An Update from Scottish Government on its Support for Veterans

On 11th November Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, Keith Brown MSP, gave his annual update to the Scottish Parliament on support for the veterans and armed forces community, including reference to Scottish Government funding support for Unforgotten Forces. You can read the report here.

A Report Card on Support for Veterans in Scotland

The Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Charlie Wallace, has published a report on progress against recommendations put forward to improve Veterans’ services and support in Scotland.  Read the report here.

Scottish Veterans Commissioner talks Men’s Sheds and Veterans

Charlie was recently a guest at the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association AGM.  Here SMSA Chief Executive Jason Schroeder chats to him about what Sheds can offer veterans.  Watch the video here.

Falklands 40th anniversary 2022

Legion Scotland is gathering information on all proposed or planned events in Scotland for 2022 to mark the Falklands 40th Anniversary, which takes place in June.  The aim is to create an overview of activities between April to June which can be used as a directory for those who want to attend events in their local area.  Find out more here.

UK Veterans Family Study

Researchers are inviting veterans and their family members across the UK to take part in a major study to identify their veterans’ families support needs.  You can find out more and join the research here.

100 Years of the Poppy

November marked the 100th anniversary of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.  You can read the story of the poppy here.

300th Comradeship Circle

In November Age Scotland’s Comradeship Circles service had its 300th Comradeship Circle event for members of the ex-service community aged 50 and older.  Comradeship Circles are currently welcoming new members to take part in weekly or fortnightly telephone group chat.  Find out more here.

Combat Stress self-help guide

Combat Stress self-help has an online self-help guide for families on how to support a partner or family member with PTSD.  Read it here.

Communities round-up

Wellbeing Conversations

Age Scotland is inviting older people’s clubs and groups to get in touch if they would like a ‘Wellbeing Conversation’, facilitated by the charity’s Health and Wellbeing Team.  These events feature tasters of wellbeing boosting activities, sharing of experiences of wellbeing through the pandemic, and discussion about support participants would welcome for their future wellbeing.  Read more here.

Priority Services Register

The aftermath of storm Arwen has highlighted the value of SP Energy Network’s Priority Services Register. People on the Register get special consideration when there are problems with the energy supply.  People aged 60 and older and people with chronic illnesses are among the groups eligible for inclusion in it.  Find out more here or call SP Energy Networks on 0330 10 10 167.

Soaring numbers stuck in hospital due to social care crisis

The latest figures from Public Health Scotland show that the number of delayed discharges from hospitals has soared in recent months, now matching pre-pandemic levels.  Read the story here.

Events and Training

Funding

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund aims to support adult community-based initiatives to help address the impact of distress and mental ill health caused by social isolation and loneliness, as well as addressing the mental health inequalities exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Applications will be via individual Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) who will publish details of eligibility criteria and the application process on their own respective channels soon. To find details of your local TSI, please visit the online directory, https://tsi.scot/tsi-directory/

The Fore Trust

The Fore offers development funding and strategic support to early-stage charities and social enterprises. It makes unrestricted grants which have the potential to have a transformational impact on an organisation. For example enabling your organisation to take a step forward in its development or giving you the chance to do something you couldn’t before. It will also match successful applicants with friendly professional support including ongoing mentoring, strategic advice, governance support or other assistance.
https://www.thefore.org/applying-for-funding/
Next submission deadline 25 January

The Rayne Foundation

Grants to charitable and not-for-profit organisations across the UK tackling a variety of issues. They favour work which could change the way issues are tackled in our society and which could have lessons for others beyond the funded organisation. They consider applications in the fields of arts, health and wellbeing, education in its widest sense, and those that cover social issues. The focus is to connect communities, building bridges between marginalised groups and mainstream society, and to enable individuals to reach their full potential. Areas of special interest include improved quality of life for carers and for older people.
https://www.raynefoundation.org.uk/grants/uk/apply/guidelines

Foundation Scotland - Community Awards

Grants of up to £5,000 for smaller community organisations, criteria including supporting older people and veterans.
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/baillie-gifford-community-awards/

The Robertson Trust - various grants

Grants ranging from £2,000 for constituted community groups and small charities with an annual income of under £25,000, to grants of up to £2 million.
www.therobertsontrust.org.uk

Digital Scotland - Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme

Vouchers to ensure that every address in Scotland has the ability to access a superfast broadband connection by the end of 2021.
https://www.scotlandsuperfast.com/how-can-i-get-it/voucher-scheme/

National Lottery - Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund is now focussed on responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards process will also be faster, recognising the need to respond quickly to people who are in real need.
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/

Covenant Report

Coincident with the 10-year anniversary of the Armed Forces Covenant being first enshrined in UK legislation, the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland have launched an independent report reflecting on the Covenant’s impact on the wellbeing of serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The report celebrates the advancements in outcomes, understanding, funding and services for the Armed Forces community over the past decade, which have been overseen by government at all levels, as well as businesses and voluntary organisations. The report also makes recommendations for further strengthening delivery of the Covenant where appropriate, ensuring that it remains fit for purpose into the next decade. You can read the report here.

Census 2022 and its relevance to the ex-service community

Scotland’s next census will be held in March 2022. This census will be the first to ask about military service, and it is hoped that data from it will provide a clear and accurate picture of the service and ex-service communities in Scotland. It will also be a ‘digital first’ census and the Scottish Government is encouraging as many households as possible to complete it online.

The Knowledge Network from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

The Knowledge Network features impact and outcome-based content from both the programmes the Trust delivers and the projects that it supports. A new place to access learning and best practice from the grant making of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.  Go to the knowledge network

Models for heroes

Charity Models for Heroes supports current and former Armed Forces and Emergency Services Personnel, promoting the model making hobby as a meaningful mindful activity.  On its website you can find out more about the support offered and view the map of locations of modelling sessions and details of how to contact them.

Samaritans app to support UK military veterans' mental health

The Samaritans have launched a free veterans app comes on the back of joint research the leading suicide prevention charity carried out with the Royal British Legion, which found that veterans wanted to understand more about their emotional wellbeing and to hear from people with similar experiences. Those leaving the military and former Armed
Forces personnel can access emotional health and wellbeing information, videos, exercises, podcasts, and create wellbeing to-do-lists in the app to help look after themselves and connect with the veteran community.

Samaritans Veterans App will support veterans to learn ways to manage their emotional responses to situations, deal with the new day-to-day reality and help to identify challenges and develop ways to overcome them. The app also has access to volunteering and peer support by connecting people to the wider veteran community.

The Samaritans Veterans App is available to download (Samaritans Veterans) on your phone from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) or use the desktop version here.

Veterans Tribe Scotland update

Last issue we introduced Veterans Tribe Scotland, which provides a range of craft and wellbeing events and activities for veterans and their family members throughout Scotland, including craft days and creative workshops, model making, bushcraft, metal detecting and book club.  However we gave an incorrect website address.  The new VTS website address is http://www.veteranstribescotland.co.uk, the contact email address is gerry.mcgregor@veteranstribescotland.co.uk or you can call Gerry on 07817 979486

Communities Round-up

Getting ready for a change in home safety alarms law

Every home in Scotland must have interlinked fire alarms by February 2022.  Interlinked means if one goes off, they all go off, so you will always hear an alarm wherever you are in your home.  The new law has come about because of the Grenfell fire in London in 2017, and it applies to all Scottish homes. It is the property owner’s responsibility for meeting the new standard.  For more information see https://www.gov.scot/publications/fire-and-smoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes/.

Older and disabled people who have a Care and Repair Service in your area may be able to get support from them, see http://careandrepairscotland.co.uk/news.html.  To protect the most vulnerable, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will only fit interlinked alarms into owner-occupied homes where the individual/household is assessed as “high risk” through their Home Fire Safety Visit assessment process.  If the individual / household does not meet these criteria, staff will provide safety advice, information, and details of the revised legislation during the visit. Interim detection can also be supplied if the property has no detectors at present.  Home Fire Safety Visits can be requested by contacting SFRS on 0800 0731999 or texting “FIRE” to 80800.

National Care Service Survey

The Scottish Government is consulting with the public on their proposals for the creation of a National Care Service.  Social care is vital to tens of thousands of older people in Scotland. It supports them with the extra help they need to keep well, live as independently as they wish, and be an active member of society. This can either be in their own home, their local area, or in a residential care home.  Age Scotland is gathering the views of older people on what they think is important in this reform, to communicate to the Scottish Government.

Take Age Scotland’s survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/AgeScotNCS.

Read the Scottish Government consultation paper, also available in an Easy Read version.

Get ready for Winter

Age Scotland has published advice articles on its website on how older people can keep warm and well this winter.

Blog: Our top tips for keeping warm and well this winter

Blog: Protecting your health and wellbeing in the winter months

Age Scotland Calendar

The Age Scotland 2022 calendar is free for older people, attractively designed and full of practical advice for making the most of later life all year round.  Groups and services that support older members of the ex-service community are invited to order a supply to distribute to their clients.  To request email publications@agescotland.org.uk.

