Veterans remember the Falklands conflict 40 years on

On 2 April 1982, Argentinian forces invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory. A task force of warships and rapidly refitted merchant ships was dispatched, and Argentinian forces surrendered on 14 June. 25,948 British personnel served in the campaign. Today, surviving Falklands veterans are in or approaching later life. Some maintained contact with the Armed Forces community. Army veteran Les had a second career as a sales rep for regimental silver and corporate gifts. “I currently chair the Scottish Branch of the South Atlantic Medal Association and am active with Legion Scotland,” he says. “Helping out keeps the brain and body active!” For others, including former submariner Lenny, the connection waned. “The military is a way of life, and you never forget. But I’ve not been involved with the ex-service community.”

I’m doing alright now, but I need the support of the veterans’ community to keep me in a happy place.

Yet the door remains open. “I left in 2004 and cut my ties,” says Navy veteran John. “12 years later I was invited to an ex-service dinner, and from that got involved with Legion Scotland. I made new friends, even some from the Army!” Today, John volunteers with Legion Scotland and thoroughly enjoys it. “Talking with veterans makes it easier to reflect. The exservice community will be a big part of my life as I get older as it’s where I’m most comfortable. I had an issue with the demon alcohol. I’m doing alright now, but I need the support of the veterans’ community to keep me in a happy place.” For Les, John’s experience is far from unique. “Many service leavers today focus on settling with their families and lose touch, but 15-20 years later, start to return to the fold. Unfortunately, during this time, some have struggled on their own. I therefore strongly recommend that if you are experiencing any problems of any kind and there is a local Veterans Breakfast Club or Legion/Service Club nearby, go along and get involved. There’s great banter and inter-service rivalry, which is what always keeps our morale high and ongoing.”

You can read more and find support for the ex-service community in Unforgotten Forces, a free magazine for everyone in Scotland aged 60 plus who has served one day or more as a Regular, Reservist, National Serviceman or Merchant Marnier. To subscribe, call the Age Scotland helpline 0800 12 44 222 or visit www.unforgottenforces.scot.

The Falklands revisited

Veterans look back, and forward to later life.

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Erskine Centre make-over p6

Be hearing loss aware p8

Support for ex-RAF ISSUE FIVE: SPRING 2022 MAGAZINE

Meeting Centres: bringing people with dementia together

How much do you know about Meeting Centres?

Meeting Centres are social community settings for people living with dementia and unpaid carers, which aim to provide local community support. They’re a safe space where people impacted by dementia can spend time with others and have fun. Founded in the Netherlands over 25 years ago, Meeting Centres based on the original Dutch model are now opening across Europe. Originally brought to the UK by the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies, we’re delighted that they’re becoming popular in Scotland. Regularly attending a Meeting Centre can help people affected by dementia access relevant information and stay connected with their communities. Centres can also offer social and emotional support to those dealing with the more difficult aspects of a diagnosis. One such Meeting Centre is the wonderful Kirrie Connections, funded by the Scottish Government, which opened in Kirriemuir in March 2022. About Dementia were delighted to attend the opening and hear Kevin Stewart MSP’s praise: “I’ve been able to see very quickly the difference that Kirrie Connections makes to people with dementia and their loved ones.” Graham Galloway, CEO of Kirrie Connections, is passionate about the Meeting Centre model. He commented, “We’re really excited about how things are developing at Kirrie Connections and about the development of meeting centres across all of Scotland.”

Age Scotland’s new head of dementia Kainde Manji also spoke at the event, reflecting on the value of community spirit during the pandemic and stressing the importance of community-based approaches to dementia support as we move forward.

Kainde Manji

Kainde’s new role will help Age Scotland bring together the various strands of dementia work currently taking place across the organisation. A major venture for About Dementia this year is the grants programme we’re delivering in partnership with the Scottish Government and Age Scotland. Between 2022 and 2023, £1 million of funding will be awarded to organisations to support the growth of Dementia Friendly Communities and Meeting Centres across Scotland. In April, following a competitive application process, five projects were selected to receive funding to support dementia-friendly communities, with work now well underway. This summer, we’re launching the next stage of the fund, which will focus on inspiring grassroots activity. This fund will be co-produced with people living with dementia and unpaid carers at every stage and will help organisations invest in communitybased approaches to dementia support. So watch this space!