News

March Round-up

Military Skills Discovery Tool

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

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

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

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

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

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.