Former servicemen and women facing physical or psychological problems and issues such as difficulty finding a job or housing will benefit from the new Armed Forces Advice Project (Asap), which has been set up by Poppyscotland, Citizens Advice Scotland and a number of other support groups.
Anyone who is serving in the armed forces or has previously served, and their families, will be able to access help through a national helpline or by turning up at one of the 83 Citizens Advice Bureaux across Scotland.
Ian McGregor, chief executive of Poppyscotland, said military personnel faced the same problems as civilians, but often needed help which takes into account their previous experiences.
He said: “Many of those leaving the services have difficulty making the transition on to Civvy Street.
“For some losing the family unit that the military provides results in them facing considerable challenges as they adjust to civilian life. Not only do they face these challenges but they also have difficulty knowing where to turn to for help.
“The Armed Services Advice Project is aimed at getting through that impasse and making it as easy as possible for them and their dependants to access the help they need.
“We have been working for some time to create a project like this. It’s very exciting that we have finally been able to do so. Now it’s there, we urge any current and ex-service personnel to make good use of it.”
Asap has been funded by Poppyscotland, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, The Maritime Charities Funding Group, ABF the Soldiers’ Charity, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help, The Robertson Trust and Turn2us.
These charities already provide a range of help, but the new project aims to streamline the service and speed up the process for veterans, such as Ryan, who served in the RAF for six years before he was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan last year.
He was medically discharged after the explosion, which killed two of his colleagues, and fell into financial difficulties before seeking help from the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. It helped him clear family debts and paid towards the costs of a mortgage and car.
He said: “I’ll be eternally grateful to the RAFBF. They took away my two big financial headaches and helped me and my family get back on our feet.”
Claire Williams, of Citizens Advice Scotland, said the new service would bring together services with a Citizens Advice Bureau as the point of contact.
She said: “There are a number of organisations which have provided specific advice to the Armed Forces, and have done so very well. However, they are quite a disparate group, and so for the individual who needs help, it hasn’t always been obvious where they should go.
“The purpose of Asap is to co-ordinate all these services in one stream and so make it much easier for people to get the help they need.
“People who have fought for our country are heroes, and if they have any kind of problem they should never be left feeling that they have no support. The help and advice they need does exist, but what we have to do is make it easier for them to access that help.”
The national helpline is on 0845 231 0300