Events and Training

Funding

Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund aims to support adult community-based initiatives to help address the impact of distress and mental ill health caused by social isolation and loneliness, as well as addressing the mental health inequalities exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Applications will be via individual Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) who will publish details of eligibility criteria and the application process on their own respective channels soon. To find details of your local TSI, please visit the online directory.
 

The Fore Trust

The Fore offers development funding and strategic support to early-stage charities and social enterprises. It makes unrestricted grants which have the potential to have a transformational impact on an organisation. For example enabling your organisation to take a step forward in its development or giving you the chance to do something you couldn’t before. It will also match successful applicants with friendly professional support including ongoing mentoring, strategic advice, governance support or other assistance.
https://www.thefore.org/applying-for-funding/
Next submission deadline 25 January

The Rayne Foundation

Grants to charitable and not-for-profit organisations across the UK tackling a variety of issues. They favour work which could change the way issues are tackled in our society and which could have lessons for others beyond the funded organisation. They consider applications in the fields of arts, health and wellbeing, education in its widest sense, and those that cover social issues. The focus is to connect communities, building bridges between marginalised groups and mainstream society, and to enable individuals to reach their full potential. Areas of special interest include improved quality of life for carers and for older people.
https://www.raynefoundation.org.uk/grants/uk/apply/guidelines

Foundation Scotland - Community Awards

Grants of up to £5,000 for smaller community organisations, criteria including supporting older people and veterans.
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/baillie-gifford-community-awards/

Digital Scotland - Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme

Vouchers to ensure that every address in Scotland has the ability to access a superfast broadband connection by the end of 2021.
https://www.scotlandsuperfast.com/how-can-i-get-it/voucher-scheme/

National Lottery - Grants for improving Lives

For voluntary or community organisations that will support people at high risk, will see an increased demand in this period, or that have high potential to support communities with the impact of COVID-19.

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/grants-for-improving-lives

Unforgotten Forces News – Veterans’ Services Update

Armed Service Advice Project Update

Following a review, as of 1st October the ASAP telephone helpline (0808 800 1007) will stop taking calls and, in the interim, calls will be diverted to Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline. Clients will be able to contact their local bureau, or Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline directly on 0800 028 1456 which is open Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00. CAB Advisers will be able to provide support and, if necessary, pass the case onto the relevant ASAP adviser.
The online referral tool on ASAP’s website, www.adviceasap.org.uk is being developed to connect people with their appropriate specialist adviser more quickly and efficiently.  During the coming months ASAP will continue to improve the service and will be working closely with partner organisations to establish linkages at both a local and national level.  The commitment of Poppyscotland and the Citizens Advice Network in Scotland to provide the best possible service for veterans, serving personnel and their family members remains as resolute as ever.  If you wish to discuss any of the above or look to link with ASAP specialist advisers please contact Hamish.fraser@cas.org.uk

A Shed in the Legion

Scotland’s first Men’s Shed located in a Legion club was officially opened in September by HRH The Princess Royal. The Shed, which serves the Banchory area in Aberdeenshire, has been established within the Banchory Legion. Read the story here

Fares4Free gets new wheels

Fares4Free has purchased a new vehicle. Founder David Gibson said: “It’s a game changer. This high ceiling Mercedes is fully accessible, spacious, and comfortable for all passengers. We are grateful to Unforgotten Forces and the Scottish Government for the funding. This vehicle will provide up to 5 years’ service and help sustain a unique veteran focused transport service in Scotland for years to come.”

Autumn remembrance events

Legion Scotland publishes an online calendar of remembrance events, up to, including and beyond 11 November. If you are planning events for October/November this year and need any guidance or have queries please contact Legion Scotland on events@legionscotland.org.uk.  More information available at Remembrance events | Royal British Legion Scotland

Veterans Tribe Scotland

VTS offers a range of creative activities opportunities for the ex-service community in Scotland, including model making, creative writing and storytelling. To find out more visit www.veteranstribe.co.uk

Call for housing volunteers

Charity Housing Options Scotland is looking to recruit former servicemen and women as volunteers to help veterans adapt to their new homes and communities. Find out more

UK Veterans Family Study

If you are a spouse / intimate partner or child (now 18+) of a military veteran, who can spare an hour for a confidential telephone interview, researchers on this study would like to hear from you. They wish to understand, from your perspective, what supports have best helped your wellbeing after your family left the military.  If you get involved, you can choose to be entered into a prize draw for a £50 Amazon gift card.  To find out more email UKVeteranFamilyStudy@gmail.com or message @Vet_Families on Twitter.

The Haven at Vanguard

The Haven, which is located on a farm near Strathaven, is becoming popular as a health and wellbeing retreat for veterans. It offers activities such as working with the horses, yoga, sports massage, counselling, and confidence coaches to help address any PTSD and any other underlying issues.  More information at The Haven at Vanguard on Facebook or email info@thehavenatvanguard.co.uk

Forces transitions research

Edinburgh Napier University in partnership with the University of Edinburgh is inviting veterans to take part in interviews and focus groups for a study looking at resettlement/transition from military to civilian life in Scotland. The research, which is supported by the Forces in Mind Trust, seeks to understand Service Leavers’ aspirations, concerns and support needs when leaving the Armed Forces. It is hoped it will inform Government, policy makers and service providers, and make a positive difference to the lives of veterans and their families.  For more information contact Dr Gerri Matthews-Smith - g.matthews-smith@napier.ac.uk.

Communities Round-Up

Scottish Water Priority Register

Scottish Water is aiming at increasing the amount of vulnerable people who are signed up to its Priority Services Register. Signing up to the register means vulnerable people will receive additional support should their water or wastewater supplies be disrupted.

Eligibility criteria include water required for medication, decision making impairment (such as dementia or memory loss), mobility issues, strict hygiene practices, nominated contact required (such as a carer), young child under 5, alternative language requirements, blind/partially sighted, temporary Priority Services Register need (such as a post-hospital recovery).

To find out more, and to sign up to the Scottish Water Priority Services Register you can direct your members or support them in contacting the Age Scotland helpline on: 0800 12 44 222 or visit www.age.scot/hydration-matters.

Scottish Opera Breath Cycle

A new online project, developed with support from key NHS consultants, designed to benefit those suffering from a range of conditions affecting lung health – in particular Long Covid. During a series of relaxed weekly singing sessions participants are introduced to fun, stimulating vocal exercises and breathing techniques, as well as teaching a range of songs chosen to help strengthen your core muscles, develop breath control and improve posture.  Join in at https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/join-in/breath-cycle

Events and Training

Funding

Scottish Veterans Fund 2022

This year’s Scottish Veterans Fund is now open for bids from projects that improve the lives of former service personnel or their families. The funding pot for this year has been increased to £500,000 and individual projects can bid up to a limit of £50,000 per year. This year the fund is particularly looking to support bids which promote collaboration and partnership from amongst and out with the veterans’ charitable sector, as well as bids which include support to early service leavers.
Since the fund’s inception in 2008 more than 180 projects have been supported receiving more than £1.7 million.

Copies of the grant application form and application guidance document are available via the links below.  Please note these have been updated from previous year’s forms and guidance.
Grant application form
Application guidance
Deadline 12 November

Veterans Foundation Grants

Provide grants to address pandemic-induced need in addition to their regular grants.  The former may be considered out-of-committee with a decision within a week.  Maximum grant £30K, salary grants are available up to £40K over 2 years to help organisations with a small to medium income. More information is available here.
Next submission deadline 12 November 2021.

The Fore Trust

The Fore offers development funding and strategic support to early-stage charities and social enterprises. It makes unrestricted grants which have the potential to have a transformational impact on an organisation. For example enabling your organisation to take a step forward in its development or giving you the chance to do something you couldn’t before. It will also match successful applicants with friendly professional support including ongoing mentoring, strategic advice, governance support or other assistance.
https://www.thefore.org/applying-for-funding/
Next submission deadline 25 January

The Rayne Foundation

Grants to charitable and not-for-profit organisations across the UK tackling a variety of issues. They favour work which could change the way issues are tackled in our society and which could have lessons for others beyond the funded organisation. They consider applications in the fields of arts, health and wellbeing, education in its widest sense, and those that cover social issues. The focus is to connect communities, building bridges between marginalised groups and mainstream society, and to enable individuals to reach their full potential. Areas of special interest include improved quality of life for carers and for older people.
https://www.raynefoundation.org.uk/grants/uk/apply/guidelines

Unforgotten Forces News

Out now: Unforgotten Forces magazine autumn issue

In the latest issue you can read about canine camaraderie, support for older veterans to have their voice heard, volunteering opportunities for older veterans, and interviews with the singing sisters of Scotland’s Military Wives Choirs.

If you, or someone you know, would like to receive the magazine by post you can subscribe online here or by calling Age Scotland on 0333 32 32 400.

Study finds veterans have no increased risk of arthritis

A study from the University of Glasgow in partnership with Forces in Mind Trust has found no evidence that military service increases the risk of lower limb osteoarthritis. Read the findings here.

