‘I was in the green bubble - so well looked after in the Army, I didn’t even know how to cook’
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY is a time to reflect on those who served, but never came home.
But for those who do return, finding a place in everyday life can be a scary experience.
Deborah Burns, from Airdrie, served in the Army for 10 years but struggled on civvy street.
“I joined the Army when I was 16, and was in for 10 years,” said Deborah, a former military clerk.
“I was in ‘the green bubble’ as we call it, being looked after in the Army. I didn’t even know how to cook – we were literally handed every meal on a plate.”
Deborah fell pregnant while she and partner, Paul, who was in the Royal Military Police, were serving in Germany.
“When I came home I had to move back in with my parents, with Paul and little Amy-Leigh.
“I’d accumulated lots of debt and declared bankruptcy. I didn’t know how to apply for benefits. And then I was diagnosed with post-natal depression.”
Eight years on, Deborah, 34, is back on her feet and helping vets facing hardship, thanks to a service providing support for ex-servicemen and women.
Veterans First Point (V1P) centres support ex-squaddies and their families in all aspects of life, from welfare and housing to mental and physical well-being. Crucially, the first point of contact for those using the service is fellow veterans.
Now a mum-of-two, Deborah works with the V1P in Lanarkshire, using her experience of coming out of the Forces to help others.
“Twelve weeks after giving birth I became pregnant again,” she continued. “After a year with my parents, we rented a house. Paul got a job as a specialist height engineer and we married.”
She is now a veterans’ support worker with the Scottish Association for Mental Health and became V1P Lanarkshire’s peer support worker last month.
“I’m so happy when veterans get in touch as I know how much I would have benefited from a service like this,” she added. “We know exactly what they’re going through.”
V1P is open to anyone who was in the Armed Forces, as well as immediate family. Call 0300 303 3051 or email LanarkshireV1P@ lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk for more info. There are six V1P centres in
Scotland.