The Scottish Veterans Fund has allocated £100,000 to 7 new projects across Scotland to combat loneliness and social isolation, support improved employment outcomes and provide wider support…
Established in 2008, the Scottish Veterans Fund (SVF) has allocated over £1.4 million of funding to more than 150 projects. The purpose of the fund is to support veterans and their families to achieve a successful transition to civilian life and is aimed especially at projects that are attempting to deliver a new or innovative approach to veterans’ issues.
In 2017 the Scottish Government partnered with Standard Life Aberdeen to commit £600,000 over three years to supporting veterans’ organisations in Scotland through the SVF.
After consideration by an expert panel led by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, the Scottish Government and Standard Life Aberdeen announced that grant funding of £100,000 has been allocated to 7 new projects across Scotland. 6 projects which continue from last year will also be given £100,000 in 2019/20.
In announcing the list of successful bids for 2019/20 the Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey MSP, said: “This announcement shows the Scottish Government’s strong commitment to supporting our veterans and their families and our aim of making Scotland the most attractive place to live for those leaving the Armed Forces.
“These projects are a great example of the excellent work being done across Scotland to support our veterans community. They are a wide range of projects which include assisting veterans with employment support and ensuring veterans are not socially isolated through the creation of Veterans Community Cafes and horticultural projects.”
Having chaired the Independent Panel Charlie Wallace, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, noted: “The announcement of the latest successful bids for funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund highlights the significant interest and desire across our society to help those veterans who need support.”
