Projects to support Moray's veterans urged to apply for fund
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MORAY'S MSP has welcomed the opening of the 2020-21 Scottish Veterans Fund for project applications.
The objective of the £200,000 fund is to support projects that improve the lives of former service personnel and their families.
The fund may be of interest to Moray organisations that may be looking to support veterans in different ways.
Supported by the Scottish Government and Standard Life Aberdeen, projects that recognise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will be considered.
Since the fund was set up in 2008 it has distributed more than £1.6 million.
SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "Moray has a long-standing and very strong link with military service and there is huge support for our veterans.
"Our veterans are an incredible asset to our society but we are also aware that being a veteran of military service can bring its own challenges.
"Over the years the Scottish Veterans Fund has supported a wide range of projects that provide care and support for our veterans and this year, with the impact of Covid-19, there are veterans and their families in additional need of support.
"It is great to have the support of Standard Life Aberdeen, who are contributing £80,000 to the fund this year, taking the total fund value for the year to £200,000.
"I would urge anyone in Moray who is looking at innovative ways of supporting veterans to consider an application to the fund."
The fund is aimed at helping veterans overcome disadvantage experienced as a result of service, as well as supporting projects that help veterans and their families transition to civilian life.
Applications forms and guidance will be available shortly on the Veterans Scotland website at http://www.veteransscotland.co.uk.
Meanwhile a new fund for armed forces young carers was opened by the Royal Caledonian Education Trust: Scotland’s Armed Forces Charity yesterday.
The R&R Young Carers Fund is supported by the Scottish Veterans Fund.
Young carers can apply for up to £250 to spend on a respite item or activity of their choice. This can be alone, with friends, or with their cared-for person or another family member.
The activity can be anything that suits the young carer’s needs.
Email familysupport@rcet.org.uk or call 0131 322 7350 for more information.
