News

July Round-up

Posted on August 8 2024 at 15:31

Women Veterans Networking Event

At the beginning of the month, I attended a women veterans networking event organised by Lothians Veterans Centre. It was a brilliant opportunity to meet lots of inspiring women who have served, including Army veteran Virginia who featured in my Anything But Uniform report and Pauline Cherrington, CEO of Lothian Veterans Centre. I also caught up with Liza and Hannah, the team behind the Female Veteran Transformation Programme, to get an update on the work they have been doing recently.

The Royal Scots at Tynecastle Park

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton at the Royal Scots Exhibition at Tynecastle Park with Apolosi Vanowale. I had a fascinating morning at The Royal Scots exhibition at Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. The exhibition highlighted the links between the Royal Scots, Hearts FC and the City of Edinburgh, explaining the contribution of the Royal Scots to our nation's defence through individual stories and showcasing the importance of sport in the Army. Among others I had the honour of meeting Hearts legend John Robertson and Fijian Rugby international and Army veteran Apolosi Vanowale, who served in the Royal Signals for 13 years.

Cobseo 2024 AGM

The SVC office was represented at the Cobseo AGM where some of the team enjoyed an interesting and informative day. We heard how dedicated Cobseo member organisations are exploring collaborative ways of working to improve access and strengthen the support available to our Armed Forces and veteran community.

Protecting the rights of Forces children

Illustration of a young person as part of Forces Children Scotland's children's rights report On 16 July 2024, Scotland incorporated the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots Law, meaning the human rights of all children in Scotland are now legally protected. In addition, Forces Children Scotland published its latest report aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of Forces children. Exploring how children and young people from armed forces families can have some of their rights impacted due to their parent's service, it makes a series of recommendations to help policy makers and decision takers address these issues. You can read more about the report’s findings and recommendations here: https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/projects/its-not-just-their-job-its-our-whole-lives/

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Comments

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.

16 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.

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.

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.

1 week ago