Case studies

Ian Shiells

Dec 5, 2024: “As someone who had a smooth transition to civilian life, I wanted to support veterans who hadn’t been as fortunate."

Kent

Jun 20, 2024: “I’m glad that people are no longer having to go through what I went through and hide who they truly are. No one should have to live a lie.”

Sophia

Apr 15, 2024: "When my dad left the Army two years ago, it was really confusing and stressful for everyone. I was sad to leave the military community and move into an ordinary house where I didn’t know the neighbours."

Richard Barker

Sep 14, 2022: “I feel that having a GP who is better informed about veterans and their backgrounds would have been really beneficial. My GP was in an area with a sizeable military and veteran population, yet he was unable to offer me any specialised advice or refer me to more suitable support.”

Sam McGeachie

Aug 14, 2022: “It was really important that I found somewhere I felt safe and secure. But it was my first home outside the Army and I didn’t know where to start.”

Sally – The Story of a Wee Scottish Veteran in 2020

Jul 14, 2022: 28-year-old Sally* served in the Army for five years, including a tour in Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, she had struggled with her physical and mental health and had little stability in life. When she finally reached out for help, she found an amazing team of support workers and volunteers working tirelessly together to help her get back on her feet.

Red Bruce

Apr 14, 2022: “It got to the point where I only had a couple of months to find something, or I was going to be leaving without a job on the other side”

Dominic Pitts

Mar 14, 2022: “When I was asked by my Resettlement Officer what I wanted to do on leaving the Army, it was the first time in eleven years that I’d had to make a decision for myself.”

Craig Powers

Feb 14, 2022: “We’re bad at selling ourselves and we underestimate our skills because we can’t see how they fit in the civilian world.”

It was a pleasure to meet Service Leavers, veterans and staff at the @barclaysuk campus in Glasgow, where the Military Work Placement Programme is underway. This gives military people an insight into working at Barclays, and provides valuable sessions such as mock interviews and a CV workshop. It was really useful to hear from veterans already employed at Barclays UK and to hear the views of Service Leavers. I was delighted to meet RAF veteran Shona again, who was connected to the Barclays scheme by Officers Association Scotland.

21 hours ago

I welcome the release of new research and policy summaries focused on financial well-being among ex-Service personnel and their families by the Centre for Evidence for the Armed Forces Community. It’s encouraging to see my 2025 Veterans and Finance report cited. These reports offer valuable insights for anyone working with and making decisions that impact ex-Service families. Read more at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗

1 day ago

I was pleased to give evidence yesterday to the Westminster Defence Select Committee considering the passage of the Armed Forces Bill, alongside the Commissioners from Wales and Northern Ireland. This provided an opportunity to welcome the planned extension of the Armed Forces Covenant, and to consider the opportunities and challenges the extension will provide across the countries of the UK. We were clear that effective communication and clear guidance will be essential to success, and that planning needs to start now for effective implementation. Watch the session at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗

2 days ago

A constructive meeting today with Graeme Dey, Minister for Veterans and Parliamentary Business, covering a range of topics including the need to maintain momentum on Government projects such as the Veterans Mental Health Pathway during and after the Scottish election period.

1 week ago

Case studies

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