Military Families Updates 2020
Railcards
Veterans Railcards are now on sale; the eligibility criteria can be found here
Skills Development Scotland
Individual Training Accounts (ITA) from Skills Development Scotland: the Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills (Jamie Hepburn) has announced that the ITA scheme will remain open until 28 Feb 21. This scheme provides financial assistance, up to £200, towards a single course or training episode per year. To be eligible, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- aged 16 and over,
- not in education or involved in any other SDS funded programme,
- either unemployed and looking to get back into work or employed but earning less than £22,000 p.a. and looking to progress in or change your job,
- resident in Scotland.
More information, including how to apply, can be found here.
Scottish Vetrans Care Network
NHS Scotland will be launching the Scottish Veterans Care Network on Thu 19 Nov (1330-1600). This is a National Strategic Network which will address a number of current issues, including access to specialist services such as Veterans First Point and mainstream services, awareness of veterans needs amongst health professionals and veterans data, with an expectation that it will allow sharing of good practice and expertise, as well as adding to the resilience of existing services. A key objective and early priority for the network will be the development of a Veterans Mental Health Action Plan, ensuring it complements Scotland’s 10 year Mental Health Strategy and veterans have parity of care, no matter where they live in Scotland. Additionally the Action Plan will link to key strands of the Mental Health Strategy including work on suicide prevention.
During the virtual launch event on Thu 19 Nov, there will be four 'breakout rooms' which will cover the following areas:
- Health and Wellbeing; improving mental health for veterans,
- Data and Information; the picture so far,
- National Frameworks and Pathways; overcoming stigma and improving access,
- Education and Workforce; finding gaps and sharing knowledge.
The above event provides an opportunity to contribute to the shape of the Network and its priorities. You will also hear from key partners on what the Network means to them. If you are interested in attending, please register at this link.