Funding will support vital mental health charities.
Services that provide mental health support to Armed Forces veterans have been given a funding boost.
The Scottish Government has announced £1.4 million for Combat Stress and a further £666,000 for Veterans First Point.
This funding represents a major step forward in the development of the kind of support which ought to be available to our veterans, wherever in Scotland they reside.
GRAEME
With the delivery of such support by the Scottish Government, alongside the excellent work continuing to be done by the veterans Third Sector, we have the opportunity to provide a truly holistic, first class service for our veterans.
Combat Stress is a UK-wide charity which helps veterans and their families deal with mental ill health including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Veterans First Point is a free advice and support service for former service personnel provided as part of the NHS.
The funding announcements for 2022-23 were made during a Scottish Government debate in the Scottish Parliament covering both the health and veterans portfolios.
As we emerge from the pandemic, the mental health of the whole population is a fundamental consideration for the Scottish Government and we must be particularly mindful of the mental wellbeing of veterans who have sacrificed so much for us all.
CABINET SECRETARY FOR JUSTICE AND VETERANS KEITH BROWN
It is vital veterans receive the help they need which is why we are continuing to fund specialist organisations such as Combat Stress and Veterans First Point. We are also working hard to ensure veterans have access to housing and jobs.
Our veterans and service families contribute a huge amount to our society right across Scotland and I remain committed to providing the very best support for the veterans community.
