February Round-up

Northern Ireland visit

NI visit

I’ve just returned from a trip to Northern Ireland where I met with Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan, Welsh Veterans Commissioner James Phillips, and David Richmond, Independent Veterans Advisor to the UK Government.

It was really interesting to catch up and share updates on my work to capture the lived experience of the veterans community in Scotland.

We were also invited by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to visit 'Veteran Life: untold stories by the people behind the uniform', a community engagement exhibition at Lisburn Museum.

Presenting the stories of veterans of all conflicts and the experiences of their families, the exhibition aims to highlight the challenges faced by the community and aims to engage veterans who may feel isolated from civilian life.

 

Susie Hamilton with Patricia Miralles

French Veterans’ Minister meeting

Last week I very much enjoyed meeting Ms Patricia Miralles, French Minister for Veterans, at Whitefoord House.

We had a very insightful discussion comparing the French and Scottish approaches to Veterans' issues, in particular health care.

 

Pride in Veterans Standard

Pride in Veterans Standard achievement certificate

I’m also very proud to share that the Scottish Veterans Commissioner’s Office has joined Fighting with Pride’s Pride in Veterans Standard as a sign of our commitment to the LGBT+ military community. We pledge to ensure that the needs and experiences of this community are reflected in our work, that the voices of LGBT+ veterans and serving personnel and their families are heard, and that they can access welcoming and inclusive support and services.

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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 🔗
20 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 📺
4 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 🔗
6 days ago
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