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August and September Round-up

Posted on October 4 2024 at 17:43

The veterans comedy club on stage at The Poppy Factory for Operation Stand-Up at the Edinburgh Fringe

Operation Stand-Up 

I was delighted to see veterans from RBL’s Recovery Through Comedy programme return to the Edinburgh Fringe this year, with a run of shows at the Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. Having formed the Veterans Comedy Club, the comedians took to the stage with performances that were genuinely funny, as well as at times being quite moving.  A huge well done to all involved.

 

Two years as SVC

In August, I marked two years of being the Scottish Veterans Commissioner. I remain inspired by our veteran community and determined to drive improvement so that all members feel understood, valued and supported. I shared some reflections on memories and milestones from the past year in a blog post, which you can read here.

 

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton with fellow delegates at the Identity, Purpose and Belonging

‘Identity, Purpose and Belonging’ Conference

August saw Edinburgh Napier University host “Identity, Purpose and Belonging: The first Scottish International Conference on Armed Forces Research in Society.” The six-day event brought together military leaders, policymakers, justice and health and social care professionals and academics from around the world and fostered a collaborative atmosphere where participants shared practice, innovative programmes and research findings. I attended a range of seminars, workshops and public events over a four-day period and had the opportunity to meet many inspirational speakers and delegates. I hope that the exchange of ideas will help drive improvements for the veteran community globally and congratulate a renewed commitment from all attendees to work together across borders to support those who have served their countries.

You can read more about my thoughts on the conference and some of the sessions I attended here.

 

Photos of the 2024 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Always a spectacle, I had the pleasure of taking in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which had a nautical theme this year with the Royal Navy taking centre stage and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity as the charity partner. The show is a stunning international celebration of music, drill, and dance. Most importantly, the charitable arm of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will directly support our serving and veteran communities.

 

 

 

The restoration of the beret and cap badge to Lu Tait by Brigadier Clare Philips CBE at the WRACA AGM Scotland and Northern Ireland

WRACA AGM

I had the honour of speaking at the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association’s Scotland and Northern Ireland AGM. It was a privilege to witness the restoration of the beret and cap badge to Lu Tait by Brigadier Clare Philips CBE Lu had been dismissed from the WRAC during the gay ban prior to 2000 and the ceremony formed part of the MOD response to the recommendations of the report by Lord Etherton in published last year. It was a pleasure to meet members of the WRAC Association from all over Scotland (and Northern Ireland) and hear more about the Association’s plans for the future.

 

 

Progress

I recently published my 2024 assessment of Scottish Government progress towards implementing SVC recommendations. An important aspect of the SVC role is to provide scrutiny and supportive challenge to policy makers and those providing services to the veteran community, and my annual progress reports aim to highlight achievements while directing attention to areas that require further improvement. You can read more here.

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Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
14 hours ago
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
1 day ago
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
6 days ago
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
1 week ago
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