News
August round-up
Defence Gardens Scheme
It was a pleasure to join Service Leavers, veterans, family members and support providers at the Defence Gardens Scheme’s Cultivate and Connect course this month. Hosted at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, this is a collaborative initiative that brings together veterans, serving personnel, and armed forces families through horticulture, wellbeing, and shared learning in a world-class setting.
It was inspiring to see and hear at first-hand how this nature-based programme is supporting Service Leavers and veterans, making a positive difference to their recovery, wellbeing, and connection with others.
The Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS) harnesses the restorative power of nature to support the recovery and resilience of the Armed Forces community through structured horticultural therapy, specialist training, and partnerships across health, environment, and heritage sectors.
You can read more about the work of the Defence Gardens Scheme here.
Scottish Veterans Residences
I enjoyed catching up earlier this month with Martin Nadin, CEO of Scottish Veterans Residences and Chair of the Veterans Scotland Housing Group. It was valuable to hear an update on veterans’ homelessness from an expert provider and to discuss the continued challenges and the action needed to address them. No one who has served their country should find themselves homeless, and there is still much work to do to make that a reality.
Glasgow Firm Base Group
The SVC Office was represented at Glasgow’s Firm Base Group this month. Led by Glasgow City Council, this networking and information-sharing forum brings together statutory and non-statutory services and organisations who work to support the serving and veteran community in the area.
The session included a presentation from Glasgow’s Helping Heroes and an update from Veterans Scotland, and discussion included topics such as housing and healthcare. It was positive to see such a wide range of partners gathered in support of their local veteran community and committed to working together to respond to issues and challenges.
Black Watch Association & Museum
It was a pleasure to meet Angus Council’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Ronnie Proctor, at Balhousie Castle, home of The Black Watch Association and Museum. The excellent museum brings to life the regiment’s proud history and heritage, recognising its distinguished contribution to our nation’s defence and the service and sacrifice of generations of soldiers and their families.
I was also delighted to meet members of the Black Watch Association Welfare Committee over lunch. It was invaluable to hear directly about the experiences, concerns, and priorities of veterans within the Black Watch community. Our discussion highlighted the significant role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & RAF Salute Taker Night
The Royal Air Force was the lead Service for this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT) and I was very fortunate to attend as a guest of Air Officer Scotland.
The theme this year was ‘A Call to Gather’, which was inspired by the monument ‘The Call 1914’ in Princes Street Gardens that honours the Scottish Servicemen from around the globe who answered the call and served in the First World War. The theme also reflects the gathering of nations and allies to perform at the Tattoo and following the performance it was an honour to meet some of the outstanding musicians from the UK and abroad.
The REMT raises vital funds to support Scottish music and dance as well as the Armed Forces and veteran community.
‘Say You Served’ Campaign
Veterans Scotland are running a ‘Say You Served’ campaign to encourage the Armed Forces and veteran community to self-identify within a healthcare setting.
According to Scotland’s 2022 Census, there are 172,000 veterans living in Scotland, but only 13,000 are currently identified as veterans on GP IT systems. Veterans Scotland are asking veterans across the country to help change that. So please do check that your GP knows you have served and spread the word to other members of the veteran community.
Letting your GP practice know that you have served in the Armed Forces means your veteran status can be recorded on your healthcare record. Having this information recorded helps primary care recognise members of the veteran community and can support greater awareness and understanding of the needs that some veterans and their families may have.
It can also help encourage GP practices to engage with the GP Armed Forces & Veterans Recognition Scheme, which provides advice and guidance on the Armed Forces community and the additional support available, including services provided by the military third sector.
RSS
