March 2024 Update
Welcome to the March 2024 edition of Unforgotten Forces news for groups and services supporting older veterans and their families.
Veterans' Services Update
Unforgotten Forces Gathering Conference- BOOKING OPEN
We’re delighted to confirm key programme details for our spring Gathering conference, Wednesday 15th May at the Norton Park Conference Centre in Edinburgh.
Our morning Keynote speaker is Wendy Human, Chief Executive of Military Wives Choirs, who will speak about singing for wellbeing in the veterans’ community. Wendy’s presentation will be followed by a performance by a local Military Wives Choir. In the afternoon our focus is lifelong learning, and we'll hear from Linda Matheson, Vice Chair of U3A Scotland and Alix McDonald and Lynda Scott from the Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Strathclyde.
Our breakout session topics will be:
Welcoming diversity and the Pride in Veterans Standard (Led by Fighting in Pride and Age Scotland)
Developing sports opportunities for older veterans and veterans with sight loss (Led by Sight Scotland Veterans)
Intergenerational working with older veterans (Led by Generations Working Together)
Our magazine spring issue out now
In this issue of Unforgotten Forces magazine you can read about a new initiative to ensure Scotland’s GP services are more responsive to the needs of veterans. Continuing the health theme, there’s an article on why and how to quit smoking, and a feature on why it’s good to talk about and plan for end-of-life. We also celebrate diversity in the older veterans’ community with stories about commonwealth, female and LGBT+ veterans.
Read online and request postal copies
Gambling support for the Armed Forces community
The RCA Trust is one of the main gambling treatment providers for Scotland. Having received funding to operate as part of the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network, it aims to address gambling issues in the veterans’ community through education, prevention and early intervention, family support and community development work to highlight the issues associated with gambling harms in Scotland. Research suggests veterans are at an increased risk of gambling harms compared to the civilian population.
RCA offers free Bet You Can Help Now Training, which aims to provide knowledge, skills, and attitudes around gambling-related harms, how to start the conversation around gambling and where to signpost for support.
Find out more and request training
To discuss the programme contact Maria Welsh, Training Officer, Gambling. Tel. 0141 887 0880. Email. mwelsh@rcatrust.org.uk.
Improving access to service charities for female veterans
A new independent report from Robert Gordon University commissioned in 2022 by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) explores the potential of improving ex-Servicewomen's access to support services.
Research finds specific challenges for non-UK personnel with HM Armed Forces
The ‘Understanding and improving non-UK service and transition in the British Armed Forces’ study found that non-UK personnel face significant issues with their immigration status, resulting in challenges both during and after service. These include the need to meet the Minimum Income Requirement, the impact of visa fees and immigration costs for their family, and the impact of a lack of citizenship on their deployability.
Disabled Veterans Scholarships
Veterans who have been injured or disabled in, or because of, military service, can apply for scholarships to complete a full Open University qualification. The Open University is offering 50 scholarships every year, and all undergraduate and postgraduate modules and qualifications are eligible. Successful applicants can request specialist equipment and disability support to help with their studies.
Free social media training for veterans and their partners
BFBS Academy has launched a free course that’s open to veterans, and their partners, offering them the opportunity to upskill in social media marketing techniques. The course covers platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and LinkedIn. algorithms, along with practical strategies to make content stand out.
Scottish Veterans Commissioner blog
The Commissioner, Susie Hamilton, has published a summary of her activities in early months of 2024.
Communities Round-Up
One in six Scottish pensioners in poverty
New figures published by the Scottish Government show that one in six Scottish pensioners is living in poverty.
Drop in social care packages
Age Scotland has warned that difficulties accessing social care assessment and long waiting times for packages are likely to be behind a significant drop in the numbers of older people receiving social care.
Events and Training
A spectacular Best of Scottish Championship car event run by the Knockhill Motor Sports Club and the Scottish Motor Racing Club.
There’s free entry on both days to all serving and veterans of the Armed Forces. Anyone accompanying gets in for a special concessional rate. Details and booking
Our next Unforgotten Forces Gathering conference, for professionals and volunteers who support older veterans in Scotland, will be on Wednesday 15th May at the Norton Park conference centre in Edinburgh. Book now
Save the date for this Unforgotten Forces webinar. Booking will open in April.
2-3.30pm. Online and in-person (venue tbc). To join the mailing list for the forum email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk
2-3.30pm. Online and in-person (venue tbc).To join the mailing list for the forum email veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.
Dementia awareness Mon 8th Apr, 10am-12pm, online. Info and booking
Benefits: Unlocking your entitlements Mon 8th Apr, 10am-12pm, online. Info and booking
Dementia prevention and living well Wed 10th Apr, 10am-11.30, online. Info and booking
Energy Matters Thu 11th April, 10am-12pm, online. Info and booking
Preparing for a power cut Mon 15th Apr, 10am-11am, online. Info and booking
Dementia and LGBTQ+ communities Thu 2nd May 9.30am-12pm, online. Info and booking
Your rights and your carers (Scotland) act Fri 10th May, 10am-11.30am,, online. Info and booking
Veterans Tribe Scotland events
Weaving workshop, Mon 8th Apr 1.30pm-4.30pm, Aberdeen
Family bushcraft and metal detecting, Wed 10th Apr 10.30am-3pm, Tullibole Castle near Kinross
Pyrography workshop, Fri 12th Apr, 1pm-4pm, Irvine, Ayrshire
Wool spinning and weaving, Wed 17 Apr, 11am-3pm, Buckie, Moray
Craft workshop, Thu 25th Apr, 1pm-4pm, Sauchie, Clackmannanshire
Model making drop-in workshops as part of Scottish National Scale Model Show, Sat 27th and Sun 28th Apr, Dewar Centre, Perth.
If you would like to attend any of these event’s email gerry.mcgregor@veteranstribescotland.co.uk
Funding
The Veterans’ Foundation
Veterans Mobility Fund
Applications to the reinstated Veterans Mobility Fund are now open. The £2.52 million fund can support veterans with physical disabilities linked to their service to access mobility equipment.
The Veterans’ Foundation
Grants for charities, community interest companies and other organisations delivering charitable activity to support those in need among serving armed forces personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers, and their immediate families. The grants fund a wide variety of projects including those that reduce homelessness, increase employment, provide welfare and medical support, increase confidence and social integration, as well as reduce dependence on alcohol and drugs.
Next deadline: 23rd April 2024 - for a decision in June 2024