Mental health support for veterans

Veterans across Scotland will continue to have access to a range of welfare and psychological support with more funding for mental health services.

The Scottish Government is providing Veterans First Point Scotland with more than £658,000 to continue to deliver its services in 2021-22.

The NHS partnership, with a range of third and public sector organisations, has a network of six regional centres across Scotland and provides essential support to veterans through peer-support delivered in person and online.

Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said:

“Veterans First Point Scotland has done an excellent job during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, adapting service delivery to continue to support veterans remotely as well as face-to-face.

“Not only does the partnership provide an essential support service, it also actively aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help, by encouraging veterans to socialise with their local community and engage with their local centre.

“That’s why I am pleased that we are supporting Veterans First Point again in 2021-22 to help them continue their vital work with our veterans across Scotland.”

Background

Veterans First Point Scotland provides a veteran-led mental health and welfare support service. The partnership aims to maximise engagement with Scottish veterans and support recovery from mental health issues through welfare and psychological support.

The employment of experienced veteran Peer Support Workers who provide essential welfare and life support ensures the service continues to be veteran-led in its approach.

Veteran Peer Support Workers co-ordinate with partner organisations to provide a broad range of welfare and wellbeing support to veterans engaged with the service.