Glasgow veterans' centre serving 76,000 former service personnel joins £50m UK support network

A drop-in centre for veterans in Glasgow is benefiting from a major UK-wide expansion of support services for former service personnel.

The centre, run by armed forces charity SSAFA Scotland, is one of two sites in Scotland now recognised under the VALOUR network, a new system designed to improve access to support for veterans.

£50m investment

The scheme is part of a wider £50 million UK Government investment that will more than double the number of veteran support centres across the country.

The VALOUR programme forms part of the UK Government's 10-year Veterans Strategy. Field officers are working regionally to strengthen collaboration between councils, local public services and charities.

Serving 76,000 veterans

The Glasgow centre, which received up to £1 million in the first phase of funding earlier this year, serves around 76,000 veterans across a wide area including Glasgow, Bute, East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire.

It offers a central hub where veterans can connect with local services, receive practical support, and get guidance on health, housing and employment.

The other VALOUR centre in Scotland is run by the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) in Dumfries and Galloway, which received £859,281 in the latest funding round.

"Our gratitude can't stop at words"

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "Our veterans and serving troops have made huge sacrifices to keep us safe, and I'm immensely proud of each and every one of them."

"But our gratitude can't stop at words, or end when they leave the forces."

Ahead of Remembrance

The announcement comes in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, when services will be held at the Cenotaph in George Square and at war memorials across Glasgow.

Veterans or family members looking for support can contact SSAFA Scotland or visit the Glasgow centre.