March Round-up

Military Skills Discovery Tool

Military skills

The beginning of March saw a real milestone with the launch of the SCQF Partnership Military Skills Discovery Tool. I understand the frustrations of ex-Service personnel trying to find meaningful employment when their qualifications are not properly understood or appreciated, but I also appreciate the employer perspective. The new tool will help both.

This work relates back to a 2018 SVC recommendation and signifies significant progress in helping veterans and Service Leavers translate and articulate their Service skills to civilian employers.

Read more about the tool here and try it out here.

 

Veterans Voice

Veterans Voice

I also continued my Veterans Voice work with a couple of group discussions with Blesma members and veterans from the Veterans Community Hub in Lanarkshire.

They shared their thoughts and concerns about public services and accessing support which offered valuable insight into the strengths and challenges of support for veterans in their area.

 

Veterans First Point

Veterans First Point

I had a very insightful visit to Veterans First Point Lothian, one of six Veterans First Point branches across Scotland. The Edinburgh-based branch is a one-stop shop offering mental health and wellbeing advice and support for veterans and their families.

I met with the team and a small group of veterans who were really positive about their experiences of the V1P support. They also discussed their journeys and, in some cases, the struggle to find the right advice and support that brought them to V1P’s door.

Royal Marines Charity

Royal Marines Charity

I was warmly welcomed by The Royal Marines Charity at its Scotland base in Rosyth. I learned about the strategic importance of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to national security and the Scottish economy, and heard about the charity's innovative approach to supporting the entire Marines family 'from Lympstone to Tombstone'. It was great to meet Paul 'Baz' Barrett, who supports RM personnel transitioning from Service.


10 years of MM

10 years of Housing Option’s Scotland Military Matters service

23 March was an inspiring day marking 10 years of Housing Option’s Scotland Military Matters service, which provides free expert housing information and support to members of the forces and veterans communities.

I got a chance to speak with some veterans who had been facing homelessness with their families before seeking help from Military Matters. They praised the friendly service and trusted advice they received, which ultimately helped them secure comfortable, affordable homes provided by Veterans Housing Scotland.

I’d like to wish Military Matters a big happy birthday, and thank the staff for the invaluable work they do to support Scotland's veterans.

 

Glasgow’s Helping Heroes

Glasgow’s Helping Heroes

I attended a parliamentary reception for Glasgow's Helping Heroes where I was privileged to meet Patrick, a veteran helped through hard times by GHH and now living happily in a home provided by Veterans Housing Scotland. It's great to see organisations working together to support our Veterans.

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April is Month of the Military Child - a time to honour the resilience and strength of children and young people from Armed Forces and veteran families.

My latest blog shares how we're celebrating them this month - and how organisations like @forceschildrenscotland are amplifying their voices year round.

Read it using the link in my bio 🔗
April is Month of the Military Child - a time to honour the resilience and strength of children and young people from Armed Forces and veteran families. My latest blog shares how we're celebrating them this month - and how organisations like @forceschildrenscotland are amplifying their voices year round. Read it using the link in my bio 🔗
2 days ago
I had a really interesting morning at Castle Huntly for the national meeting of Veterans in Custody Support Officers, chaired by Scottish Prison Service Director of Operations Andy Hodge. 

This type of collaboration and sharing of best practice between statutory services - including the Ministry of Defence - and the third sector is well aligned with the recommendations in my Veterans and the Law report. 

🔗 You can read my report in full using the
I had a really interesting morning at Castle Huntly for the national meeting of Veterans in Custody Support Officers, chaired by Scottish Prison Service Director of Operations Andy Hodge. This type of collaboration and sharing of best practice between statutory services - including the Ministry of Defence - and the third sector is well aligned with the recommendations in my Veterans and the Law report. 🔗 You can read my report in full using the "Other links" section in my bio.
1 week ago
A Scottish Government scheme supporting priority groups to buy a home – including Armed Forces personnel, veterans who left service in the last two years, and other eligible groups which may include veterans – is now open for applications.

Learn more at the link my bio 🔗
A Scottish Government scheme supporting priority groups to buy a home – including Armed Forces personnel, veterans who left service in the last two years, and other eligible groups which may include veterans – is now open for applications. Learn more at the link my bio 🔗
1 week ago
A huge pleasure to attend an event to mark the @uniwestscotland's signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in Paisley on Friday. Professor James A Miller FRSE conducted the signing with MOD representative Lt Col Gary Giles RM. Panel discussions highlighted how highly veterans are valued by employers in the West of Scotland, and emphasised the University's commitment to supporting ex-Forces staff and students and their families.
A huge pleasure to attend an event to mark the @uniwestscotland's signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in Paisley on Friday. Professor James A Miller FRSE conducted the signing with MOD representative Lt Col Gary Giles RM. Panel discussions highlighted how highly veterans are valued by employers in the West of Scotland, and emphasised the University's commitment to supporting ex-Forces staff and students and their families.
1 week ago
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