Military Life
'Robust' Mental Health Treatment for Veterans in Scotland
A new report is praising the treatment for veterans with mental health problems in Scotland.
The Forces in Mind Trustsaid Scotland has a robust mental and related health support structure for veterans.
It highlighted the ‘mixed economy’ of service provision based on local need and ease of access to services, which caters both to veterans living in remote rural locations and urban areas.
Despite the praise, it still identifies gaps in provision and specific areas where further improvements could be made.
A need for greater collaborative partnerships to improve efficiency and effectiveness between organisations in the public and charity sectors was highlighted.
More cooperation within the voluntary sector itself has also been recommended to ensure the needs of those with multiple complex issues, including mental health, alcohol and those engaged with the criminal justice system, are met.
Ray Lock CBE, Chief Executive of FiMT, said:
Scotland has thriving specialist statutory and voluntary sectors which have been well supported by the Scottish Government.Much effort and investment have been put into these support systems over the years, but this report highlights the opportunities for further development and improvement that will ensure Scotland builds on its enviable reputation in this area.
Dr Jon Bashford, who led the research for Community Innovations Enterprise, said:
Scotland has an excellent national service model for helping veterans with mental health problems and there is much that can be learned from this for the UK as a whole.There are also new opportunities in Scotland to strengthen this model and in particular to provide more help for the families of veterans who themselves may have mental health problems but who are also a key support for veterans.
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