​Help at hand for ex-forces personnel to adjust back into civilian life

A mentoring project has been launched to support armed forces’ veterans and their families adjust back into civilian life.

Shoulder to Shoulder is a partnership between volunteering charity TimeBank and Scotland’s and veterans’ charity Erskine.

The project has already recruited and trained a number of local volunteers and is now looking to match them with veterans and service families who would like one-to-one support, assistance or guidance.

Ali Smith of Shoulder to Shoulder said: “Many service veterans are in a state of crisis in their lives, with complex problems including financial hardship, homelessness, alcohol dependency and health issues including depression, anxiety and panic attacks."

There are around 400,000 ex-service veterans living in Scotland, and one in five of the Scottish population is a member of the veterans' community.

Erskine says many of these ex-service men and women find it difficult to adjust to civilian life after active service - while their families often face unique challenges in understanding the issues their partners, sons and daughters are going through.

“Mentoring can really help – whether you want someone to talk to on the phone or meet for a chat, or need support to set goals and move on,” said Smith.