On 28 August, veterans from across North Ayrshire attended an event organised by the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenson branch of Legion Scotland and the Saltcoats Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club. The drop-in style networking mixer was a chance for people to find out information on different charities and services that support veterans, their families and carers.

 

The Argyle Community Centre welcomed representation from Carers Gateway, the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network, North Ayrshire Housing, Unforgotten Forces, Legion Scotland Veterans Community Support and Sight Scotland.

 

Also involved were Age Scotland, North Ayrshire Community Link Services, Veterans Gateway, Homeless Veterans Project, Erskine Hospital, SSAFA, Veterans First Point, DWP, RAF Benevolent Fund, Opportunities in Retirement and the NAC Ground Force.

 

“It was a busy morning with lots of referrals and follow-ups,” explains branch president Paul Coffey. “It was also a networking opportunity between the groups with shared awareness of what each had to offer.”

 

He adds, “There was a lot to learn for everyone at the drop-in; the networking between providers was a big plus and those who were seeking help and information made appointments for later dates. By the nature of the event I will not know of any outcomes but everyone who came seemed to go away satisfied or had dates in their diaries.

 

“From experience, veterans can bounce around between charities and organisations trying to find the one they need, or more than one if they have complex needs. So it seemed logical to try and get everyone together in one place. I am certainly a lot wiser on what’s available.”

 

There are hopes for future versions of the event to take place more centrally and in a bigger venue to accommodate as many veterans as possible.