Study of transitions from service seeking participants

Do you know a veteran who would be willing to take part in a research study? Edinburgh Napier University, in partnership with Edinburgh University, is undertaking research into service leavers' experiences of resettlement and the transition from military to civilian life. Their hope is that this research will inform Government, policy makers and service providers to help make a positive difference to the lives of veterans and their families. Find out how to take part, more information is also available here. This research is funded by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT).

Communities Round-Up

Men's Sheds Toolkit

Glasgow Caledonian University has launched a new toolkit for communities to develop and sustain Men’s Sheds, which research shows can play a pivotal role in boosting the health and wellbeing of older men following the pandemic. Read the story: here.

You can read the August edition of ‘The Shedder’ magazine here.

New help for households to comply with fire and smoke alarm legislation

A new Scottish Government initiative has been launched to increase public awareness around installing interlinked fire and smoke alarms. The campaign aims to make homeowners aware of the changes to legislation, as well as their responsibilities and what assistance may be available. Read and find more information here.

Events and Training

Funding

Digital Scotland - Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme

Vouchers to ensure that every address in Scotland has the ability to access a superfast broadband connection by the end of 2021.

https://www.scotlandsuperfast.com/how-can-i-get-it/voucher-scheme/

Foyle Foundation - Small grants scheme

One-year grants only to cover core costs or essential equipment, to enable ongoing service provision, homeworking, or delivery of online digital services to charities that can show financial stability. The priority is support for local charities still active in their communities which are currently delivering services to the young, vulnerable, elderly, disadvantaged or the general community either directly or through online support if possible.

No deadlines

http://www.foylefoundation.org.uk/small-grants-scheme/

National Lottery - Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund is now focussed on responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards process will also be faster, recognising the need to respond quickly to people who are in real need.

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

National Lottery - Grants for Improving Lives

For voluntary or community organisations that will support people at high risk, will see an increased demand in this period, or that have high potential to support communities with the impact of COVID-19.

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/grants-for-improving-lives

The Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Charlie Wallace, has published a report entitled 'Positive Futures ....Getting Transition Right in Scotland....Housing - Making a Home in a Civilian Society'. It can be found at this link. In his report the Commissioner notes: “Housing is a top concern for Service leavers and while we’ve seen improvements across many aspects of transitioning from the Armed Forces to civvy street, including housing, there is scope to do more.  Most veterans will make a smooth transition, however acting now could help avert those especially vulnerable to a failed transition from entering a cycle of homelessness and the knock-on effects of that.  Better support now exists for the most vulnerable but I want to make sure that nobody ‘falls through the net’ because of a lack of information, advice and support”. The report contains broad outcomes-focused recommendations for government, and the Commissioner hopes that this report will encourage conversations amongst those who work with and for our veterans. He looks forward to hearing any thoughts or feedback you may have.

Defence Relationship Management (DRM) publish a regular email about Veterans' News and Communications. Interested parties can sign up here to receive it electronically. DRM is a single point of contact linking employers with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), partnering with organisations throughout the UK, helping them understand the value of signing the Armed Forces Covenant and building mutually beneficial partnerships with Defence. It provides support on employing Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military spouses and improving fairness for the Armed Forces community in the consumer market.

The British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) are now offering free webinars and workshops online. Their next Face to Face and virtual Employment Fair will be held at Tidworth on Thu 23 Sep 0930 - 1330. This event is open to all in the Armed Forces community such as Service Leavers, Reserve personnel, Veterans, Partners and Families, Civilians working for the MOD. To register to attend and for further information follow this link.

Open Door; the Australian and New Zealand Veteran, Public Safety Officer and Families Transition, Integration and Wellbeing Centre, has recently released its national Report on a study into Veterans at Australian universities. For those of you who have an interest in the area of Education you can access the Report here.

Age Scotland Veterans August Update

Unforgotten Forces Autumn Gathering
An Unforgotten Forces networking conference will take place on Tuesday 21st September at the Credo Centre, Aberdeen from 13.30-16.30hrs.  This will be an opportunity for those involved in supporting the older ex-service community to network and gather information.  
Preceding the networking conference, 9.45-12.30hrs, will be ‘Belonging and longing’ an event for members of the ex-service community aged 60 and older to share what being part of the ex-service community means to them, and to have a say on the support they need to keep well and happy in later life.   This event will be led by Unforgotten Forces partner Scottish Older People’s Assembly, and views gathered will be presented to decision-makers with power to boost the wellbeing of the older ex-service community.  At this time Unforgotten Forces partner charities are being asked to facilitate engagement in this event due to the pandemic situation.  If spaces remain by early September, we may be able to open bookings – to register interest email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk.

Unforgotten Forces is 4
We’re marking 4 years of our partnership on social media.  To find out more about the Unforgotten Forces story and for inspiration, check us out on Facebook @UnforgottenForces and Twitter @UFForces.

Unforgotten Forces Directory
There is a directory with contact details for all the organisations in the Unforgotten Forces partnership.   

Unforgotten Forces Magazine
The second edition of our new Unforgotten Forces magazine has just been published.  You can read it here.  To join the mailing list for it, please use the publications order form.  If there is an older veteran you know who would like to receive this, we can add them to our mailing list if you are able to confirm that they have expressly consented to receiving it.

Combat Stress service changes
Combat Stress has announced changes to its services in Scotland.  Find out more here

Poppyscotland service changes
Poppyscotland is reshaping its services to have greater reach and impact.  Amongst changes being made will be the closure of the charity’s drop-in premises in Kilmarnock and Inverness.  You can find out more about the pipeline changes here.

Support to go online from AbilityNet
AbilityNet volunteers can provide free IT support to older and disabled veterans located anywhere in the UK. They are all disclosure-checked and can help with all sorts of IT (information technology) challenges, from setting up new equipment, resolving technical issues, showing you how to stay connected to family, and use online services. AbilityNet engages with local and national veteran-focussed organisations such as Age Scotland's Veterans Project, Legion Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans, Poppyscotland, Combat Stress etc, to help support veteran IT needs.
You can request support by:

• Using the 'Request our help' form on the website
• Calling the AbilityNet helpline on 0800 048 7642 (freephone and minicom) during UK office hours
• Sending an email to enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

Poppyscotland includes digital access grants in the financial support it can offer to veterans, To find out more visit financial support Poppyscotland.

Blesma Summer 2021 magazine
The summer edition is out now, read it here.

Dementia and military service research
A Cambridge University study has been exploring the risk of dementia in Scottish military veterans aged up to 73 years in comparison with people who have never served.  Read the findings

Erskine radio catch up
You can catch up with interviews you missed, and new episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

Communities Round-Up

Campaign to keep older people hydrated
Age Scotland has partnered with Scottish Water to launch a new campaign to help older people across Scotland stay hydrated this summer and beyond.  Age Scotland has launched a free Hydration Matters guide for older people, available online and by post.  The campaign is also raising awareness of Scottish Water’s Priority Services Register (PSR), which helps them look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs.
Find out more

Support for warmer homes
Home Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to help you reduce household heating costs and make homes warmer and more energy efficient.
They will help householders identify if they are eligible for free energy saving home improvements like insulation and heating, on average worth around £5,000, through the Scottish Government’s Warmer Homes Scotland programme. Making home more energy efficient can have a big impact on reducing bills.  They are encouraging householders to call them on 0808 808 2282 to find out about support, before the temperatures drop.
Over 22,000 homeowners and private tenants across Scotland have benefited from help from the scheme since it was launched in 2015.  Eight out of ten of these households received completely free energy efficiency measures. Most have received improvements worth over £5,000, as well as each of them saving around £300 on their energy bills per year too.
More information can be found online

Events and Training

Funding

Good Life, Good Grief, Good Death - To Absent Friends
A small grants fund has been set up to support organisations to put on remembrance events as part of this year's To Absent Friends festival. (1-7 November 2021.)  More info here.
Deadline 31 August

Alpkit Foundation – Grassroots Support
Projects that demonstrate an immediate impact on those effected by the Covid19 virus crisis particularly the elderly or vulnerable people to reduce the impact of self-isolation for those in quarantine and need access to food, medicines, or social care. Details here
Foundation Scotland - Community Awards
Grants of up to £2,000 for smaller community organisations, criteria including supporting older people.
https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/baillie-gifford-community-awards/

Digital Scotland - Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme
Vouchers to ensure that every address in Scotland has the ability to access a superfast broadband connection by the end of 2021.
https://www.scotlandsuperfast.com/how-can-i-get-it/voucher-scheme/

National Lottery - Grants for Improving Lives
For voluntary or community organisations that will support people at high risk, will see an increased demand in this period, or that have high potential to support communities with the impact of COVID-19.
https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/grants-for-improving-lives

The Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) released a new report last month entitled 'Lifting Our Sights:Beyond 2030 - the impact of future trends on the transition of our Armed Forces Community from military to civilian life'. The report is at this link; it examines the future social, technical, economic, environmental, political and ethical trends over the next decade and their impact on the military and veteran community, with a focus on military to civilian transition.

