Renfrewshire Council

Supporting veterans

Who the support is for, the Veterans Welfare Service, the Armed Services Advice Project, Erskine Veterans Support, Community Covenant with Armed Forces.

Who the support is for

If you have served in the Armed Forces, there is help and support available for you.

When we use the word 'veteran', there's a common assumption we're talking about an elderly generation who served in earlier conflicts.

But 'veteran' describes anyone leaving the Services and often we're talking about young men and women in their late 20s or early 30s who have served for four to six years. Reservists also need and deserve the same support.

Many of those who serve are proud of how they can look after themselves, and reluctant to be seen as asking for a hand-out. But this is help and support you are entitled to, same as anyone else.

It's not about seeking an advantage, but making sure that you aren't disadvantaged.


Veterans Welfare Service

The first people you contact should always be the Veterans Welfare Service.

They can help with the transition from service to civilian life, assist bereaved families and help you respond to any life events.

The Scottish Welfare Centre is based in Glasgow.

You can call them on 0141 224 2709 or e-mail veterans-uk-vws-scot-ni@mod.uk.


Armed Services Advice Project

These people provide free, confidential and impartial advice to the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

They can support you with advice on things like benefits, money/debt, housing, work-related issues and relationships.

You can call free on 0808 800 1007 to speak to a trained advisor, or ask in any Citizens Advice Bureau office.


Erskine Veterans Support

Erskine has been looking after our veterans for almost 100 years and is the leading care organisation for ex-Service men and women in Scotland.

They help our Veterans though care homes, activity centres, transitional supported accommodation and assisted living apartments. 

You can find out more about their services or how you can support them on the Erskine Veterans Support website.


Community Covenant with Armed Forces

Renfrewshire Council has signed a Community Covenant with the Armed Forces to build on the good relations between the Armed Forces, the council and partner organisations in the area.

The Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support which recognises and remembers the sacrifices made by those serving, veterans, their families/carers and surviving spouses.

It aims to:

  • encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces community in their area
  • raise awareness and understanding of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community
  • encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces community into local life, and
  • encourage the Armed Forces community to support the wider local community.

We are part of the Strathclyde Firm Base Working Group which brings together representatives from the Armed Forces, local authorities and service charities from across the West of Scotland.