A consortium of organisations, which includes Legion Scotland, has been awarded £4 million from the Aged Veterans Fund to undertake a three-year programme of support for older veterans and their families in Scotland.

Unforgotten Forces is a partnership between 14 leading organisations which will deliver a range of new services and enhancements in areas including advice, access to healthcare, social isolation, respite, along with creative activities and events for those in care settings. The consortium has been awarded the funding to undertake this ambitious programme of work.

Legion Scotland's befriending and comradeship service is effective for combating loneliness and isolation. Veterans become engaged with the community following befriending and comradeship activities that are tailored to meet the needs of the individual taking part. The focus of comradeship events is to get veterans to mix with fellow veterans. 

The application for funding was made to the HM Treasury grant-giving body funded from Libor banking fines. The money will be used over the next three years to improve the coordination of existing provision and introduce new services aimed at supporting aged veterans.

The portfolio will include services such as advice provision, support for those on the NHS pathway with transport being provided to appointments. Loneliness and isolation will be tackled through befriending, respite breaks and a newly created day centre.

Unforgotten Forces is comprised of the following organisations: Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, Age Scotland, Care and Repair, Citizens Advice Scotland, Defence Medical Welfare Service, Erskine, Fares4Free, Legion Scotland, Luminate, Music in Hospitals Scotland, Poppyscotland, Scottish Older People’s Assembly, Scottish War Blinded and the University of West of Scotland.