Veterans get extra support
Stirling played host recently to a gathering of organisations working with Armed Forces veterans.
Unforgotten Forces, the partnership for older veterans, has welcomed two new organisations on board to expand its work with older members of the ex-service community.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Families Association (SSAFA) – the Armed Forces charity and Veterans Tribe Scotland are the latest additions to the Unforgotten Forces partnership, which is co-ordinated by Age Scotland.
The new partners were announced at the Unforgotten Forces Spring Gathering held in Stirling.
Guest speakers included Keith Brown MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans and also MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, and Dr Beverley Bergman, head of Scottish Veterans Health Research Group at the University of Glasgow.
SSAFA offers practical and financial support to ex-armed Forces men and women in need of physical or emotional care. It has branches and volunteer caseworkers across Scotland.
Veterans Tribe Scotland meanwhile offers creative and wellbeing events and activities where ex-armed Forces men and women and their families can relax, have fun and build friendships. These are suitable for all ages and abilities and delivered face to face and online.
Frank Gribben, Unforgotten Forces co-ordinator, said: “Unforgotten Forces aims to meet the breadth of wellbeing needs across the older ex-armed Forces community, and the addition of these partners will boost its ability to do so.
“Each partner is committed to ensuring that those supported by them can also benefit from opportunities and hassle-free support, if needed, from other partners. Bringing on board SSAFA and Veterans Tribe Scotland will enhance the web of support Unforgotten Forces offers and help ensure ex-armed Forces men and women in Scotland enjoy the best possible wellbeing in later life.”
To request support, call the Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222 or visit www.unforgottenforces. scot