Scotland has over 80 Veterans’ organisations and they are supplemented by many more that operate UK-wide.
Most Veterans retain an affinity for like-minded people, so we have listed as many Regimental, Service and Campaign Associations as we can, including local branches where possible. We have also included all the service charities that might be of use to you. Many of these are duplicated in other areas of the website for ease of access.
Veterans UK is part of Defence Business Services (DBS) within the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and administers the Armed Forces Pension Schemes serving around 900,000 members of the Armed Forces community. It also administers compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service and provides a package of welfare support for veterans via a national Veterans Welfare Service and veterans helpline facility. In addition to the various services listed above, they are also the point of contact for Veterans Badges. Anyone who wishes to apply for their veterans badge should follow the links to Veterans UK.
The Association of Service Drop-In Centres better known as ASDIC, represent, advise and unite service Drop-In centres across the UK. ASDIC encourage collaboration and create opportunities for members to exchange ideas and overcome shared challenges, so together we can ensure veterans and their families receive the comradeship and support they need in their local community.
Telephone: 01622 278110
24-Hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
Tel: 01292 561300 Fax: 01292 561301 Email: scotland@combatstress.org.uk
Hollybush House , Hollybush by Ayr, Ayrshire KA6 7EA
Combat Stress delivers dedicated treatment and support to Ex-Service men and women with conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders. Our services are free of charge to the Veteran.
Contact: Will Barker – Head of Fundraising/Scotland Office
Tel: 07856002176 Email: will.barker@oncoursefoundation.com
On Course Foundation supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel and veterans through confidence building golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry.
Golf offers active, outdoor exercise and is one of a few sports that can be played on a level playing field regardless of injury or illness.
Our confidence building programme offers expert tuition from qualified Professional Golf Association (PGA) Coaches for Service personnel and veterans of all golfing abilities. The events take place in a relaxed, comfortable environment with attendees sharing the experience and receiving peer-to-peer support from like-minded individuals.
PTSD Resolution, Charity No. 1133188, provides therapy for the mental welfare of Forces’ Veterans, Reservists and their families. Treatment is free, effective and delivered promptly through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, and now by phone and internet during the pandemic. Contact www.PTSDreslution.org.
Therapy is delivered in an average of six sessions, with 78% of cases seeing an improvement in reported symptoms to where the client and therapist agree that no further therapy is required.
The charity is one of the only organisations that provides therapy to veterans who are also suffering with addiction issues or are in prison. Services are also delivered to family members, including partners and children, who may experience the symptoms of trauma from living with a traumatised veteran.
Fiona Maxwell – Reading Force Ambassador (Scotland)
Tel: 07548 778 930 Email: fiona@readingforce.org.uk
10 Homersham Toad, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 3PN
Reading Force supports all families with an Armed Forces connection, including veterans, by providing them with FREE children’s books and special scrapbooks.
Chatting about books and stories and filling in the scrapbook provides bonding time for families at home together, and, using video and telephone calls, connects family members who are unable to be together and/or live far apart. This supports emotional wellbeing and creates positive shared memories.
We particularly welcome veterans to get involved and take part.
Website: Home – RMA – The Royal Marines Charity (rma-trmc.org)
Jim Wilson – General Secretary
Tel: 0131 550 1569 Fax: 0131 557 5819 Email: gensec@veteransscotland.org.uk
New Haig House , Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HR
Veterans Scotland’s aim is to establish cooperation and coordination between Veterans Organisations in Scotland, to act as a focal point for all matters concerning the ex-Service community within Scotland and to represent these matters to Government at all levels.
Trustees of the Veterans Foundation allocate grants every three or four months. They welcome applications from Armed Forces charities and other organisations carrying out charitable work for serving or veteran members of the Armed Forces, qualifying merchant seamen, and their dependants, who are in need. Deadlines for applications are the end of December, March, May and September each year. Further details can be found on the website www.veteransfoundation.org.uk/grant-application/ .
Who Dares Cares supports our Armed Forces, Emergency Services and Veterans including their families who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They provide weekend family retreats, Walk, Talk and Brew Groups, PTSD awareness groups or individual sessions to help provide a better understanding of what the signs and symptoms of PTSD are, how to manage these symptoms and ways that families can better support in a way that is helpful to the individual. The charity recognises the importance of exercise as part of recovery and they work to encourage this and make this accessible for those who are struggling with PTSD and anxiety related issues.
Website: https://www.who-dares-cares.com
Email: wdc@who-dares-cares.com
Phone: 07341 872805