Help is at hand with the Veterans' Guide to Later Life

Did you know that according to the last census in Scotland, more than half of all of Scotland’s veterans are over the age of 60? And for many of these brave individuals, life after military service can bring challenges that are practical as well as personal – from housing concerns, to managing health appointments and dealing with pensions.

Age Scotland the Scottish charity for older people, leads a consortium of charities called Unforgotten Forces. The UF is a partnership of charities working together to deliver high quality and joined-up support that boosts the health and wellbeing of ex-Armed Forces personnel in Scotland, aged 60 and older.

Together, Age Scotland and UF have created The Veteran’s Guide to Later Life in Scotland, a guide that offers advice and support to older veterans living in Scotland.

Do you have any connection the armed forces? Did you serve even just one day? Whether you or someone you know was a reservist or a regular, The Veteran’s Guide to Later Life in Scotland and the UF can help.

Alan’s story: “It has taken such a weight off my shoulders”

When former soldier Alan Combes had to attend hospital some distance from his home for medical treatment, the Lothians Veterans Centre put him in touch with Vector 24, which provides free transport for ex-servicemen and women, ensuring they can attend appointments and stay connected.

Little did Alan know that his initial contact would end up unlocking a network of valuable support from other veterans’ organisations providing information, advice and advocacy for veterans around the country. Beyond arranging reliable transport, they put together a package of support provided by several different organisations that were members of Unforgotten Forces.

Many veterans don’t access the enhanced support that is available to them, in part because they are not aware of it or don’t believe they can claim it. But Unforgotten Forces makes clear that anyone who has been paid for even just one day in the Armed Forces is entitled to veteran’s support (also including reservists and those who did National Service).

“We know that many older men and women who have a connection to the Armed Forces don’t access the support they are entitled to, in part because they don’t self-identify as veterans,” says Frank Gribben, the Unforgotten Forces coordinator at Age Scotland. Frank suggests that Unforgotten Forces “works to uphold the nations promise that anyone who served for even just a day in the Armed Forces can access specialised support”. He continues: “if you’ve done National Service, you are a veteran.”

For Alan, the support of Leon, a volunteer from Vector 24, was the catalyst for accessing a range of helpful services. Alan said: “I’m so glad Leon looked deeper, as I didn’t know about all the support I was able to get from Unforgotten Forces.”

Alan was facing several challenging situations at the time he met Leon. “It felt like we were at breaking point and I truly didn’t know how we would cope. It made such a difference when he understood our whole situation, not just the transport. I am so grateful that Leon helped us and connected us with Age Scotland.”

Through Unforgotten Forces, Alan was also helped by SSAFA, the welfare and wellbeing charity for Armed Forces personnel, the Royal British Legion, DMWS, the Defence Medical Welfare Service for the Armed Forces and emergency services, and SGN, the Scottish gas network who provide energy support for older people in partnership with Age Scotland. He also now has help with home improvements and garden maintenance.

“It has taken such a weight off my shoulders,” Alan said. “Of course, the reliable transport from Vector 24 continues to be lifeline. When you’re facing so many challenges it impacts every part of your life and your family’s life too. The support and understanding we received from Leon and his colleagues just lifted so much stress and uncertainty from us. Our finances are more stable and our home is more comfortable. It’s such a good thing that people like Leon and all of the other services are there to support veterans and their families and provide such a great service.”

Details of the support available to veterans in Scotland are available in the updated advice and information guide, The Veteran’s Guide to Later Life in Scotland. The guide offers clear information and practical advice for veterans and their families. It includes information about the additional rights and extra support available to those who have served in the military, as well as duties that NHS boards and local authorities have under the Armed Forces Covenant. It also contains information about the charities and organisations offering veterans emotional and practical support, ranging from social groups, employment advice and help with housing.

“We want every older ex-service man and woman to know what support is available and how to access it. Navigating the landscape of support services can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created the Veteran’s Guide to Later Life in Scotland as a free, clear and comprehensive resource to ensure that those who have served our country can access the services and support to which they are entitled,” says Frank Gribben.

Visit The Veteran’s Guide to Later Life in Scotland to order your free guide or read online.

Freephone Helpline: 0800 12 44 222 and request a paper copy to be sent to you.

[This partnership article first appeared in The Sunday Post]