TENS of thousands of armed services veterans experiencing problems as they struggle to adjust to civilian life, may be failing to access help or support.

A lack of awareness of the available support, or the military mentality of "making do", could account for this, a report suggests today.

The report, from Scotland's Armed Forces Advice Project (ASAP), highlights one RAF veteran who had been living rough and survived by foraging for food and firewood. His main source of nutrition was out-of-date food disposed of by a supermarket.

Many veterans in Scotland need special help to cope with problems including debt, unemployment and low income, says ASAP in its first major report.

Civvy Street – the New Front Line outlines the project's work in the two years since it was established by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS). The issues it raises will be debated this afternoon in the Scottish Parliament.

It says that while the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have led to a sharper focus on the support needs of veterans and serving personnel, many slip through the net.

It adds: "Many veterans continue to experience problems as a result of an unsuccessful transition into civilian life that took place years, or even decades, previously. The success or otherwise of moving back into civilian life after service is often the key determining factor for the future welfare and health of veterans."

CAS spokesman Keith Dryburgh, who compiled the report, said: "Service personnel often have very particular and complex needs.

"Many of our military families are really struggling. So far, our advisers have assisted 1769 clients with over 6000 issues."

To access ASAP, contact a Citizens Advice Bureau, call 0845 231 0300, or go to www.cas.org.uk/Projects/ asap.