The Armed Forces is like a family. In service, the Armed Forces stand together, supporting each other no matter what.

But for some military personnel, leaving service and returning to civilian life can be tough. Problems once shared as a team, become darker problems battled alone. Navigating a new life can be challenging.

Despite how dark the problems may be, one of the hardest parts can be asking for help. That’s why SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is their unit. To help us answer their call, visit ssafa.org.uk/scotland

Veteran Andy

Andy, who served with the Royal Artillery for 27 years, is a proud Scottish veteran who never pictured himself needing help from someone else in his civilian life. 

At 17, Andy married his childhood sweetheart, Linda. After his military service, he looked forward to civilian life, living with Linda in Lanark. But tragedy struck when Linda was knocked down with illness.

Andy was there for Linda, aiding her in her recovery. But for Andy, he no longer had his military unit to share his problems. In his darkest hour, he was alone.

Exhausted, with his wages only stretching so far, Andy swallowed his pride and reached out to SSAFA. SSAFA caseworker John saw beyond Andy’s tough military façade, recognising that he needed emotional and practical support. John was there for Andy emotionally, and he also secured equipment that would enable Andy’s wife to live comfortably in their family home.

Andy said: “It’s hard for veterans to swallow their pride. But everybody needs help, no matter who they are. I did and SSAFA jumped in.

“Now that I am through one of my toughest times, I do what I can to fundraise for SSAFA. My latest accomplishment was coming first in Glasgow’s Kiltwalk. I’m proud to know the funds I raised will go towards giving other veterans a lifeline through dark times.”

Andy is just one of the thousands of veterans who need wellbeing and welfare support.

(Image: Veteran Dean)

Another veteran is Dean, who saw combat in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. For him, life as a civilian was more difficult than he had imagined. Without his unit, he was facing down both PTSD and family tragedy. On his lowest day, he didn’t think he could battle any longer. The next day, he phoned SSAFA, and his caseworker Gayle helped him get back on his feet.

Dean commented: “If it wasn’t for Gayle, I’d probably have just got my backpack and lived a homeless life, running away from my problems. But within a couple of months of contacting SSAFA I had everything I could possibly need. My life is completely different now.”

In Glasgow, SSAFA’s team of local caseworkers provide assistance to veterans living in the city that is tailored to individual needs. SSAFA’s partnership with Glasgow City Council, called Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, also provides financial, housing and employability advice and support to the military family in Glasgow.

David Black, Fundraising Development Manager for Scotland at SSAFA, commented: “For veterans transitioning to civilian life, the impacts of military service are rarely left in the past. Milestones that we often take for granted – like finding your first home or managing bill payments – can pass by serving personnel, and overwhelming feelings of loneliness and isolation can manifest as soldiers leave their units behind. When they encounter these challenges, SSAFA reaches and embraces our Armed Forces veterans, so they never battle alone.”

Learn more – click here https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us

For information on how to donate  -  click here https://www.ssafa.org.uk/donate