Walking With The Wounded (WWTW)'s latest newsletter can be accessed here. It contains the June highlights of:

• The Walk of America team were honoured to meet President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden
• OP-REGEN honoured to receive The Queens Award for Voluntary Service
• WWTW supports Fighting With Pride
• WWTW CEO cycles a new personal best- can you?
• RNRMC supports Walking With The Wounded
• Brian from the Walk of Oman team tells us about how the importance of family support
• Tune in to the latest episode of the 'Overcoming' podcast with WWTW Founder, Ed Parker.

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) is the go-to place for training and employment for family members of currently serving UK military personnel. Search the site in order to apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are forces family friendly. Employers who list jobs on FFJ have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces. The site is also a gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.

Age Scotland Veterans July Update

Support for older LGBT+ veterans

Age Scotland and Fighting With Pride have launched a free advice guide for older ex-service personnel who are LGBT+. This is available from the Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222, and online, including an order form for free postal copies.

You can read the launch news release here.

Unforgotten Conversations

Episode three of the Unforgotten Forces podcast is out now. In it we talk to members of Military Wives Choirs, which are for all women in the service and ex-service communities and have the motto ‘sing, share and support’. We also find out how singing can benefit men, and people affected by dementia.

Listen online here and on Spotify, iTunes and other podcast apps.

Wellbeing of female veterans in the UK

A new report explores the wellbeing of female veterans in the UK, a previously under-researched area. Read the findings here.

Fares4Free new website

Fares4Free has launched a new website. Looking good to us!

Support for Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Sight Scotland Veterans is highlighting the support it offers for Charles Bonnet Syndrome, which can cause visual hallucinations in people with sight loss. Read Marjorie's story.

Circles open for telephone camaraderie

Age Scotland is inviting veterans age 50+, their partners, spouses, widows, and widowers, to enjoy regular camaraderie by phone as part of a Comradeship Circle. Circles take place once a week or fortnight, have typically 6 members, and are entirely free. Occasionally guests join Circles in response to members’ interests, for example in June Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland joined a special circle to introduce the pastoral support it offers. To find out more and join a circle email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk or call the Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222.

Support for Merchant Navy Veterans

Merchant Navy personnel who have supported a legitimate British military operation are considered Armed Forces veterans. An additional source of support for them is The Nautilus Welfare Fund, which offers a range of specialist services to support retired seafarers and their dependants.

Find out more Nautilus Welfare Fund

Poppyscotland campaign on Armed Forces Bill

Alongside its sister charity, The Royal British Legion, Poppyscotland is urging the UK Government to improve the Armed Forces Bill. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the government and the nation that these men and women – and their families – should not be disadvantaged by their service and that special consideration may be appropriate, such as for the injured or bereaved. The Armed Forces Bill creates a new legal duty on public bodies to consider the Covenant in policy development and decision making. However, it will only apply to councils and some limited public bodies delivering certain aspects of housing, health, and education. Find out more here

Helping Older Naval Veterans Stay Connected

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) is working in partnership with the Royal Naval Association (RNA) to bring online connectivity into the homes of older veterans. They are looking for naval veterans who could benefit from this. The Sparko TV kit is a small box which connects to a TV and comes with a webcam and a very simple remote control. This enables people to connect with family, Find out more

Veterans Family Study

Researchers want to hear from veterans’ spouses/partners about what supports have best helped their wellbeing after their family left the military. They can be contacted by email UKVeteranFamilyStudy@gmail.com or at @Vet_Families on Twitter.

Officers Association Scotland

The Association can provide lifelong support, resources, employment training and financial welfare assistance to officers and their families. To find out more, visit www.oascotland.org.uk or call 0131 550 1575.

Men's Sheds the movie

Age Scotland has created a video (more like an epic movie) highlighting the fantastic story of Men’s Sheds in Scotland. Watch Shedders: Four Corners of Scotland.

Hearing Link Scotland

Hearing Link Scotland offers a range of services for people with hearing loss, which veterans are 3.5 times more likely to experience.

It currently offers the following digital services:

  Helpdesk: This offers personalised responses on most subjects connected with managing hearing loss for individuals, their family members, businesses and professionals. The Helpdesk is easy to contact by email helpdesk@hearinglink.org or via their website at www.hearinglink.org/helpdesk/

  LinkUp Online: A facilitator-led mini group of up to eight people meeting via a secure online platform who are looking to overcome general and complex issues around managing hearing loss. www.hearinglink.org/linkups/

  Community Support Volunteers: The online one-to-one sessions are led by a volunteer with lived experience of hearing loss. All enquirers to the Helpdesk currently receive an option for these sessions which last between 30 and 45 minutes. They are an opportunity for enquirers to receive individual support on a specific issue (audiology, communication, technology) or general hearing management. Bookable via the Helpdesk.

  IT SuperUsers: They have a number of volunteers who can help anyone interested in one of our online sessions but are unsure about using the internet and Microsoft Teams platform. These are bookable sessions and allow service users to build on their skills to get online, use features such as live captions (subtitles), where to type in a question, and how to avoid talking over each other!

Carers Rights podcast

Dementia training officer, Rachel Davison, is in conversation with two dementia carers, Nikki and Michael, on the topic of carers' rights on Age Scotland's Conversations Podcast.

Cycling without age

This international movement enables people of all ages, who would be unable to cycle by themselves, to be transported on a trishaw, and ‘give them the right to wind in their hair.’ Find out more here.

Dementia training - new webpage

Age Scotland’s Dementia Training team has a new webpage which makes it easy to find training that you are looking for, including Dementia Carers’ Rights training, Dementia Awareness training, and Dementia Inclusion training.

Check in, Cash out

Every year hundreds of millions of pounds in vital financial support go unclaimed by older people in Scotland. Age Scotland's " Check In, Cash Out" campaign aims to raise awareness and increase take-up of the benefits available to help older people live well. For more information on the campaign and to obtain a campaign pack go to Check In. Cash out. A copy of the leaflet for older people is available here.

Events and Training

July to September - Benefits for people of State Pension Age

Many older people don’t claim the income they are entitled to. This workshop will raise awareness of the benefits that exist to support them, and why older people don’t take steps to unlock their entitlements. For July, August and September dates click here

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for the Armed Forces Community

Tue 27th & Wed 28th July 2021 - a 2 day course at the Royal British Legion Club, 1 Academy Street, Forfar, Angus, DD8 2HA. Course fee of £140 includes provision of all tuition and the course manual, lunch and refreshments on both days and a completion certificate. For course bookings and enquiries please contact the course instructor Glen MacDonald on tel 07871 250654 or email glenmacdonaldmhfa.afc@outlook.com.

29th July - Unforgotten Forces East Scotland network meeting 10am-11.30am

A forum for those supporting older veterans in the East of Scotland to share good practice and problem solve together. This video conference meeting is primarily for Unforgotten Forces partner charities, but others may request to join the network: by email to linda.mcneill@agescotland.org.uk

26th August - Older veterans awareness training

An interactive training course to enable you to identify armed forces veterans in the older population, to develop your services to better meet their needs, and to signpost and refer them to bespoke support providers.
Provider: Age Scotland
Format: online / Zoom
Cost: Free
Details and registration can be reached via the link below, more dates to follow shortly: Thursday 26th August 10am - 12.30pm

13th September - Dementia: Making a difference in your community.

A national, online learning event hosted by Age Scotland’s dementia training team, will take place on Monday 13th September, exploring what we can all do to create, empower and effect change.

The event will run from 9.30am to 4pm and participants are invited to attend for some or all of it. Find more info here.

Funding

Good Life, Good Grief, Good Death - To Absent Friends

A small grants fund has been set up to support organisations to put on remembrance events as part of this year's To Absent Friends festival. (1-7 November 2021.) More info here.

Deadline 31 August

Poppyscotland - Digital Access Grants

Poppyscotland has introduced a new category to its Grants programme. Digital Access Grants will be made available to eligible beneficiaries to improve access to the internet and online services.

The grants will be used to tackle one or more of the following needs:

• Devices (primarily laptops but smartphone or tablets can be provided if more appropriate)
• Internet Connection (primarily pay as you go routers, and pay as you go sim cards)
• Training (to gain and improve essential digital skills, where free training is not available)

To make a referral for a Digital Access Grant please contact 0131 550 1557 or email gethelp@poppyscotland.org.uk

Veterans Foundation Grants

Provide grants to address pandemic-induced need in addition to their regular grants. The former may be considered out-of-committee with a decision within a week. Maximum grant £30K, salary grants are available up to £40K over 2 years to help organisations with a small to medium income. More information is available here.

Next submission deadlines are 27 August and 12 November 2021.

Digital Scotland - Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme

Vouchers to ensure that every address in Scotland has the ability to access a superfast broadband connection by the end of 2021.

https://www.scotlandsuperfast.com/how-can-i-get-it/voucher-scheme/

HMRC have introduced the Resettlement Internship Supporting Employment (RISE) programme which is the first of its kind in the Civil Service. Aimed at people planning to leave the Armed Services, RISE offers both an internship opportunity and a fixed term appointment to successful applicants. RISE offers an internship (Civilian Work Attachment) of 1 to 8 weeks, followed by a two-year fixed term appointment if participants meet the standards needed for the role. For further information please contact Maria Clayton, RISE Programme Lead; maria.clayton1@hmrc.gov.uk or Dave Stockton, Head of Armed Forces Liaison Team; david.stockton@hmrc.gov.uk

York St John University have a number of short courses entitled: The Military Human: Understanding Military Culture and Transition. These training sessions aim to provide front line staff in council, community, health and social care and other professions with an understanding of armed forces composition and highlight good practice and inequality. Further information can be found here. There is also a blog post entitled 'Continuous Transition', written by Nick Wood (who delivers the Military Human courses) which is an interesting read and an associated discussion forum.

