning for the future and getting out and about.”

Mr Brown said: “Many older veterans and their families are unaware of the extra support and advice to which they could be entitled.

“The Veterans’ Guide to Later Life in Scotland is a valuable piece of work.”

Picture: PA. Veterans Minister Keith Brown.