Veterans support

One of my very first actions on being appointed Veterans Minister at the end of June was to answer at length a series of written questions for The Scotsman’s ‘Veterans in Crisis’ investigation. In my answers, I explained what support is currently available to veterans in Scotland and what action the Scottish Government is taking to improve it.

I was therefore very surprised and disappointed that my responses were mostly omitted from The Scotsman’s coverage, despite being provided several weeks ago.

I would like to assure readers that I am strongly committed to supporting our armed forces community, which is a tremendous asset to Scotland.

Although most servicemen and women make a successful transition into civilian life, some do struggle and will need extra help with their health, employment, housing or other issues. That is why the Scottish Government has made a commitment to assist all veterans living in Scotland to access the support and care they need.

It can be hard for people from a military background to admit vulnerability and ask for help. This is gravely concerning if there is a risk of suicide, and the Scottish Government works closely with councils, the NHS, charities and other organisations to reach out to veterans to offer the right support at the right

time. Importantly, we are also working together to improve mental health services and support.

This will be backed by more than £1 billion in NHS mental health investment this year alone, a new mental health strategy and a Suicide Prevention Plan aimed at further reducing the suicide rate in Scotland which has already fallen by 20 per cent since the period 2002-2006.

The more we know about suicide and the circumstances involved, the better we can target support to prevent it. That is why we are actively looking at how we can reduce the risk of suicide among veterans by improving the data we collect.

GRAEME DEY Veterans Minister