Housing Options Scotland (HOS) is a charity who help people find the right home. They have a lot of experience helping the military community. Anyone in need of help finding the right home can get in touch with HOS via their website: https://housingoptionsscotland.org.uk/.

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ)

is the go-to place for training and employment for family members of currently serving UK military personnel. Search the site in order to apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are forces family friendly. Employers who list jobs on FFJ have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces. The site is also a gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.

UNFORGOTTEN FORCES JUNE EDITION

Keith Brown MSP has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans in the new Scottish Government. Mr Brown, a former Royal Marine, has previously held the veterans ministerial brief and takes it over from Mr Graeme Dey MSP (now Minister for Transport).
A biography and full list of Mr Brown's ministerial responsibilities can be found here

Unforgotten Forces magazine - Spring issue out now

We still have copies of the latest issue of our free magazine available. Inside, you can read about Men’s Sheds, veterans’ spiritual wellbeing, the experience of older veterans who are LGBT+ and the friendship lifeline offered by Legion Scotland. You can read it, and request one or more postal copies of this and future issues, at Unforgotten Forces.

Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland

Veterans Chaplaincy Scotland supports veterans and their families through pastoral care, promoting hope healing and acceptance. Its new video and leaflet illustrate the service.

A garden party for veterans this September

The Not Forgotten Association has scheduled two Scottish dates for its 2021 Summer Garden Party Drive Through tour. These complimentary Party events are for veterans and their guests (Guests are asked to make their own travel arrangements to and from venues.) Entertainments will include rock classics, power ballads, the music of legends and more. The events are 13 September at Ballindalloch Castle, Banffshire, and 14 September on the Cardross Estate by Stirling. Two parties take place on the day at each venue, running 1130 hrs - 1400 hrs and 1630 hrs - 1900 hrs. Places are limited and early booking is advised. Find out more here and use this booking form to reserve your place.

Erskine Radio Catch up

Erskine’s Veterans Radio is now available as a podcast. You can catch up with the interviews you missed, and new episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and on YouTube.

National Service Remembered

Men (now aged 78 and older) who did post war National Service don’t always think of themselves as veterans, and consequently can miss out on extra support and opportunities to which they are entitled. Now an online exhibition tells the National Service story National Service Remembered — Same but Different.

Pain Management for veterans

The Pain Association is offering veterans a dedicated short course over five weeks in pain self-management (2 hours per week over Zoom). The course covers; understanding pain, improving sleep, pacing and finding balance in life, stress awareness and management, relaxation and grounding techniques and anxiety and problem solving.
Find out more here.

Introducing Deafblind Scotland

Deputy Operations Manager Elaine Henson explains the support available to those with sensory loss. “Deafblind Scotland’s (DbS)’ primary objective is to enable deafblind people, and people with a single sensory impairment that can benefit from our services, to live as rightful members of their communities. We encourage support, contact and friendship between people with a sensory loss and sighted/hearing people. We’re an award-winning national charity, and for more than 25 years, Scotland’s principal authority on meeting the complex needs of individuals with acquired deafblindness and their families. “We aim to raise aspirations and expand the lives of people with sensory loss, some of the least visible and most isolated members of society. We work to raise awareness in society of sensory impairment and provide practical guidance, training and tools to support communities to be more inclusive environments. Our specialist support/services includes: communication access advice; information/formatting services; advice, information and rights support/advocacy; accredited awareness and communication and independent living skills training; health, wellbeing and skills development programmes; and a specialist guide/communicator service. DbS membership can be the crucial factor in determining whether a person living with sensory loss is able to maintain an independent lifestyle.

“Our work and services make a vital difference to sensory impaired people’s lives; enabling people to regain confidence, develop vital communication skills and re-establish social connections. Importantly our specialist supports provide people with sensory impairments with an equitable opportunity in accessing the health and social care services they require.”
For more information and to make contact visit www.dbscotland.org.uk.

Care guides from Age Scotland

Age Scotland has published 2021/22 editions of its suite of care-related advice guides. To read these online visit Care and Support - Age Scotland. Postal copies can be ordered at Publications - Age Scotland.

Support for older people who have, or would like to have, a pet

Charity ‘Give a dog a bone’ support those aged 60 and older who are struggling to afford to feed their pets by providing help with their monthly pet food and/or insurance costs. It also supports older people who are unable to afford a pet to benefit from the love of an animal. If they choose to re-home an animal from a shelter, it can pay for all associated re-homing fees, whilst providing on-going monthly support with pet food costs. Find out more www.giveadogabone.net

Luminate's new website

Luminate is Scotland’s creative ageing organisation and an Unforgotten Forces partner. They have launched a new website which you can visit at https://luminatescotland.org/

Going online could reduce dementia risk

New research has found that online communication, in addition to face to face and telephone contacts, may reduce the risk of dementia in later life. Using Zoom could help older people avoid dementia, a study reveals. Charity AbilityNet can advise and support older people to go online. A digital world accessible to all.

Food and nutrition support for older people

The Meal Makers service from charity The Food Train connects people who love cooking and are happy to share an extra portion of a delicious home cooked meal with an older neighbour. To find out, and be kept up to date, about what they offer in your area you can subscribe to their email bulletin: Meal Makers

Funding

Scottish Government/Corra Foundation - Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund

The Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund has been established to support the sustainability of third sector Armed Forces Community organisations whose operations and income have been negatively affected by COVID-19. The fund will offer grants towards core operating and running costs until the end of March 2022. The fund is open to third sector organisations whose primary charitable purpose is to support the Armed Forces Community, as well as organisations for whom the Armed Forces Community comprise a significant portion of their beneficiaries.
Deadline: 16 July 2021

Armed Forces Third Sector Resilience Fund

Poppyscotland - Digital Access Grants

Poppyscotland has introduced a new category to its Grants programme. Digital Access Grants will be made available to eligible beneficiaries to improve access to the internet and online services.
The grants will be used to tackle one or more of the following needs:

• Devices (primarily laptops but smartphone or tablets can be provided if more appropriate)
• Internet Connection (primarily pay as you go routers, and pay as you go sim cards)
• Training (to gain and improve essential digital skills, where free training is not available)

To make a referral for a Digital Access Grant please contact 0131 550 1557 or email gethelp@poppyscotland.org.uk

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust - Force for Change programme

This programme will award grants of up to £10,000 for community projects that reduce isolation and promote integration; supporting post-Covid recovery in local Armed Forces communities affected by isolation.
Deadline: 2 August 2021

Armed Forces Covenant Fund: Force for Change programme

Veterans Foundation Grants

Provide grants to address pandemic-induced need in addition to their regular grants. The former may be considered out-of-committee with a decision within a week. Maximum grant £30K, salary grants are available up to £40K over 2 years to help organisations with a small to medium income. More information is available here.

Next submission deadlines are 27 August and 12 November 2021.

Foyle Foundation - Small grants scheme

One-year grants only to cover core costs or essential equipment, to enable ongoing service provision, homeworking, or delivery of online digital services to charities that can show financial stability. The priority is support for local charities still active in their communities which are currently delivering services to the young, vulnerable, elderly, disadvantaged or the general community either directly or through online support if possible.
No deadlines

http://www.foylefoundation.org.uk/small-grants-scheme/

National Lottery - Awards for All

Grants of £300-£10,000 for voluntary or community organisations, constituted groups or clubs that will support people at high risk, will see an increased demand in this period, or that have high potential to support communities with the impact of COVID-19:

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-scotland

Colonel Sandy Fitzpatrick MBE, Deputy Commander HQ 51 Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland is hosting a Live Virtual Broadcast Event and Q&A with the Army Engagement Team on Thu 27 May at 1100 - 1200. The aim of this live broadcast is to provide greater awareness and understanding of the British Army. Whatever your background, the British Army is ‘Your Army’ and the purpose of this event is simply to give you a better understanding of how it serves the country. The presentation includes current information on how the Army is supporting the Government’s response to the current Coronavirus pandemic. With live questions, you can find out how the British Army is serving our nation. The event includes a dynamic 20 min presentation and a Q&A session where guests can submit live questions to Col Sandy Fitzpatrick. The link to sign up is here.

The Army Families' Federation (AFF) have published their annual report from 2020. A snapshot of the report is available here and the full report is at this link.

The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) has announced that the 2021 round of the NAAFI Fund is now open. As well as the continuing theme of improving life for serving personnel and their families living on or near a military base; this year the Fund (awarding individual grants up to £20,000) will focus on making awards that seek to improve health and wellbeing, including mental health. For more information, including a link to the successful grants from 2020, follow this link. Initial applications are due by 14 July.

