April Round-Up

April was a fantastic month for celebrating the achievements of veterans in business and in the community with two awards nights recognising the hard work and success of veterans across the country.

Ex-Forces in Business Awards

Scottish Veterans Commissioner and others at the ex forces in business awards

The Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards brought together 500 business leaders and veterans to highlight the value that veterans can bring to the civilian workplace. As well as celebrating inspirational individuals, the Awards acknowledge employers that demonstrate commitment to recruiting from the military talent pool and ensuring ex-Forces employees are supported.

I was honoured to be a speaker at the ceremony and to share the room with so many talented people. Highlighting the strong synergies between military values and business excellence, the awards are a great way to increase visibility of veterans in the wider workplace and promote ex-Forces employment initiatives.

You can find out more about the finalists and winners at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards here.

Scottish Veterans Awards

Scottish Veterans Commissioner and two award winners

The Scottish Veterans Awards recognise the achievements of Scotland’s veterans and reservists in business, fitness, sport and the wider community, as well organisations and businesses that support the veterans community.

The awards were a wonderful occasion celebrating everything that veterans can bring to business and to our communities. Some of the veterans honoured had overcome real challenges and their strength and determination were truly humbling. I loved getting to catch up with so many members of Scotland’s veterans community, and hear more about their achievements firsthand.

You can find out more about the finalists and winners at the Scottish Veterans Awards here.

CTP Employment Fair

Scottish Veterans Commissioner and others at the CTP Employment fair

I had a great day at the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) Employment Fair in Edinburgh, where representatives from over 80 leading British businesses met with more than 275 Service leavers and veterans to network and plan for their futures. There was a fantastic atmosphere, with attendees given the opportunity to explore potential opportunities and career pathways. Our Service leavers deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential in the civilian world and events like the CTP Employment Fair are a great way to help facilitate this.

Sight Scotland Veterans

Scottish Veterans Commissioner and others at the Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre in Paisley

I was kindly invited to visit Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre in Paisley, where I had the opportunity to meet with some of the charity’s members. We discussed some of the issues they face and what type of support they require.

Sight Scotland Veterans does an outstanding job supporting veterans with vision impairment and makes a huge difference to their lives. The work the charity does is vital in terms of fighting isolation and loneliness, boosting confidence and improving mental health. Hearing the chatter and laughter during many of the centre’s activity sessions was just so uplifting and inspiring.

As well as the support on offer at the Hawkhead Centre, the charities Independent Living Team supports veterans through home visits, community activity groups and via its helpline. My thanks go to all at Sight Scotland Veterans for the wonderful work they do, and to the veterans I met with on the day who kindly shared their views and experiences with me.

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Today I attended the opening of the Gretna Rail Disaster exhibition at the @ootbdrillhall in Leith - a moving tribute to the men of the Royal Scots, many from Leith, who were killed or injured in the crash, and to the loved ones they left behind. 

People with family connections to the tragedy were present, including Colin Bell, whose father, John Cardean Bell, survived the accident. The venue is particularly poignant as the remains of victims were returned to this very hall.

A fascinating short film tells the story - find the link in my bio 🔗
Today I attended the opening of the Gretna Rail Disaster exhibition at the @ootbdrillhall in Leith - a moving tribute to the men of the Royal Scots, many from Leith, who were killed or injured in the crash, and to the loved ones they left behind. People with family connections to the tragedy were present, including Colin Bell, whose father, John Cardean Bell, survived the accident. The venue is particularly poignant as the remains of victims were returned to this very hall. A fascinating short film tells the story - find the link in my bio 🔗
23 hours ago
The SVC office was represented today at the Glasgow screening of ‘The Unseen Enemy’. 

This powerful film depicts the effects of gambling harms on the Armed Forces and Veteran communities. It was very moving to hear the stories of the impact gambling harms cause. 

Thanks to the whole team for all the good work they are doing to reduce the associated stigma and get people talking.
The SVC office was represented today at the Glasgow screening of ‘The Unseen Enemy’. This powerful film depicts the effects of gambling harms on the Armed Forces and Veteran communities. It was very moving to hear the stories of the impact gambling harms cause. Thanks to the whole team for all the good work they are doing to reduce the associated stigma and get people talking.
5 days ago
April was packed with events - we spoke with employers at the CTP Careers Fair, heard from young people during #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild, and celebrated our community’s achievements at the Scottish Veterans Awards. 

Read more in my April round-up via the link in the bio.
April was packed with events - we spoke with employers at the CTP Careers Fair, heard from young people during #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild, and celebrated our community’s achievements at the Scottish Veterans Awards. Read more in my April round-up via the link in the bio.
6 days ago
Last week, I joined commemorations marking #VEDay80 - honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and reflecting on the resilience of those who endured loss and took on the enormous task of rebuilding in the aftermath.

Read more in my blog - link in the bio.
Last week, I joined commemorations marking #VEDay80 - honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and reflecting on the resilience of those who endured loss and took on the enormous task of rebuilding in the aftermath. Read more in my blog - link in the bio.
1 week ago
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