May Round-Up

Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla

It was a great honour to be invited to join several thousand veterans and NHS workers at a special viewing spot to take in key moments from the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. From outside Buckingham Palace, we enjoyed the processions, the appearance of the Royal Family on the balcony, and the Armed Forces fly past. The exciting atmosphere reflected the momentous occasion, and I felt hugely proud watching the great spectacle of the Armed Forces procession. The coronation of a new Commander-in-Chief is a significant occasion for the Armed Forces and veterans communities, and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to celebrate in such joyful and memorable surroundings.

Combat Stress

A group at Combat Stress’ new Edinburgh Hub

I had a very insightful visit to Combat Stress’ new Edinburgh Hub, where veterans in Scotland can access a range of specialist mental health services as residents or as outpatients. My thanks go to the Combat Stress team for the vital work they do, and for the veterans who were so open about their mental health and how Combat Stress has supported them to get well and stay well.

Veterans Sport Stirling

A group of people at Veterans Sport Stirling’s end of year engagement evening.

I was invited to attend Veterans Sport Stirling’s end of year engagement evening, where I had a lovely time chatting with the group members about their experiences and hearing more about the programmes on offer. The initiative brings together the local veterans community through sport and physical activity, providing health and wellbeing benefits plus an opportunity to socialise.

Lanarkshire Firm Base

Lanarkshire Firm Base was created in partnership with North and South Lanarkshire Council to lead on delivery of the key commitments contained in both councils’ Armed Forces Community Covenants. I attended their latest meeting for an update and found it very encouraging to hear about Local Authority Veterans Champions, NHS Veterans Champions, a representative from children’s services and a range of third sector organisations all working together to support veterans. I appreciated the chance to speak with the Chief Executive for South Lanarkshire Council, Cleland Sneddon, to learn more about the Councils’ joint approach to meeting the Covenant duties.

There was also an excellent brief from Gary Jamieson of RBLI about its Lifeworks service - a free employment support programme which helps veterans and family members of those currently serving to find meaningful employment. I look forward to engaging with Lifeworks later this year.

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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 🔗
1 day 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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