New research aims to understand lived experience of non-UK Service personnel and their families. The Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has awarded £146,000 to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to undertake research to understand the lived experience of Non-UK Service personnel, ex-Service personnel and their families. The research will provide an evidence base required to make changes to better support this group and their transition to civilian life. The proposal was developed with the backing of The Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo) Non-UK Cluster Group, co-chaired by the Army Families Federation and the Royal British Legion. As of April 2020, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) recorded 6650 Personnel with a Non-UK nationality. The research will put Non-UK communities at the centre of the research and will engage extensively with them to capture their experiences and views through focus groups and interviews. More information is available here.

AGE SCOTLAND VETERANS UPDATE

UNFORGOTTEN FORCES – SUPPORTING SCOTLANDS OLDER VETERANS MAGAZINE – ISSUE TWO OUT NOW! Inside find articles on Men’s Sheds, support for LGBT+ older veterans, spirituality matters, introducing the Legion Scotland Veterans’ Community Support Team, and more. View online at Unforgotten Forces Magazine

Changes in the Unforgotten Forces Consortium

In April, The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association was welcomed into the Unforgotten Forces consortium. Read the news release here. The RNID Hearing Forces service stopped on 31 March, a decision taken by RNID following a review of its UK-wide services. RNID has now withdrawn from the consortium. Hearing Forces has provided vital support to older veterans with hearing loss since 2017, and Unforgotten Forces is grateful to the RNID Scotland and the Hearing Forces team for their dedication, expertise, and collaborative ethos. The Unforgotten Forces partnership is looking at what might be done in the longer term to address the hearing loss support needs of older veterans.
Hitherto Unforgotten Forces has offered support to older veterans in Scotland age 65 and older. This age range has now been reduced to age 60 and older. Most services in Unforgotten Forces are however open to veterans of all ages. For full information on support available from Unforgotten Forces visit www.unforgottenforces.scot.

Spirituality for older veterans’ podcast

The latest in our Unforgotten Conversations series looks at why and how older veterans can get support for their spiritual wellbeing. Listen to the podcast.

Comradeship Circles service funding boost

The future of Age Scotland’s Comradeship Circles service, which offers regular telephone group chat to older members of the veterans’ community, has been secured until Autumn 2022. Read the story: Funding boost will tackle loneliness among Scottish veterans.

ERMAC is back!

Erskine CEO Ian Cumming says: “If you go down to the woods today... You’ll see that our activity centre veterans are back, out and about! You’d have thought they’d had enough of bashas and bivvies!”
 

Find out more about Erskine’s west of Scotland activity centre for veterans: Reid Macewen Activities Centre

Free Open University study for veterans injured in or due to service

Veterans who have been injured in, or due to, military service may be eligible for funding for a full Open University qualification thanks to the Disabled Veterans' Scholarship Fund. Find out more and apply here.

Veterans' housing guide

The Scottish Government publishes a Scottish Housing Guide for people leaving the Armed Forces and ex-service personnel. See the guide here.

Legion Scotland making the news

Legion Scotland’s Veteran Community Support Service received some great publicity in the Press and Journal. Read the story here.

Poppyscotland 'Stop the service charge' campaign

Poppyscotland is campaigning for fair treatment of Commonwealth veterans. Find out more here: Stop The Service Charge (poppyscotland.org.uk)

BLESMA spring magazine

Blesma, the limbless veterans’ charity, has a spring issue of its magazine out now. Read it online here.

Directory of Armed Forces community contacts

Veterans Scotland has recently updated its directory of armed forces community support contacts, including Veterans Champions. Read the directory here: Veterans Scotland Information Booklet - 25 Mar 21.pdf

RAF Association Navigating Dementia Forum

Many serving members of the RAF community are in the position of caring for someone with dementia at a distance. The support other people can offer can be invaluable, so RAF Association has created a forum on its Navigating Dementia website to bring everyone together. RAF Association Navigating Dementia : online support for RAF community

Communities Round-Up

Free will writing service for age 50 plus

Age Scotland and Solicitors for Older People Scotland are offering a free will writing service to everyone age 50 plus.
Free Will service | Age Scotland (ageuk.org.uk)

Unclaimed Council Tax Reduction could amount to £88 million per year

Age Scotland is encouraging more older people to get a benefits check in a new campaign, starting with a spotlight on unclaimed Council Tax Reduction.
New figures reveal “astonishing” £88 million in Council Tax Reduction goes unclaimed every year by older people

SOPA access to healthcare survey

SOPA has established a health and wellbeing working group and they want to hear the views and experiences of as many older people across Scotland as possible. Their short survey is designed to get an overview of people's experience of accessing health care services during the pandemic. The results will be used to highlight issues to the Scottish Government and NHS Boards with the aim of supporting change and improving services. Do the survey: https://surveyhero.com

Events and Training

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) is the go-to place for training and employment for family members of currently serving UK military personnel. Search the site in order to apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are forces family friendly. Employers who list jobs on FFJ have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces. The site is also a gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.

Here is a link to the latest Walking With The Wounded's newsletter.

The Armed Forces Covenant Team from the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with Northumbria University’s Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, will be running masterclasses, aimed at Covenant officers in UK local authorities, looking at the Map of Need – what it is, how it can be used and how it can help service providers and policymakers to better understand the characteristics of the veteran population and their specific needs. The Team behind the Map of Need will run the interactive sessions. The original sessions were over-subscribed and so more dates have been added; the next available one is scheduled for Thu 10 Jun at 1330 - 1530. For more details about the masterclasses, including additional dates, and to sign up, please follow this link.

The Army has a site aimed at Service Leavers and Veterans 'Leave Well; Transition to Civilian Life'. Included on this page are several Transition Information sheets, including the updated Information Sheet 5 (Non UK National: Immigration).

AGE SCOTLAND – UNFORGOTTEN FORCES UPDATE

Unforgotten Forces Animations

We are excited to be able to share our new animations promoting Unforgotten Forces. For older veterans Request support for older veterans (ageuk.org.uk).

For families, friends and carers About Unforgotten Forces (ageuk.org.uk).

Unforgotten Forces Podcast

Over the coming months we will be producing a series of podcasts called Unforgotten Conversations bringing you topical discussion of issues and opportunities for older members of the ex-service community. Listen to the first episode here.

New Family Wellbeing Service

Sight Scotland have launched a ‘Family Wellbeing Service’, this new service offers support for anyone with sight loss, family members or someone you may support. Find our more here.

War Widows Association Survey

Northumbria University, in partnership with the War Widows’ Association, are exploring social isolation and loneliness in the military widow(er)s community. For more information or to take part in the research click here.

Armed Forces Covenant Legislation

Have your say on the proposed bill here.

If you would like further information on the Bill go to Armed Forces Bill 2021

Poppyscotland Election Manifesto

Poppyscotland have launched their first ever manifesto ahead of the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections, which sets out six actions that can be taken to improve the support available for the Armed Forces community in Scotland. Read the manifesto here.

Age Scotland Guide To Supporting Older Veterans

Age Scotland has published a guide to Supporting Older Ex-service Men and Women in Scotland, which is for staff and volunteers in community groups and services. You can download the free guide from the Age Scotland website.

International Women's Day

Age Scotland published a blog article to mark International Women's Day and celebrate the contribution of women to the armed forces. Read it here.

Unforgotten Forces Vacancies

Age Scotland are currently recruiting a Coordinator for the veteran's Comradeship Circles project. To apply or for more information click here. The service is also looking for volunteers: find out more about this volunteer role here.

Comradeship Circles recently received additional funding that will enable the service to continue until at least autumn 2022 - read the story here.

Fares4Free have an exciting opportunity for a Coordinator/Driver to join the Fares4Free family. Find information on the role and how to apply here.

Pain Resilience For Veterans

The Pain Resilience Programme (PRP) is a veteran-specific online course to help veterans struggling with chronic pain. In small groups with fully qualified clinicians, the course provides veterans with the tools required to understand and manage their pain. Find out more about it here.

Combat Stress Guide On Managing Sleep

Combat Stress have produced a helpful guide to managing sleep which you can read here.

Armed Forces Day Toolkit

Start planning your Armed Forces Day 2021 event by downloading an event toolkit.

COMMUNITIES ROUND-UP

Free Will Writing Service

If you are over 50 and live in Scotland, you can benefit from Age Scotland’s free Will writing service in partnership with Solicitors for Older People in Scotland. Find out more on our website.

Carers Vaccines

Unpaid carers across Scotland are now able to register online to get an appointment for the Covid-19 vaccine The National Carer Organisations have developed an FAQ guide on carer vaccines which is available here.

And carers can register via this this link for the vaccine.

Guidance On Hospital Discharge

Age Scotland have produced a new advice guide on help and support that is available when leaving hospital. Access it here.

Older People's Champion Campaign

Age Scotland and the Scottish Older People's Assembly believe that every one of Scotland's 32 local authorities should appoint a Councillor as an Older People's Champion and are working on a joint campaign to make this happen. Find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved at Age Scotland Campaigns.

