SSAFA’s Forcesline, a free and confidential helpline for any member of the Armed Forces community in need, has seen an 80% increase in requests for befriending and support from those feeling isolated by lockdown.
Read moreSSAFA’s Forcesline, a free and confidential helpline for any member of the Armed Forces community in need, has seen an 80% increase in requests for befriending and support from those feeling isolated by lockdown.
Read moreThe recent appointment of the Loneliness Minister, Tracey Crouch, has once again heightened awareness of the impact of loneliness and isolation on a society of increasing elderly, and those more vulnerable members of our communities.
The adult social care sector is addressing this society-wide challenge head-on, with many tried and tested initiatives underway. This includes the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Princess Marina House, the charity’s flagship care and respite centre on the West Sussex coast.
Read moreLast Friday Katie (Media Officer), and Vikki (Grants and Welfare Executive Officer), took part in one of Good Vibrations’ gamelan workshops to see how The Soldiers’ Charity grant was helping those who need assistance.
Good Vibrations is an award-winning national charity that uses communal music-making via the use of a gamelan to support people in challenging circumstances.
Read more27% have had suicidal thoughts after leaving the Forces
New YouGov research commissioned by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has found that more than two in five (41 per cent) of British Armed Forces veterans surveyed have felt lonely or isolated at some point since leaving the military.
When asked if they have ever felt overwhelmed by negative feelings, a third (34 per cent) of the veterans surveyed said they had. Over a quarter (27 per cent) admitted to having suicidal thoughts after finishing their military service.
Read moreDMWS Scotland is delighted to have teams embedded within NHS Trusts in Ayrshire, Fife, Grampian and Lanarkshire to ensure that older veterans and their families have access to the very best of welfare support, when faced with hospitalisation or when receiving medical treatment.
Together with 13 other organisations, DMWS plays a key role in the “Unforgotten Forces” consortium, led by Poppyscotland, to improve the lives of those who have served the country. This three-year project has been funded by the Aged Veterans Fund to deliver a range of new services and enhancements in areas including advice, access to healthcare, social isolation, respite, along with entertainment and therapeutic programmes for those living in care homes.
Read moreAfghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here