Poppyscotland has launched an exciting new service that will transform the support available for the Armed Forces community in Scotland. A team of six will deliver the new, enhanced offering, which will significantly enhance Poppyscotland’s already comprehensive range of support across the country…
The Welfare Support Service will be available to the Armed Forces community across the whole of Scotland, but, crucially, it will have a strong local focus and will be tailored to the needs of each individual. The Welfare Support Service team will be made up of four Welfare Support Officers and two Independent Living Advisers, each working within a designated geographical area.
The Welfare Support Officer will provide support to vulnerable veterans and to those identified as having complex needs. These could range from mental or physical health to problems with money and housing. As well as acting as the personal point of contact for Poppyscotland’s clients, members of the new team will work alongside a wide network of agencies, professionals and volunteers to ensure that veterans who require support get the help needed.
Working alongside the Welfare Support Officer will be a locally-based Independent Living Advisor, who will provide support to help give those with a long term health issues the ability to maintain their independence and live in their own homes for longer. Many veterans are disabled and require continuing care, but often struggle to access the services they need.
Gary Gray, the Head of Welfare Services at Poppyscotland, said: “We reach out to those who have served, those still serving, and their families at times of crisis and need by offering vital, practical advice, assistance and funding. This is a hugely significant development for veterans across the country. The implementation of the Welfare Support Service enables us to deliver greatly enhanced support in local communities; providing one-to-one and face-to-face support to individuals who are particularly vulnerable and have complex needs.”