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.”

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Encouraging to hear commitment from across the Scottish Parliament to collaborate in supporting the veteran community during today's debate. Importantly, it was also pleasing to hear recognition of the benefits that veterans and families bring to our communities across Scotland.

My 2025 progress leaflet recognises notable recent achievements in the delivery of improved statutory support and services for the veteran community, while also highlighting areas where improvement is required.

You can access the leaflet via the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
Encouraging to hear commitment from across the Scottish Parliament to collaborate in supporting the veteran community during today's debate. Importantly, it was also pleasing to hear recognition of the benefits that veterans and families bring to our communities across Scotland. My 2025 progress leaflet recognises notable recent achievements in the delivery of improved statutory support and services for the veteran community, while also highlighting areas where improvement is required. You can access the leaflet via the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
18 hours ago
@housingopsscot has updated its guide on Finding a home in Scotland as a member of the Armed Forces community - a valuable resource to help people make informed decisions on their housing or accommodation options.

Read the refreshed guide at the link in my bio (Other links) or at housingoptionsscotland.org.uk 🔗
@housingopsscot has updated its guide on Finding a home in Scotland as a member of the Armed Forces community - a valuable resource to help people make informed decisions on their housing or accommodation options. Read the refreshed guide at the link in my bio (Other links) or at housingoptionsscotland.org.uk 🔗
1 day ago
This Tuesday afternoon, there will be a Scottish Parliament debate on Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community in Scotland.

I've highlighted the findings of my 2025 progress report to MSPs, including areas where improvement is needed and attention should be focused as a priority.

You can watch live on Tuesday at scottishparliament.tv 📺
This Tuesday afternoon, there will be a Scottish Parliament debate on Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community in Scotland. I've highlighted the findings of my 2025 progress report to MSPs, including areas where improvement is needed and attention should be focused as a priority. You can watch live on Tuesday at scottishparliament.tv 📺
3 days ago
It's #GriefAwarenessWeek - a time to promote better understanding of the impact of grief, and highlight support. 

Last month, I published my report reviewing support for the military bereaved community, who face uniquely complex challenges.

Learn more in my latest blog, available at the link in my bio - SVC News and Blogs 🔗
It's #GriefAwarenessWeek - a time to promote better understanding of the impact of grief, and highlight support. Last month, I published my report reviewing support for the military bereaved community, who face uniquely complex challenges. Learn more in my latest blog, available at the link in my bio - SVC News and Blogs 🔗
5 days ago
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