Scottish Older People's Assembly Manifesto

The Scottish Older People’s Assembly (SOPA) recently published its 2021 manifesto. It includes six recommendations they believe should be priorities for the next Scottish Government. Read SOPA's manifesto here.

Scottish Men's Shed Association Manifesto

SMSA have just released their first manifesto that contains 5 actions, including one to “Improve reach to the Armed Forces and Veterans community and Blue Light services”. Read it in full here.

The latest edition of the Scottish Shedder has also just been issued.

Jo Cox Loneliness Campaign Resources

The Jo Cox Foundation has rolled out a new initiative to face loneliness called #LonelinessLooksLike. Its purpose is to shine a light on lived experiences of loneliness in order to reduce stigma, raise awareness/visibility and encourage others to speak out. Find more information on the initiative here.

Age Scotland Magazine

Read the latest edition of Advantage magazine on our website.

EVENTS AND TRAINING

The NHS launched, on Thursday 4th March, Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, which is a new urgent and emergency mental health service for veterans. Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service was also launched as the new overarching name for the three NHS veterans mental health services (Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS), Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS)). Further information is available at this link.

If you know of any veterans looking for work in the Construction Industry, please make them aware that, to be able to work in the construction environment, a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is required. The CSCS for Veterans course will provide participants with an SQA level 1 Award in Health & Safety in a Construction Environment and training for the CSCS card test. All costs will be paid for and courses are free for veterans. Additionally the CSCS for Veterans course will provide employability help and learning on; CV building & Job searching, personal development planning, interview skills and much more. Courses normally run 2 days per week over a 4 week period. For more information contact: John McLean, Citizens Advice Bureau, on: 07948 702231 or follow this link.

There will be a virtual Internal Transfer Fair on Mon 12 Apr 1000-1300. To attend or for further information please use this link.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has announced new funding programmes opening from April. Details are at this link; of special interest to service communities, grants of up to £100,000 will soon be available to support charities with an existing track record of helping those Armed Forces Communities that have struggled during COVID. Also, the second round of grants from the NAAFI will soon be available. Funds can be used to improve the quality of life for Service Personnel and families.

A new Samaritans Veteran's app has just been launched; it is available to download now, just search 'Samaritans Veterans'. The Samaritans also have lots of information for the Armed Forces community here as well as a link to their guide: 'Suicide Prevention and Peer Support in the Armed Forces'.

Last chance to apply for an Individual Training Account (ITA) from Skills Development Scotland: applications have been extended and are now open until 31 Mar 21 or until up to 28,000 applications have been accepted, whichever comes first. The 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.

AGE SCOTLAND VETERANS UPDATE

BOOKING OPEN: Unforgotten Forces conference Wednesday 17th March 2021 9.15am - 1pm

An event for staff and volunteers who support older veterans to network, share good practice and gather useful information. Keynote speakers will be Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, and Dr Elaine Douglas of Stirling University, who is leading a research project into how fear of covid-19 is impacting on older people. The morning will feature breakout sessions on topics including:

• Nutrition in later life
• Supporting older veterans in remote and rural areas
• Arts engagement for older veterans
• Supporting older veterans with sensory loss
• Men’s Sheds opportunities for older veterans

The event will take place as a Microsoft Teams video conference.

BOOK NOW here.

Medals Back

The Ministry of Defence has introduced a new policy to allow former Armed Forces personnel who were dismissed from service on the basis of their sexuality to apply to have their medals restored. Find out more here.

Fares4Free vaccinations

Veterans who are having difficulty travelling to get their Covid-19 vaccine can ask Fares4Free for assistance. Request help here.

Sight Scotland Veterans on TV

Sight Scotland Veterans has a new animation showing what it offers to veterans with sight loss. Watch it here. Referrals to Sight Scotland Veterans can be made here.

Support for veterans living with chronic pain

Pain Association Scotland offers one-to-one self-management support for veterans living with chronic pain. For further information or to make an appointment call 0800 783 6059 or email info@painassociation.com. Find out more here.

Social opportunities for older veterans in Scotland

Age Scotland has published a guide to help older veterans find social opportunities and activities of interest to them. You can see the guide here. Postal copies of the guide can be ordered from publications@agescotland.org.uk and by calling the Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222.

If you know of an opportunity that should be added please let us know by email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk.

Art therapy for older veterans in Scotland

Walking With the Wounded and the Soldiers Arts Academy have joined forces to offer free online culture and the arts opportunities to improve veterans wellbeing and mental health. Find out more here.

Samaritans Veterans App

The Samaritans have launched a new app for veterans (search 'Samaritans Veterans') that offers emotional health and wellbeing information, guidance and resources. The Samaritans also have lots of information for the Armed Forces community here as well as a link to their guide: 'Suicide Prevention and Peer Support in the Armed Forces'. More information here.

Golf for veterans

The On Course Foundation, which supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick veterans through golf has announced it is expanding in Scotland. Details here.

An app to combat alcohol misuse

Veterans with a smartphone can now use an app called DrinksRation to help them to manage their alcohol consumption. Find out more here

Poppyscotland Welfare Support Service year 1 report

In its first full year Poppyscotland's Welfare Support Service conducted nearly 1,600 contacts with members of the Armed Forces community and their families, face-to-face and remotely, to clients in some of the most difficult situations. Find out more about the service here.

Soldiering on awards nominations

The Soldiering On Awards honours individuals, groups, businesses and organisations from the military community, celebrating many outstanding achievements of those who have served their country, and who work either alone, or together, for the benefit of the Armed Forces Community.

Nominations are invited for individuals, groups or organisations deserving national recognition for their contributions in support of the wider Armed Forces community. Nominations close 19th March. More information here.

Mental wellbeing courses for the RAF family

Throughout 2021, the RAF Association is offering free training, through an online mental wellbeing course for non-serving members of the RAF family. More information here.

Older People's Champion Petition

Age Scotland and the Scottish Older People's Assembly (SOPA) have launched a petition calling for each of Scotland's 32 local authorities to have an Older People's Champion. Older People's Champions are the links between local authorities and the older people they represent. Their role is to amplify older voices and make sure the needs of older people are being recognised. Sign the petition at www.age.scot/opcpetition

Men's Sheds news

The new edition of 'The Shedder' newsletter from the Scottish Men's Shed Association is out now. Read it here.

Community Development Support from Age Scotland

Age Scotland has published a guide to the support offered to older people’s groups and services by its Community Development Team. Read it here.

Events and training

Walking With The Wounded's (WWTW) January newsletter is now available.

The Forces Additional Needs and Disabilities Forum (FANDF) published a new Guide for Service Families last month, Jan 21.

Defence Relationship Management (DRM) publish a regular email about Veterans News and Communications. Interested parties can sign up here to receive it electronically. DRM is a single point of contact linking employers with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), partnering with organisations throughout the UK, helping them understand the value of signing the Armed Forces Covenant and building mutually beneficial partnerships with Defence. 

It provides support on employing Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military spouses and improving fairness for the Armed Forces community in the consumer market.

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust and Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) have launched a new project 'Your Mind Matters' which will work directly with children and young people from Armed Forces families across Scotland to develop a new mental health and wellbeing support service.  Your Mind Matters, which is the first of its kind in the UK, has received funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust to better understand and respond effectively to the unique challenges young people of serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans face with regard to mental health and wellbeing. 

The project has launched in response to a consultation with over six-hundred young people from Armed Forces families across Scotland, where over eighty percent of respondents told Royal Caledonian Education Trust they faced considerable challenges to mental health and wellbeing.

The British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) have organised a virtual 3- day careers fair for the Armed Forces community starting at 0930 on Tue 23 Feb until 2359 on Thu 25 Feb.

Boeing have shared this opportunity for a 3 year apprenticeship programme to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician at various locations throughout the UK.

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) is the go-to place for training and employment for family members of currently serving UK military personnel. Search the site in order to apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are forces family friendly. Employers who list jobs on FFJ have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces. The site is also a gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.

The second Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) Research Centre Conference will take place on 23/24 Mar. The theme of the conference is the Transition of Service People and Families and it is being delivered in collaboration with the Navy, Army and RAF Families Federations. The conference is going to be run as a free to attend online event.  It will comprise two half-day sessions, running from 10am to 1pm. The conference will be hosted by Professor Mike Almond from the FiMT Research Centre, and the Minster for Defence Personnel and Veterans, Johnny Mercer MP, will give an introduction. 

Speakers will include academics and representatives from the MOD, the charity sector and service providers, offering complementary perspectives on significant issues of interest, including education and training, employment, and health and wellbeing.  There will also be a showcase of award-winning research programmes and a presentation on the independent report on Service Families, 'Living in Our Shoes'. You can register for the event online.

The Army HIVE is now live on Twitter; @ArmyHIVEinfo, the attached poster has more info. The HIVE Information Service provides information on behalf of the chain of command to the Service community and welcomes enquiries from serving personnel, dependants, partners, extended families, and the wider military community including veterans and MOD civilians.

The Military Co-working Network survey results have been published. The Military Co-working Network is a community of military partners working together to create a network of co-working office spaces on military bases.  Their hubs are supported by an online community for members everywhere to share advice, information, inspiration, and create a network of contacts.  

