News

March round-up

Thematic Report: Finance and Debt

Investigation and engagement for my next thematic report on finance and debt continues, and I had some very useful visits throughout March. Thank you very much to residents and staff at Scottish Veterans Residences’ Whitefoord House who took time to share their views and experiences, and to veterans, families and staff at Glasgow’s Helping Heroes who also opened up about challenges and support.

International Women’s Day

On 8 March we celebrated International Women’s Day, an opportunity to recognise the Service and significant contribution of women veterans. In case you missed it, my IWD blog reflects on the work being done to improve recognition, support and services for women veterans, including an update on the work of the Female Veterans Transformation Programme. You can read it here. 

Commonwealth Day

On Commonwealth Day, we celebrated the vital role of Commonwealth personnel in the UK Armed Forces and acknowledged some of the unique challenges they face. Over 5,000 personnel from Commonwealth nations - including Fiji, Ghana, and Jamaica - serve across all branches of the military, contributing in frontline operations, technical roles, and humanitarian missions. With additional challenges ranging from lack of family and community connections, to navigating their immigration status and paying for visa applications, we must ensure they and their families are supported when transitioning to civilian life. Read my Commonwealth Day blog here.

110 years of Veterans Housing Scotland

I joined celebrations to mark 110 years of Veterans Housing Scotland at an event at Edinburgh Castle, attended by HRH The Princess Royal. It was encouraging to hear updates on the charity’s work to offer veterans with disabilities and their families safe, secure homes that meet their needs. The evening ended with the RAF Pipes and Drums Beating the Retreat.

Transition of women Service leavers

I took part in discussions at the launch of the SUSTAIN report into transition of women Service leavers – a new report from the King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) at King’s College London. Commissioned by Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) to address the gaps in understanding around issues affecting women when they leave the Forces, it presents comprehensive and insightful research with findings that support a number of previous SVC recommendations.

Read the report here: https://kcmhr.org/pdf/Sustain_ExServiceWomen_Transition_Report.pdf

Exploring the UK-wide picture

I had a productive meeting with the Veterans Commissioners for Wales and NI and the Minister for Veterans and People in the spectacular surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. We had valuable discussions on UK-wide veteran issues and sharing good practice when it comes to providing timely, accessible and suitable support and services. It was also a privilege to meet some very distinguished In Pensioners and hear about the care, camaraderie and support they experience.