Veterans Welcome MSP to the Borders

Off By Ed Hanna

Did you know that around 1 in 10 people are service veterans?

“Transitioning to civilian life can be a challenging and daunting time for many veterans, which is why we are proud to have Veterans F1rst Point (V1P) based in The Hive in Galashiels. This free local service has been developed by veterans for veterans, and is mostly staffed by veterans. The team knows what it means to leave the military and to start afresh in civilian life, so we are aware of the range of issues that veterans face and what assistance they need,” explains Service Lead and Clinical Psychologist Dr Deirdre Buckley.

The team of former armed services personnel and healthcare professionals, such as veteran peer support workers, clinicians and therapists, provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for veterans.

Service users benefit from a one-to-one induction and registration session. This helps inform a tailored plan of support which can range from health and well-being aspects to housing, employment and financial advice. There are also regular social events hosted at V1P which help veterans make connections with other veterans, thus reducing feelings of isolation and creating stronger support networks.

Acting as a focal point for ongoing support, the V1P team work closely with partner organisations and local agencies so that a well-rounded service with robust support is available. Veterans continue to access the service as and when they require it. This may be on a regular basis, only during times of stress, or periodically as their circumstances change and support needs evolve.

Maurice Corry, MSP, the convener for the Cross-Party Group on Armed Forces and Veterans Community in the Scottish Parliament, recently visited our local V1P where he was welcomed by around 20 service users, volunteers, staff and other supporters including Dr Buckley, as well as Armed Forces Champion Warwick Shaw (NHS Borders) and Veterans Champion Councillor John Greenwell (Scottish Borders Council).

Speaking about the experience, Maurice Corry, MSP, said: “Veterans F1rst Point is providing an excellent service, not only to veterans but also to their families and support systems. Very often it is the soldier that is injured but it is the family that is wounded and we need to make sure that no-one is forgotten. The V1P model is one which we would like to expand and develop so that its great work can be rolled out further.”

Warwick Shaw, NHS Borders Veterans Champion, commented: “We were delighted to welcome Maurice Corry, MSP, to Veterans F1rst Point and show the many benefits that our service provides to veterans and their families who live in the local area. This also gave veterans involved in our service – be that as service users, peer support volunteers or employees – a valuable opportunity to share their experiences directly with Mr Corry.”

Councillor John Greenwell, Scottish Borders Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, added: “This is an extremely valuable service to veterans and their families, providing specialist support in the local area, with a range of partners and agencies coming together to improve the lives of ex-servicemen and women.

“We were pleased that Mr Corry also took the opportunity to meet with Norrie Tait and Colin Bain, Veterans Breakfast Club Co-Ordinators in Galashiels and Hawick, before visiting Horse Time, a charity based near Coldstream which offers help to veterans and first responders suffering with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through its Horses for Forces programme.

“Our veterans have served this country and we must always ensure that the support they need once they leave the Armed Forces is available to them, and it is especially useful to have veterans involved in not only designing but providing that support.”

Sue Brewis, Founder of Horse Time, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Maurice Corry MSP to discuss veterans’ mental health issues as well as the importance of understanding and treating these appropriately. Horses For Forces ensures veterans get the right help so that they can participate more fully and successfully in their lives; while providing invaluable awareness and support for others involved in this process.”

To speak to a member of the V1P team or for more information please contact 01896 668551. Veterans First Point is based at The Hive, Low Buckholmside, Galashiels, TD1 1RT.

Further information about the service is available via: https://www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk/drop-center/borders