The Scottish Government's Cross Party Group on supporting Veterans in Scotland was established in 2008 to consider issues affecting the veteran community in Scotland in order that those responsible for shaping policy, locally and nationally, recognise that the needs of some veterans may be different from other members of the community. Its work has focussed on issues such as improving allocations policies for social housing and priority medical treatment and on securing better mental health services for veterans.
The Group was keen to establish a network of local 'champions' to work with veterans groups, promote veterans issues within their Councils and liaise with the Cross Party Group.
Each local authority was invited to appoint a Veterans Champion to act as a link with:
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The Cross Party Group
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The Scottish Government
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The UK Government
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Veteran's Charities
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Veteran's Organisations
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Veterans
Falkirk Council appointed Councillor John Patrick as it's Veteran's Champion on 18 May 2012. Councillor Patrick has been a Councillor since 1996. He served with the Royal Air Force as a National Serviceman from 1958 - 1960.
Councillor Patrick can be contacted at John.Patrick@falkirk.gov.uk| or by telephone 01324 506161
For more information see forthcoming events.
A number of organisations provide valuable support to veterans. Some of these are listed below together with contact numbers:
Please see our dedicated Veterans page| for further information.