Veterans in Scotland who are living with trauma linked to their military service will be able to access enhanced mental health support following new Scottish Government funding for Combat Stress.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced £645,000 of funding during a visit to Combat Stress in Glasgow.
The investment will allow the charity to continue providing intensive, specialist treatment for trauma related mental health conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity focused on veterans’ mental health.
The funding will support the delivery of virtual mental health services across eight NHS health board areas in Scotland that currently do not have dedicated veterans’ mental health provision.
The support will run for the remainder of the current financial year.
The funding comes ahead of the planned launch next year of Scotland’s National Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway.
Graeme Dey said:
“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring all veterans are able to access the best possible care and support, including safe, effective and person-centred healthcare.
“This funding will support Combat Stress in providing a virtual mental health service in Scotland’s eight health board areas not currently providing specific mental health support for veterans for the remainder of this financial year.
“This is ahead of the launch next year of our National Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway which will provide appropriate, timely mental health and wellbeing services to support veterans regardless of where they live in Scotland.
“We will continue to work closely with veterans, stakeholders and the Veterans Mental Health Advisory Group to ensure future clinical mental health and wellbeing services meet their needs.”
Combat Stress provides specialist, evidence based treatment for veterans affected by trauma linked to their service, including those who have experienced combat and conflict.
The charity’s work focuses on helping veterans manage complex mental health conditions through structured clinical programmes delivered by experienced professionals.
Chloe Mackay, Chief Executive of Combat Stress, welcomed the funding announcement.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Scottish Government for helping us to continue our specialist support for veterans’ mental health, and to everyone involved in today’s visit.
“This funding will help ensure that veterans in Scotland can access specialist, evidence-based treatment when they need it.”
The funding reflects ongoing concern about the mental health challenges faced by veterans, particularly those living in areas where access to specialist services can be limited.
The Scottish Government has said the forthcoming National Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway will aim to ensure consistent access to support across the country.
The pathway is intended to provide clear routes into care and reduce regional disparities in service provision.
For veterans affected by trauma, the funding is expected to provide continuity of care while longer term national services are developed.
