Connecting comrades

Sir,

Age Scotland has won a £70,000 grant for an innovative telephone friendship service which links older members of the ex-service community.

Our Comradeship Circles service has helped to connect hundreds of older veterans for regular group calls since the pilot scheme was launched six months ago.

The funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Tackling Loneliness Programme will enable our service to expand and continue until autumn 2022, reaching even more older people. We are also looking for volunteers to support the service.

There are an estimated 220,000 armed forces veterans in Scotland, with an average age of 67. The Comradeship Circles also welcome their partners, widows, and widowers.

Participants simply dial into the weekly chat,

with a facilitator on hand to assist if necessary.

The service is popular with those who are unable or find it difficult to enjoy social connection online.

Our Comradeship Circles has been a social lifeline for many over the last six months, so we’re delighted this funding means they can continue.

Even before the pandemic, thousands of older veterans still felt isolated because of health conditions, disabilities, or living in a rural location.

Although restrictions are now easing, we know that many are feeling lonelier than ever before.

While more and more older people are getting online, there are still hundreds of thousands who are unable or prefer not to use the internet.

This telephone service has been especially valued by older veterans who have a disability or health condition which means they struggle to use the video conferencing apps.

Comradeship Circles mean they can enjoy banter and share stories and memories of military life. It’s been inspiring to see the care and support that the veterans’ community give each other, helping each other through difficult time.

Many participants have told us that they’ve rekindled old friendships or made new ones, or look forward to a natter to get them through the week.

If you or someone you know is a veteran aged 50 or over, we’d encourage them to give it a try.

A call to the Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222 can open the door to camaraderie and extra support for older members of the ex-service community.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland chief executive