The Armed Services Advice Project has helped 7,342 veterans with more than 32,000 issues since it was launched five years ago

Over 7,000 Scottish armed forces veterans have received more than £5 million in money they were missing out on thanks to an advice project launched by Poppyscotland and Citizens’ Advice Scotland.

The Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) has helped 7,342 people with more than 32,000 issues since it was launched five years ago a report has revealed.

Through a website, helpline and face to face service run by the Scottish Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB) Service, veterans from 10 local authority areas in Scotland have been helped on a number of issues including benefits, debt, finances, housing and employment.

I admire the enthusiasm, drive and determination of the ASAP staff; the expert advice they are able to draw upon from a wide range of partner organisations is truly impressive.

Over the last half decade it has managed to see veterans receive more than £5m from benefits they were missing out on and grants they were entitled to from charities.

Ian McGregor, chief executive of Poppyscotland, which is the lead funder of the project, said: “ASAP is a success story for Poppyscotland; it is going a long way to tackling the problems faced by the most vulnerable members of the armed forces community and excellent results are being achieved. However, there is still more to be done.

“Without the generosity of the public who donate to the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal it would be impossible for us to provide this life-changing service.

“I hope that the public continues to support us again this year so that we can do even more to improve the wellbeing of those in the armed forces community and stop them from being disadvantaged.”

Dominic Notarangelo, chair of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “The Scottish CAB service is delighted to be part of the Armed Services Advice Project and very proud of what we have achieved so far.

“As the CAB is one of the most recognised and trusted advice agencies in the country, we are ideally placed to deliver this service.

“We have always offered help to people in the armed forces as part of our general service, but by linking with Poppyscotland and other military charities we can now offer people the expert support they need.”

The five year anniversary of the project was celebrated on Wednesday at an event hosted by Standard Life in Edinburgh.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon was at the event, where she met armed forces veterans and ex-service charity representatives.

She said: “It is vitally important that members of our Armed Forces communities, whether or not they are serving, receive the help they need at a time when they feel at their most vulnerable.

“We greatly value the service, commitment and contribution made by members of the armed forces, past and present.

“I admire the enthusiasm, drive and determination of the ASAP staff; the expert advice they are able to draw upon from a wide range of partner organisations is truly impressive.

“I encourage employers and agencies across the country to learn from their example, and to support former members of our armed forces in realising their potential.”

Also in attendance were other funders including ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund, Seafarers UK, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and SSAFA.