Scottish military charities & grants

Current and former Armed Forces members have sacrificed much to make Scotland a safer place to live. Many of the ex-Service people have found it difficult to return to civilian life, especially those who have experienced a traumatic or life-altering injury.

Several charities provide substantial aid services that can make the difference between independent living or struggling to survive. By helping with housing and other major needs, these services are giving a new life to those who gave so much.

Ever since the First World War, awareness of the difficult transition that Servicemen and Women face as they leave the military has caused numerous charities to focus on making a difference. Providing proper care to veterans and their families is a major priority of Her Majesty The Queen and of the many volunteers who are committed to providing care through leading charities. These are some of the ways that families connected to the military can get help.

• The Scottish Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers a special helpline through the Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP). Specialists who are familiar with military challenges can help with budgeting and financial success. Veterans Scotland also supports this effort.
• Poppyscotland is the force behind the popular Scottish Poppy Appeal. This £2m annual fundraiser helps to fund the group’s financial assistance to veterans through housing, job assistance and long-term care. This charity is closely aligned with Legion Scotland and The Royal British Legion. The charity also provides grants to several of the other organisations that provide direct aid.
• Houses for Heroes Scotland is dedicated to providing homes to Soldiers that received severe injuries or permanent disabilities as a result of combat. Over 600 houses are currently occupied by ex-Service personnel through the Scottish Veterans’ Garden City Housing Association.
• The Royal Scots Benevolent Society is a support organisation that provides financial aid to anyone of any rank who served in The Royal Scots. The charity has a history of providing direct grants and even helping to attract matching grants from third party organisations.
• Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) is committed to providing housing to ex-Servicemen and Women who have since been sleeping rough. Current facilities are in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• The Military Matters project is conducted by Housing Options Scotland. This service provides intensive housing advice and assists with placements of service-connected families into homes.
• Erskine Hospital builds care homes and independent cottages to be used by veterans and their families. Ongoing support is also available to those who have experienced physical or mental trauma.

These organisations are specifically for Scottish citizens who have served proudly in the Armed Forces. This network of support ensures that no veteran is forced to sleep rough, go hungry or go without basic needs being met. Not every charity gives grant money to clients. Sometimes they provide other options or assist with applying for aid through another organisation.

Housing is one of the primary focuses, though there are other forms of support to care for ex-Service personnel and their families. By meeting the challenge posed by transitioning out of today’s military, these charities are making process easier. Their efforts are felt by hundreds of new clients served each year. The entire Armed Forces Community is better off due to the impact of these organisations.