Veterans' Services Update

Updated Guide on Support for Older LGBT+ Veterans

Together with Fighting with Pride, we updated the guide for older LGBT+ Veterans in Scotland. You can access and share the guide via this link Support for Older LGBT+ Veterans in Scotland.

If you have been affected by the historic ban on gay people serving in the Armed Forces, Bolt Burdon Kemp solicitors has worked in association with Fighting with Pride to prepare a pamphlet explaining the Financial Recognition scheme and legal rights. You can access it here.

Fares4Free Rebranding to Vector24

Fares4Free has officially rebranded as Vector24. Along with the new name, all contact details have been updated, and their new website is now live at www.vector24.co.uk. To learn more about the rebranding and what it means, you can find it here.

Take part in Take Five to Age Well

Age Scotland's Health and Wellbeing team invites you to make small but meaningful changes to your daily routine throughout the month of May.

The initiative offers a menu of simple daily actions across five key areas—eating well, staying hydrated, moving more, staying socially connected, and keeping your brain stimulated— that you can take toward healthier ageing. While we can’t stop ageing, we can certainly influence its speed and experience.

Starting later this month, you can register online to receive support for a personal healthy ageing pledge.

Age Scotland also encourages groups to come together and form a Take Five to Age Well club, providing an opportunity to support one another in ageing well. The Health and Wellbeing team is happy to offer materials and guidance to help you explore healthy ageing together. Phone 0333 323 2400 or check out https://age.scot/takefivetoagewell.

Training & Events

Unforgotten Forces Spring Gathering

Save the Date: Our next UF Gathering will be held on May 8, 2025. Due to positive feedback, we decided to host the Gathering in Stirling again, this time at the Stirling Court Hotel at Stirling University. Keep an eye out for programme details and booking information coming soon.

Forces Employment Charity (FEC)

FEC provides ex-Forces personnel with practical support and tailored programmes to help navigate their careers. Click here to learn more about Events - FEC and how to sign up. You can explore their full service on the Forces Employment Charity website.

Veterans Tribe Scotland (VTS)

Join local events and activities for veterans and family members, also welcoming all non-member veterans and families. If you would like to attend an event, please email Gerry McGregor at gerry.mcgregor@veteranstribescotland.co.uk.

Harm from gambling webinar for veterans

On March 27, the Fast Forward charity invites you to explore the complex issues of gambling harm in veterans, shedding light on challenges and potential solutions.

The speakers are Dr. Jess M. Williams (Swansea University), Jamie Higgins (RCA Trust) and Matt (Lived Experience). Follow the link to reserve a free space: Gambling Harms in Veterans- SGEN Tickets, Thu 27 Mar 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

British Heart Foundation: Learn the Steps of CPR online

RevivR is the 15-minute mobile training that shows you when and how to do CPR to save someone’s life. All you need to practise is a cushion.

Funding

Glasgow University funding Student Internships

The ‘Find A Solution’ programme funds and facilitates internships with third sector organisations during which Universtiy of Glasgow students work on short-term projects.

If you would like to involve a passionate and highly skilled student to get involved in supporting your civic and community engagement goals, the applications for 2024-25 funding are now open.

You can find all the information here University of Glasgow - MyGlasgow - Careers, Employability & Opportunity - Information for employers - Student Opportunities Hub - Employers - Internships - Find a Solution

Research & Engagement

Participate in a fully funded research retreat in the Netherlands

The Heroic Hearts Project UK is funding a psilocybin-assisted therapy retreat in the Netherlands exploring new ways to support veterans and first responders for whom traditional treatments have not been effective.

This is a 9-week structured program with a 1-week retreat in the Netherlands with two guided psilocybin sessions (psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms). The whole process is expert-led.

If you are interested, you can WhatsApp or call Pedro Romero on 07772 821034. More information can be found here: https://www.heroicheartsuk.com/gambling-research-retreat.

Reading Force Book Club

Join the Reading Force Book Club for fun and connection within the military community! Free for all serving and veteran families, this initiative brings military families together through shared reading. You can also request The Life of a Page Turner journal and a free book for young people aged 11-18.

Contact nicola@readingforce.org.uk, phone 07519 665410 or visit www.readingforce.org.uk for more information.

Drama Project for Retired Emergency Responders

Have you retired from the emergency services and would like to share your stories?

The Stand Easy Productions company are running a free project in April 2025 in Perth, giving retired emergency service workers a chance to connect with peers, try something new and have fun!

No experience needed, sign up or contact Hannah for more information: standeasyproductions@gmail.com or call 07833 750937.