Veterans Service & UF Partner Update

New review of support for Armed Forces bereaved community

Susie Hamilton, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, has undertaken a review of support for the Armed Forces bereaved community in Scotland.
If you want to learn more, follow this link to access the paper: svc-supporting-the-bereaved-community-november-2025.pdf.

Delivery of new winter heating payment begins

The Scottish Government's new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will be paid out to pensioners in Scotland who are eligible in the coming weeks and months. There is no need to apply as Social Security Scotland will process the payments automatically.

The payment relaces the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is aimed at helping pensioners who are struggling to pay heating bills over the coldest months of the year. You can find out more here: Pension Age Winter Heating Payment - mygov.scot.

Also check out AgeScotland’s Warm and Well guide which is also a useful source of information about how to stay warm at home this winter.

New toolkit for female veterans launched

Congratulations to the FVTP team and the female veterans who participated in creating the new Female Veterans Toolkit – now officially launched and available for free.

Download here: Supporting Female Veterans : Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Support free rail travel for visually impaired people and their companions

The Sight Scotland Veterans’ Fair Rail Pilot Scheme offers free rail travel for companions of visually impaired individuals. To find more information and to support the petition, follow: Make Free Companion Rail Travel Permanent for Visually Impaired People in Scotland.  

Community Champion award

Congratulations to Alan Deans for being named Regional Winner at the Glasgow Times Community Champion Awards 2025, representing the Veterans community. A special thank you also from us at the UF team, for keeping everyone consistently informed and up to date.

Leave a festive message for the Armed Forces

Festive greetings from the SSAFA. Follow this link to leave and read messages of support and well wishes to the Armed Forces community this Christmas: Your Christmas message of support

Training & Events

Suicide awareness training

Papyrus has been awarded funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to provide suicide prevention training for those working with or supporting veterans.Follow this link for more information Armed Forces (Veterans) Training | Papyrus.
 

Inverclyde challenge stigma training

Follow this link for free training about stigma experienced by people with lived experience of the justice system by CVS Inverclyde (Stigma)

Funding Opportunities

VALOUR funding now open

Applications for the VALOUR funding programme, delivered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, are now open and must be submitted by the January 14, 2026.
Follow this link for VALOUR: information and next steps - GOV.UK.

Research & Engagement

Disability price tag 2025

Follow this link to read the full report on life costs if you are disabled: Disability Price Tag 2025 | Disability charity Scope UK.

Soldiers on film

Soldiers on Set has a range of roles for current and ex military personnel interested in being involved in film and television productions. From general haulage to supporting artistes (extras), there are plenty of ad-hoc opportunities. Get in touch with Soldiers on Set to find out more.