Research shows Scottish military veterans are more likely to end up in areas of high deprivation
Scots veterans are more likely to hit hard times than their other British compatriots new research has found.
Veterans mental health charity Combat Stress surveyed over 3,000 ex-service personnel and found half of registered Scottish veterans live in the most deprived three areas of the country.
The charity published the findings today (31 January) in a new research paper called Multiple deprivation in help-seeking UK veterans - the first study of its kind in the UK to explore experiences of deprivation in veterans with mental health issues.
The charity used the Multiple Deprivation Index - which measures different social and economic types of deprivations such as financial, health and education - to analyse its sample.
Alongside this, the report used the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, data collected by the Scottish Government in 2012.
Sue Freeth, chief executive at Combat Stress, said: "The findings from our new report highlight the significant challenges that Scottish veterans face.
"The 71% increase in referrals that we have experienced in the last five years illustrates the rising demand for Combat Stress' services.
"We welcome support for veterans and our work from the Scottish Government, including the Scottish Veterans Fund.
"We hope that Government, support agencies and charities can work together to minimise the challenges faced by veterans who are already dealing with a range of complex issues."
The charity treats veterans with conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.
