Minister’s plan to better help struggling veterans

GRAEME DEY

SCOTLAND’S veterans minister has applauded the Daily Record’s campaign to highlight suicides among our forces heroes.

Graeme Dey was appalled to read our stories on the epidemic of servicemen and women taking their lives. We reported that more than 50 veterans have ended their lives this year alone.

In a heartfelt piece for the Record, he highlights his personal connections to the military while detailing his masterplan to help struggling former forces personnel. YESTERDAY, we marked the Armistice centenary, remembering those who died during that war and subsequent conflicts. It’s also important to support those who have left the military and returned to civilian life.

With strong family connections to the military spanning three generations, and a Royal Marine base near my home, I have first-hand experience of what an asset the Armed Forces community is to Scotland.

Since taking office as veterans minister in June, I have been struck by the vital contribution of those serving, and their families, and the 237,000 veterans choosing to live here.

Most of those who have served in the Armed Forces go on to thrive, by the skills and knowledge gained through military service. However, the SCOTLAND’S VETERANS MINISTER unique challenges faced in the military mean some people do need additional help, such as with health, housing and employability.

The Scottish Government have a strong record of providing support. For example, one of my first ministerial duties was to appoint Charlie Wallace as our new Veterans Commissioner.

We’ve published improved guidance on accessing services for people leaving the Armed Forces and former service personnel and provided £1.3million of support to more than 150 projects through the Scottish Veterans Fund.

Now in its 10th year, the fund is currently accepting applications from charities and other organisations working directly with veterans.

I also recently launched the Veterans Employability Concordat, where national and local government work with employers to help people leaving the military move into fulfilling civilian careers.

Of course, there is more that can be done and I have been very concerned to read Daily Record reports about the experiences of former Armed Forces personnel struggling with mental health.

I commend the Record for highlighting this issue. We will continue to do all we can to ensure veterans get the best possible care and support that they require.

We are implementing our national mental health and suicide prevention strategies, and we are funding the provision of specialist and community outreach mental health services for veterans resident in Scotland with more than £4.2million to 2021.

One of my main priorities is to strengthen and target support to those who need it most. Having robust statistics on the size, location and profile of Scotland’s veterans population will help achieve this – which is why it is so significant that the next census in 2021 will include, for the first time, a specific question on veterans.

Yesterday, I looked back to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those still in service to defend our freedom. But I also looked to the future and how we can make it as bright as possible for our Armed Forces community.