Page 37 - The Sandbag Times Issue No:53

Veterans Breakfast Clubs

Scottish Veteran Minister and North Ayrshire Provost

By Suzanne Fernando

Ayrshire Veterans Breakfast Club enjoyed a welcomed visit vice to veterans aged 65 and over, their families and carers in
from the Scottish Veteran Minister Graeme Dey MSP and Scotland. This unique service also includes work in the com-
North Ayrshire Provost Ian Clarkson as part of the Scottish munity, where the Ayrshire Veterans Breakfast Club is a regu-
Government Veterans consultation led by the Defence Medical lar place to provide direct support and referrals to other agen-
Welfare Service team. This is important work raising aware- cies.
ness of the Unforgotten Forces programme. Later they made
a visit to the consortium at Poppy Scotland's Head office in Mr Dey said: “Scotland has a long and very proud military tra-
Kilmarnock. dition. Our Armed Forces and Veterans Community are assets
to our society and I want to ensure that their service is proper-
Local Veteran Suzanne Fernando said: "I'd like to say a big ly acknowledged and that they are well supported and looked
thanks to the lovely Emma Gracian, Welfare Officer at DMWS after. I am pleased to have been able to join in the Veterans
for arranging the visit. We had a great turn out and everyone Breakfast and visit Poppyscotland’s Welfare Centre with the
had a lovely morning filled with tea, cakes and banter! Defence Medical Welfare Service to learn more about the
It was lovely to see the minister again but more importantly it excellent work they do to support our veterans community."
gave us all an opportunity to discuss our experiences past
and present, and the impact it has had on our lives. Being
able to speak to Mr Dey directly about what support is being Unforgotten Forces is a partnership between 15 leading
provided Scotland-wide to assist the significant number of ex- organisations which will deliver a range of new services and
service personnel, was a wonderful opportunity." enhancements in areas including advice, access to health-
care, social isolation, respite, along with creative activities and
events for those in care settings.
The Defence Medical Welfare Service is a key member of the
project, often reaching those in need at the immediate point
of crisis within NHS medical centres and hospital wards. Find your nearest veteran breakfast club here:
DMWS Welfare Officers deliver a bespoke medical welfare ser- https://www.afvbc.net/

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