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January and February Round Up

Posted on March 7 2024 at 13:42

Susie Hamilton alongside a member of the ACVC Hub

Anything But Uniform launch

Cover of the Anything But Uniform Report

It was a busy start to 2024 with the launch of my first thematic report – Community and Relationships: Anything but Uniform.

Reflecting the diversity of the veteran community and focusing on members whose voices are lessfrequently heard, it makes a series of recommendations to the Scottish Government to make support and services more inclusive.

You can read the report in full here: Anything But Uniform Report

 

Policy and research updates

My ongoing engagement work with policy and decision makers has continued, with meetings with the Minister for Veterans and Minister for Mental Wellbeing, the Women Veterans Strategy Advisory Group, the Veterans Advisory Board, and the Office for Veterans Affairs. It’s been really valuable to get updates on the latest challenges and solutions being explored, and to share ways that we can effectively advocate for the veteran community.

I also had a very interesting meeting with the Forces in Mind Trust Research Centre about the impact of the research it has commissioned to date, and how this is helping to shape and improve support and services.

 

Showcasing Scotland’s diverse support offeringA picture of UK Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer sitting with veterans and staff from Combat Stress and Veterans First Point

When UK Minister for Veterans Affairs Johnny Mercer decided to pay Scotland a visit, I took the opportunity to showcase some of the exceptional work being done to support the veteran community north of the border.

We visited Lothians Veterans Centre where Mr Mercer met with members including members of the Fijian community, women veterans and veterans from the LGBT+ community , who shared some of the very unique challenges they have faced and the support they have found in their communities.

We also met with veterans and staff from Combat Stress and Veterans First Point, who shared some firsthand insight on accessing mental health support and services as a veteran in Scotland.

 

Listening to lived experienceSusie Hamilton alongside a member of the ACVC Hub

Listening to the lived experiences of the veteran community remains a key priority and I travelled to Glasgow at the end of February to visit some of the city’s support groups and hear what their members had to say.

Veterans who have been supported by Glasgow’s Helping Heroes spoke about the life-changing impact the charity has had on their lives, by providing a range of services including financial, housing and employability advice.

At Community Veterans Support, I heard about the camaraderie and support that the group cultivates through regular initiatives such as wellbeing walks and themed social events. It was clear that the group makes a big difference for many local veterans.

I also paid another visit to the ACVC hub, which encourages veterans to get involved in a wide range of arts and crafts while building bonds over their shared experiences. As always, it was a pleasure to listen to the veterans and see their latest creations.

 

Care and commitment

While it’s vital to hear from members of the veteran community directly, updates from those running the organisations and charities that support the community are equally valuable.

I had meetings with Blesma and Legion Scotland, discussing how they support as many veterans as possible with the most effective approach.

I also had a very interesting meeting with Salute My Job and Troopr, a brand new platform which aims to simplify support for the forces community by offering advice and opportunities related to work, finance, housing, wellbeing and community, all in one place.  

During this early part of the year, I’ve been constantly reminded of the determined commitment of these organisations towards supporting our veterans community and helping it thrive.

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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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