Support for Orkney’s Military Veterans

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:

Veterans First Point

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

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1 reply »

  1. 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

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