It is thought that there are at least 1000 military veterans in Orkney and with 2 of the Orkney News’ Directors also being veterans we thought it was time to share again links to social groups, information and support that might be of interest to Orkney’s veterans.
Social Groups
Royal British Legion Stromness
John Street, Stromness, KW16 3JL tel: 01856 850731
Royal British Legion Kirkwall
Website: Kirkwall Royal British Legion
Junction Road, Kirkwall, KW15 1AR tel: 01856 873297
Orkney Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club
Meets on the last Saturday of every month for breakfast in the Royal British Legion, Kirkwall. No need to join just come along
Health Rights for Veterans
Orkney NHS: Armed Forces Champion
David McArthur Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions
e:mail directorof.nursing@nhs.net
All NHS Boards in Scotland have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
- veterans should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in using or accessing public and commercial services
- special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for the injured and the bereaved
Veterans if they wish can identify themselves as such to their GPs – especially if they have or think they may have medical conditions that are a direct result of military service. This is for both physical and mental health.
Veterans should receive priority treatment for ongoing health problems that are a direct result of their service unless there is an emergency case or another case that demands higher clinical priority.
Veterans Gateway
Veterans Gateway has a huge amount of information and links to sites that can provide help, advice and support.
It also has a Facebook page and a Twitter account
Unforgotten Forces
Unforgotten Forces provides help and support for veterans 65+
SSAFA Scotland
SSAFA in Scotland gives lifelong support to serving men and women, reserves and veterans from the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force.
Other advice and support services:
Combat Stress 0800 138 1619
Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87
Samaritans 116 123
Scottish Veterans Commissioner
Army veteran Charlie Wallace is the Scottish Veterans Commissioner. He advocates on behalf of veterans making sure their issues are being heard.
Links to support on:
- Healthcare
- Housing
- Funding for Education & Training
- Employability
- Armed Forces Pensions
- Support Organisations
Veterans Badge
The armed forces lapel badge is for veterans to show that they served in the UK armed forces.
MOD Application form
Or
MOD Medal Office – Veterans Badges
Freephone (UK): 0808 1914 218
Telephone (from overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Fax: 01452 510 871
Email: dbs-modmo-vetsbadge@mod.uk
You cannot apply for the veterans badge by email.
David McArthur: Supporting Veterans in Orkney
Categories: Uncategorized
What’s life like living on Orkney as a disabled younger veteran? Is there a sense of community on Orkney with people looking out for each other like we see in tv dramas? Thanks