Assistance for clubs, groups and services seeking to include and support veterans age 65 and older.
How being veteran aware benefits older people’s clubs, groups and services One in ten people in Scotland is an armed forces veteran or a veteran’s dependant. The veterans’ community is also rapidly ageing: one third of its members are aged 75 to 84 and 14 percent are aged 85 or older. * Most older people’s clubs, groups and services will already include older veterans. However, with studies identifying loneliness among veterans as a major issue, we know many are yet to fully benefit from locally-available opportunities and support. Many older veterans will have no additional needs arising from their time in service; however, some will. For example, because hearing protection was introduced in the military only in recent years, hearing impairment is more common among veterans. Many older veterans will be entitled to additional help and support. Some, however, will be unaware of their rights: for instance, those who did national service do not always appreciate that they are part of the veterans’ community. * Poppyscotland Household Survey Report 2014
“The Age Scotland Helpline is excellent; everyone is so good. I hear the way they speak to people kindly, cheer them up and do their best to solve their problems” Richard, veteran and Helpline volunteer
How the Veterans’ Project can assist We can help your club, group or service to: •• identify and reach out to older veterans locally. •• be aware of additional help available to older veterans, and know how to support them to access that help. •• link with veterans’ clubs and groups in your area. We can do this by: •• giving a presentation to your group, with opportunities for participation. We have dedicated outreach staff based in, and serving, north and south Scotland. •• adding your group to the Veterans’ Project mailing list: to receive our newsletter and project publications. •• promoting your group as ‘veteran friendly’, for example in Age Scotland’s Community Connecting guide for your area.
About the Veteran’s Project The Veterans’ Project aims to enhance Age Scotland’s information and advice, community outreach and public policy influencing activities, so that these contribute more effectively to the health and well-being of older veterans. The Veterans’ Project is part of Unforgotten Forces, a partnership of 15 leading organisations that until 2020 will deliver a range of new services and enhancements for older veterans living in Scotland. These services will cover areas such as advice, access to healthcare, social isolation and respite, along with creative activities and events for those in care settings.
Contact the Veterans’ Project To book a visit and presentation, join our mailing list, be put in touch with north and south of Scotland outreach staff, and for other organisational enquiries: T: 0333 323 2400 E: veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk Age Scotland Veterans’ Project Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh, EH9 1PR @AgeScotVeteransProject www.agescotland.org.uk/veterans Project publications and individual contacts for the Veterans’ Project team are available on the website. To refer an older veteran for information, advice or support from Age Scotland and its Unforgotten Forces partners: T: 0800 12 44 222 (Age Scotland Helpline)
Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number: SC010100 Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR. The Age Scotland Veterans’ Project is supported by the Aged Veterans Fund funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR funds