Visit to Sight Scotland's Hawkhead Centre in Paisley

Group photo during a recent visit to Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre in Paisley by Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton

I very much enjoyed my visit to the Hawkhead Centre, and it was a privilege to meet and chat with many of the veterans who attend. Sight Scotland Veterans’ does an outstanding job supporting veterans with vision impairment and makes a huge difference to their lives.

The work the charity does is vital, in terms of fighting isolation and loneliness, boosting confidence and improving mental health. Hearing the chatter and laughter during many of the centre’s activity sessions is just so uplifting and inspiring.

As a society we need to look after our vulnerable veterans. We know the Covid 19 pandemic had a profound impact on social isolation, and many of our older veterans across Scotland are still struggling with seclusion and loneliness. This is why it is so good to see veterans back in safe spaces where they can socialise again.

During my visit to Hawkhead I managed to have chats with many of the veterans, and better access to healthcare is something they are concerned about. Ophthalmology waiting times can be long, and our older veterans with a treatable vision impairment just don’t have the time to wait.

Sight Scotland Veterans play such an important role in improving our veteran’s mental health. It is not just in its centres, but also its Independent Living Team through home visits, community activity groups and via its helpline; all these services play such a vital role in supporting our veterans to maintain their independence and wellbeing.

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Today I attended the opening of the Gretna Rail Disaster exhibition at the @ootbdrillhall in Leith - a moving tribute to the men of the Royal Scots, many from Leith, who were killed or injured in the crash, and to the loved ones they left behind. 

People with family connections to the tragedy were present, including Colin Bell, whose father, John Cardean Bell, survived the accident. The venue is particularly poignant as the remains of victims were returned to this very hall.

A fascinating short film tells the story - find the link in my bio 🔗
Today I attended the opening of the Gretna Rail Disaster exhibition at the @ootbdrillhall in Leith - a moving tribute to the men of the Royal Scots, many from Leith, who were killed or injured in the crash, and to the loved ones they left behind. People with family connections to the tragedy were present, including Colin Bell, whose father, John Cardean Bell, survived the accident. The venue is particularly poignant as the remains of victims were returned to this very hall. A fascinating short film tells the story - find the link in my bio 🔗
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This powerful film depicts the effects of gambling harms on the Armed Forces and Veteran communities. It was very moving to hear the stories of the impact gambling harms cause. 

Thanks to the whole team for all the good work they are doing to reduce the associated stigma and get people talking.
The SVC office was represented today at the Glasgow screening of ‘The Unseen Enemy’. This powerful film depicts the effects of gambling harms on the Armed Forces and Veteran communities. It was very moving to hear the stories of the impact gambling harms cause. Thanks to the whole team for all the good work they are doing to reduce the associated stigma and get people talking.
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Read more in my April round-up via the link in the bio.
April was packed with events - we spoke with employers at the CTP Careers Fair, heard from young people during #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild, and celebrated our community’s achievements at the Scottish Veterans Awards. Read more in my April round-up via the link in the bio.
6 days ago
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Read more in my blog - link in the bio.
Last week, I joined commemorations marking #VEDay80 - honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served, and reflecting on the resilience of those who endured loss and took on the enormous task of rebuilding in the aftermath. Read more in my blog - link in the bio.
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