Welfare links

Taking the Legion Forward affects internal structures and processes, however, its cumulative results will make The Royal British Legion a model of best practice, by extending its capacity and capability to care, and by securing its current position as the UK’s leading ex-Service charity well into this century and beyond.

To deliver modern, high-quality, customer-focused services to war disablement pensioners, war widows, their dependants and carers, and other veterans and in-Service beneficiaries of AFCS; and to deliver them consistently, efficiently and effectively in recognition of the many extraordinary and unique personal sacrifices made in defence of the nation.

We are the national charity helping serving and ex-Service men, women and their families, including widows and widowers in need. Eligibility for our help is one day’s service in any of HM forces, including the Reserves and National Service.

The Royal British Legion Scotland help ex-services men and women of all ages across Scotland to adapt to civilian life by providing community, friendship and practical advice, whether they left military service yesterday or 50 plus years ago.

BLESMA is a National Charity, Registered Charity Number 1084189 for Limbless and Ex-Service Men and Women, their dependants and Widows. The objectives of the Association are to promote the welfare of all those of either sex who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or the use of limbs as a result of service in any branch of Her Majesty’s Forces or Auxiliary Forces and to assist needy dependants of such service limbless. We will also help those who lose a limb after service.

The National Office in Newcastle runs the Gulf Veterans Association and also runs a National Branch of the Royal British Legion. The Royal British Legion contributes towards the running costs of the office including rent, rates and funding for a part time member of staff to assist with the running of the office. Without this support the office would find it difficult to function.

As long as there are Armed Forces there will be a need for Erskine care and in fact demographics indicate there is demand for Erskine places up to at least 2020. Erskine offers ex-Service men and women all over Scotland the specialist care and support they need to overcome physical and emotional scars, often long after they have left active duty. Re-building shattered lives, restoring dignity, providing nursing and medical care.

The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, COMBAT STRESS, exists to serve these men and women. For over 80 years, we have been the only services charity specialising in helping those of all ranks from the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy suffering from psychological disability as a result of their service. Through our national network of welfare officers, we visit clients at home in order to establish how best we can improve their quality of life.

Veterans Scotland aims to enhance the welfare of the veterans community in Scotland by acting as the prime vehicle for: joint working between its member charities; for the dissemination of information to its members and the coordination of joint approaches to UK; Scottish Government; Local Authorities and other organisations whose business is of benefit to veterans.

The Soldiers’ Charity gives lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families. They risk so much for us, but for them, it’s just doing their job. In return, the charity provides financial assistance when they are in real need.

Poppy Scotland believes that the Armed Forces community in Scotland deserves special support in recognition of the sacrifices made through their service. Some need help as a result of issues brought about by their time in the military.