The rules regarding Standard Learning Credits (SLCs) have been relaxed this year to allow greater flexibility during COVID. Both Regular and Reserve personnel are eligible for SLCs which provide funding, up to £175, for personal development courses. Details of what these can now be used for are attached as is the application form (there is also information regarding Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) (service leavers can use ELCs up to 5 years after leaving service) and the Army Accreditation Offer).

There is an updated DIN (2020DIN07-118) stating that courses don’t need to lead to a qualification and that they can be used for online courses and textbooks. SLC funding will be reset at the end of the financial year, so there is still time to fit a course in this year. Below is some information about options for online learning.  These may assist people that are struggling with isolation and lockdown as some of these courses, although not specifically military, may aid personal development and hopefully be a productive and interesting use of time.

• Udemy and Coursera host thousands of online courses on a variety of topics, and are very good value for money (Udemy courses are often around £10). These are mostly technical skills (web development, coding, data science).
• Office 365 courses provide immediate skills which could be useful to all SP. A good starting point for this is LinkedIn Learning’s Getting Started With Office 365
• There are 50 free online courses from the Army Leader.
• Future Learn has a lot of good online courses on more general topics such as history. A specific recommendation is on British military history.
• For language learning look at are iTalki (competitively priced one to one tuition), Duolingo, and Rosetta Stone.
• The Army Library and Information Service (ALIS) will send you physical material anywhere in the UK, and has no late fines.  Fictional books can also be requested.  If they don’t have your book in stock they are known to buy on request.  It also has significant language learning resources, country information packs and packs on battlefield studies.
• This is the landing page for the Army Learning Portal (Defence Connect). It provides many educational links and explains how to claim SLCs.

Age Scotland February 2021 Updates

A date for your diary - Unforgotten Forces networking event

On Wednesday 17th March Unforgotten Forces will hold a morning video-conference event to bring staff and volunteers that support older members of the ex-service community together to share experiences, good practice, and ideas, and to build connections. 

Keynote speakers will be Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, and Dr Elaine Douglas of Stirling University, who is leading a research project into how fear of covid-19 is impacting on older people.  The morning will feature breakout sessions on topics including nutrition in later life, supporting older veterans in remote and rural areas, arts engagement for older veterans, and Men’s Sheds opportunities for older veterans.

Priority booking is being given to staff and volunteers with Unforgotten Forces partner charities up to the start of March.  Booking for remaining places will be advertised in the March Unforgotten Forces email, so look out for it in the next edition.

New editions of Age Scotland advice guides for older veterans

Age Scotland has published new editions of its popular advice guides for older veterans.

• Housing for Older Veterans
• Combatting Sight and Hearing Loss
• The Older Veterans’ Guide to Health and Wellbeing
• Keeping Active in Later Life
• Postal copies can be ordered from publications@agescotland.org.uk.

100th Comradeship Circle

Since summer 2020 Age Scotland has been facilitating weekly/fortnightly group camaraderie by phone for older veterans and their dependants.  Recently we marked our 100th circle.

Sharing live music with veterans online

Music in Hospitals & Care can offer specially created live music to groups supporting older veterans. Music in Hospitals & Care also has a fantastic programme of live music available online.

Age Scotland signs the Armed Forces Covenant

Age Scotland, the national older people’s charity, has added its signature to the Armed Forces Covenant, the nation’s promise to ensure that veterans and their families are treated fairly.  

The big survey from Age Scotland

The Big Survey asks about a range of topics to help give Age Scotland a greater understanding of what it is like to be an older person living in Scotland today. The findings will be used to prioritise what issues Age Scotland campaigns on and will help construct the charity’s media and policy responses. The survey also asks how people have been coping during the coronavirus pandemic, to identify what is working and what further resources are needed as we continue to live with and recover from coronavirus.  In addition to helping Age Scotland with its future work, respondents also have the chance to win one of three £50 cash prizes for filling out the survey.

Complete the survey here

Order papers copies 0333 323 2400 or email bigsurvey@agescotland.org.uk where alternative formats of the survey can also be requested.

New resources to support older people to stay active at home

Age Scotland’s Around the House in 80 Days project is offering older people free light exercises that they can enjoy at home.  The exercises are available on Age Scotland’s YouTube channel, and there is a limited number of DVDs available for anyone without internet access.  To request a copy of the DVD call 0333 323 2400. 

The Sporting Memories Foundation is offering a KIT Bag (Keeping In Touch with equipment and guidance to stay active at home) resource for older people who would like encouragement and support to be active at home.  The KIT bag provides equipment, motivation, guidance – and opportunities for companionship. For more information visit the Sporting Memories website.

February Events:

Download a list of events

Sharing live music with veterans online

Music in Hospitals & Care is able to offer specially-created live music to groups supporting older veterans.  To find out more contact them on their website.

Music in Hospitals & Care also has a fantastic programme of live music available online.

Promote your social activities for older veterans

Age Scotland is developing a directory of social opportunities specifically for veterans, to be published as a booklet and in an online format.  If you have a club or other opportunity to promote, you can be included in the first edition by completing a short online form by Friday 31st January. 

Age Scotland would like to know about your current activities rather than your normal, pre-covid service, as the directory will be regularly updated.

Reviewers sought for new Guide to Supporting Older Veterans

Age Scotland is developing a guide for community groups and services on working with and supporting older veterans. The charity would like to hear from older veterans, and from staff and volunteers working with them, who would be interested in taking part in a review panel.

The panel will be asked to read and comment on the draft publication. Access to the internet and a pc or laptop is required.  To express an interest please email Doug at veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk

Legion Scotland community support service: Covid 19 service update

The Community Support Service is currently operating remotely.  In extreme or emergency circumstances home visits to veterans can be made subject to Scottish Government guidelines

For more information contact Tommy Douglas
Call: 0131 550 1560  
Email: support@legionscotland.org.uk

Scottish Older People's Assembly

Scottish Older People’s Assembly has launched a series of short films on the theme of positive change during COVID and beyond.  From 6 January the six films will be added day by day to SOPA's facebook page. 

SOPA Coordinator Theresa Casey says: “We'd love it if you could share the films across your networks to help people stay positive during these troubling times.

Coronavirus Guide

Age Scotland publishes a regularly update guide to Coronavirus and pandemic-related rules. You can read the January 2021 edition online.

Events and Training

End of life issues

This course looks at medicine and treatment towards the end of life, emotional and spiritual issues, and death and bereavement.  It is designed for ordinary people who want to know more about dying, death and bereavement, including people who have no previous clinical or caring experience. It may also be helpful for health or social care staff.

Provider: Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care
Format: online learning module
Cost: Free
Information and registration: Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief : Online education for informal carers: an introduction to end of life issues

Older veterans awareness training

An interactive training course to enable you to identify armed forces veterans in the older population, to develop your services to better meet their needs, and to signpost and refer them to bespoke support providers.

Provider: Age Scotland
Format: online / Zoom
Date / Time: 27 January 2021, 10am-12.30pm
Cost: Free

Highland Covid-19 Disability Summit

This event will report back on and discuss outcomes of a preceding online Forum, attendance must be booked in advance. (see Community Round Up).

Provider: Inclusion Scotland
Format: online
Date / Time: 29 January 2021, 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free

Haud Close Tae Me

Scottish Ballet is inviting people living with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or dementia, and their households, to collaborate with a team of creative artists – from the comfort of their own homes. 

Working remotely on-and-off screen, artists and participants will explore a core theme of ‘visibility’, and take inspiration from company repertoire Haud Close Tae Me, to make a short dance film featuring art and poetry.  Sessions will begin in January 2021 and take place over Zoom.

To find our more and express interest email dancehealth@scottishballet.co.uk or call 07928 864024 to talk further.

Remote Lifestyle Management Course (LMC)

(Once a week for 2 ½ hours for 10 weeks)

The Thistle Centre
13 Queens Walk, Edinburgh
EH16 4EA
Contact: Claire Cumming  Tel: 07471 030957 Email: claire.cumming@thistle.org.uk

Power Quiz Quizmasters Training

Power Quiz is an activity to encourage and support older people to enjoy light physical activity together.  This interactive training will enable staff and volunteers in community groups and services that support older veterans to run the activity by video conference or in person using free Power Quiz software.

Provider: Age Scotland
Format: online/Zoom
Date / Time: 1 February 2021, 2pm-4pm
Cost: free
For more information and to register email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk

Older veterans awareness training

An interactive training course to enable you to identify armed forces veterans in the older population, to develop your services to better meet their needs, and to signpost and refer them to bespoke support providers.

Provider: Age Scotland
Format: online / Zoom
Date / Time: 4 February 2021, 10am-12.30pm
Cost: Free

Funding

Alpkit Foundation – Grassroots Support

Projects that demonstrate an immediate impact on those effected by the COVID-19 virus crisis particularly the elderly or vulnerable people to reduce the impact of self-isolation for those in quarantine and need access to food, medicines, or social care. 

National Lottery - Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund is now focussed on responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards process will also be faster, recognising the need to respond quickly to people who are in real need.