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How Dundee is supporting veterans

Posted on February 28 2025 at 17:28

Earlier this month I was warmly welcomed to Dundee to meet with a range of services and organisations involved with support and opportunities for veterans nationally and locally.

I was invited to Abertay University to hear all about the Pathways Programme - a partnership between Abertay University, SaluteMyJob and IBM, for which the Scottish Government provides funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund. Tailored specifically for the Armed Forces community, it enables Service Leavers to develop skills and gain qualifications and experience in cybersecurity.

I met with Natalie Coull, who runs the programme at Abertay, Martin Bell of Veterans Scotland, and Andrew Jackson of SaluteMyJob, which recruits and selects Service Leavers and veterans for the programme. I also met with and heard the stories of past and present students of the programme.

It was clear that the programme offers opportunities to retrain for a new career following transition to civilian life, providing access to a diverse employer network.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and it was encouraging to learn how the course is helping to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals. As digital technologies become more prevalent in every aspect of life, the need for cybersecurity experts is accelerating. Harnessing the diverse skill sets of the veteran community is a commendable way to help respond to this and an excellent demonstration of the value that veterans can bring to the civilian workplace.

My visit also included a meeting with Bill Campbell, Lord Provost of Dundee, who also acts as the Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion.  According to Scotland’s Census 2022, Dundee has a veteran population of 5,200, representing 3.0% of Scotland’s total veteran population.

We had a wide-ranging discussion about the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and the support available to the veteran community. Dundee City Council holds a Gold Award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and Bill is keen that veterans and service leavers see Dundee as a welcoming place to settle and find new careers after service. He also highlighted other services in the area that provide vital support, including Scottish Veterans Residences, SSAFA, breakfast clubs, and the Dundee Therapy Garden.

Collaboration across different sectors is key to ensuring veterans receive the support they need. Through the Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, the council works with NHS Tayside in several areas to help meet the health and mental health needs of the veteran community. I met with Susan Paterson, NHS Tayside Executive Armed Forces Champion, to hear how the health board supports and engages the veteran community – including both staff and those accessing health and care services.

Like Dundee Council, NHS Tayside holds a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, which recognises the highest level of commitment from an organisation to employing and supporting veterans and Reservists.  NHS Tayside has reviewed its HR policies to ensure no disadvantage to veterans in recruitment and retention  and also hosts an Armed Forces group which enjoys regular meet-ups and encourages networking. When it comes to supporting veterans accessing NHS Tayside services, Susan spoke about dedicated information for ex-Forces patients, awareness-raising of issues faced by veterans among frontline staff, and signposting to dedicated support services for veterans. She also highlighted their role in delivering Veterans First Point (V1P) Tayside – a one-stop shop which aims to ensure veterans and their families in the area can access the right health and wellbeing services at the right time.

Finally, I had a very productive meeting with David Wallace, CEO of Social Security Scotland, where I gained some valuable insight into its work to listen to and meet the needs of members of the veteran community applying for the benefits that are devolved to Scotland. He also shared more information about the development of the organisation and its focus on dignity, fairness and respect when supporting applicants. It was agreed at this meeting that further engagement between Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Veterans Commissioner was desirable to ensure better outcomes Veterans.

My visit to Dundee reinforced the importance of close working between local authorities, public services, education providers, employers and support organisations to harness the skills of the veteran community and address needs effectively. By continuing to listen, learn, and collaborate, we can help make Scotland a place where all veterans feel valued, supported, and able to thrive in civilian life.

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On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today. It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.
On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today. It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.
1 day ago
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 important role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities. @blackwatchmuseum
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 important role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities. @blackwatchmuseum
2 days ago
Today I joined Service Leavers, veterans, family members and support providers at the Defence Garden Scheme's Cultivate and Connect course at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 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. @defencegardens @rbgedinburgh
Today I joined Service Leavers, veterans, family members and support providers at the Defence Garden Scheme's Cultivate and Connect course at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 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. @defencegardens @rbgedinburgh
4 days ago
I enjoyed catching up 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 both the challenges we continue to face 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.
I enjoyed catching up 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 both the challenges we continue to face 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.
1 week ago
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