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June and July Round-up

Posted on August 3 2023 at 15:19

Veterans Health and Wellbeing

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton with NI Commissioner Danny Kinahan

In June I attended a Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) Veterans Heath & Wellbeing Seminar at Erskine’s Reid Macewen Activities Centre. The event brought together professionals from NHS GGC, Local Authority Veterans Champions from the area, third sector organisations and representatives from statutory services to share best practice. An instructive presentation from the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) and GGC illustrated the benefits to be gained from collaboration between the public and third sectors.

 

I also attended a reception for the Defence Medical Welfare Service’s (DMWS) Veterans Awareness Raising Day at the Scottish Parliament. It was great to catch up with some familiar faces, including Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland Danny Kinahan, and hear about the progress being made in developing dedicated health pathways for all veterans across the UK.

 

 

Chelsea Pensioners

I was delighted to visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the iconic Chelsea Pensioners, in London. I thoroughly enjoyed a tour of the historic home and the chance to meet with some of the 300 veterans who live there today.

 

Armed Forces Week

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton at the SVR Bellrock Close Armed Forces Day BBQ

Armed Forces Week was an opportunity to celebrate the forces communities across the UK. As well as honouring current and former Service personnel, reservists and cadets, it was also important to recognise the integral role that spouses, partners and children play in the forces and veterans communities.

I was delighted to celebrate with residents, family members and staff at the Scottish Veterans Residences Armed Forces Day barbeque, as well as attending Edinburgh’s Armed Forces Day, where I had the pleasure of meeting with many individuals from our diverse community. I was very proud to march with some wonderful women from the Association of Wrens, while welcoming other women veterans.

Forces Children Scotland

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton with young people from Forces Children Scotland

I had a most interest interesting and useful meeting with young people from vet

eran families across Scotland who shared their experiences of transition to civilian life. I also heard more about their involvement in Forces Children Scotland’s Tornado of Change campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children and young people with a parent leaving the forces. I’m very thankful to all for their time and openness.

 

RBLI Lifeworks

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton meets veterans who have taken part in the RBLI Lifeworks course
I met with some of the veterans who had completed RBLI's Lifeworks course - a free employment support programme which equips veterans and family members of those currently serving with the tools needed to find meaningful employment outside the forces. All were enthusiastic about what they had learned, including interview skills and CV preparation. Congrats to all on gaining the SQA Employability Award at SCQF level 4!

 

ACVC Hub

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton meets members of ACVC Hub

I had a very enjoyable visit to ACVC Hub in Govan, Glasgow, where I met veterans and family members who were painting and making models and pottery. I heard how the activities aided calmness and relaxation and saw the friendship and camaraderie among members. Groups like this can play an important role in boosting mental wellbeing and tackling social isolation.

Moray

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton with Sarah Medcraf from Moray Chambers of Commerce

I had a very interesting day in Moray meeting with various organisations to find out about the issues faced by the local veterans community. At Moray Council I met with Kevin McDermott, Lead Officer for the Armed Forces community, and Clr. Peter Bloomfield, Armed Forces Champion, who told me how veterans and their families were supported via council-run services. I also met with Alasdair Pattinson, General Manager of Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin, and Sarah Medcraf, CEO of Moray Chamber, who filled me in on support and services for veterans in the areas of health and wellbeing and business and professional development respectively. Thank you to all for taking the time to share their insight about the challenges affecting veterans and their families in this part of Scotland.

Inverness

Inverness Castle

Similarly, I spent some time in Inverness to learn more about life for the veterans community and accessing support in the Highlands. I met with a number of organisations including NHS Highland, Highland Council. DWP, Combat Stress and 3 SCOTS. I also met with members of Inverness Military Wives Choir and enjoyed a singalong with them.

 

 

 

Lord Etherton’s Report

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton meets veterans from Fighting With Pride

July saw the much-anticipated publication of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, led by Lord Etherton. The report examined the experience of LGBT+ veterans who served prior to 2000, when homosexuality in the Armed Forces was illegal. Following its publication, the Prime Minister issued an apology to all those affected.

Around this time, I met with a group of LGBT+ veterans from Fighting with Pride, who discussed the enormous challenges they faced during their military Service. While there have been positive changes in attitude and available support, it's important to recognise the challenges that remain.

I hope that action taken around the review will address these challenges and look forward to the Government’s response to the review’s recommendations.

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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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