Huge boost for the armed forces' community
A £4 million programme to support older armed forces veterans in Scotland has been officially launched.
The Unforgotten Forces project, launched by Scottish veterans commissioner Eric Fraser, will fund a programme of support for older veterans and their families in Scotland.
The money will be used over the next three years to improve the coordination of existing provision and introduce new services aimed at supporting aged veterans.
A collaboration of 15 leading organisations led by Poppyscotland, the project will deliver a range of new services in areas including advice, access to healthcare, social isolation, respite and transport, along with creative activities and events for those in care settings.
The consortium has been awarded the funding from the Aged Veterans Fund.
Speaking at the launch, Fraser said: “The Unforgotten Forces project is a very welcome collaboration between several organisations that provides real support on many of the issues faced by our older veterans today, such as health, isolation and loneliness.
“I know from experience that in serving with the Armed Forces you become part of a large family; leaving that cocoon can be daunting in both the short and long term.
"I hope many of the projects that will be funded can help bridge that gap by providing both practical and emotional help to those that need it.
“It is a privilege to launch Unforgotten Forces and I wish the project, the organisations behind it and the veterans it will serve every success for the future.”
Another high-profile supporter of Unforgotten Forces is the star of BBC comedy Still Game, James Martin, who visited the Erskine Glasgow Nursing Home last week to help boost the programme.
James, who spent seven years in the Royal Navy having joined up in 1949, said: “It’s great to see that there is proper and lasting help in place for our older veterans.
“The funding will prove vital as we do the utmost to look after those who served our country with such pride, bravery and distinction.”
Mark Bibbey, chief executive at Poppyscotland, said: “It aims to make a positive contribution towards improving the quality of life for older veterans by offering assistance with the practical issues that some of them face, as well as tackling social isolation and loneliness.”
