Born into a Royal Navy family – his father was a submariner based in Devonport – and raised in Plymouth, Luke Pollard MP, who represents the city, is no stranger to the Armed Forces.
Hot on the heels of a visit to BAE Systems Glasgow last Friday, the Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces popped into Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH), a renowned and respected service for veterans in the city run by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Glasgow City Council, to meet staff and learn more about the services provided.
Mr Pollard said: “It can be hugely difficult to take the first step and ask for help. That’s why I was impressed by the work of SSAFA Glasgow’s Helping Heroes who have supported so many veterans to access better housing, mental health support, and benefits.
“Veteran care is a postcode lottery across the country and better care for those who have served is a priority for Labour. Groups like SSAFA do so much good work, without fanfare, and are a model for others to follow.”
GHH Office Manager Katharine Hunt was one of several staff who met Mr Pollard, and she commented: “While it was his first visit to Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, Luke knew of SSAFA’s work for serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their families.
“We were able to show him the video made and screened at the Holyrood event sponsored by Paul Sweeney MSP, and Luke’s interest and knowledge were certainly clear, and he was really engaged in what we were talking about, and wanted to know what areas we’d like them to focus on, which our team recommended as housing and mental health.
“We’re always grateful for the chance to speak with those who influence and make decisions affecting serving men and women, and veterans, and their families, so it’s a big ‘thank you’ to Paul for taking the time to see us and to listen to us, and we hope to welcome him back one day to update him on the work we do.”
To learn more about Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, including how to access services, visit ssafa.org.uk/get-help/glasgow-helping-heroes.