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First Welfare Pathway project opens in Scotland

Fife Council is the first in Scotland to launch a new initiative and appoint an Armed Forces Champion, providing support to serving and former military personnel in the region.

Defence Minister Kevan Jones was in Fife on Monday, 15 March 2010, to declare the new Community Welfare Pathway project officially open at Inverkeithing Civic Centre.

Supported by the Scottish Government, it aims to improve access to important local services and advice for troops serving or living in Fife as well as veterans.

The new 'champion' is Steve Grimmond, Fife Council's Executive Director of Local Commmunities and Housing.

The Armed Forces Community will be able to call on 08451 550033 or visit Fife Council offices to get advice and support on everything from priority healthcare to housing and education from the people best placed to provide it.

The council will also work in partnership with Service charities, veterans associations and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

This is all supported by a single free national telephone number - 08000 223366 - which provides automated options for both serving and ex-Service personnel, their families and widows to use as an initial port of call, if uncertain of who to contact.

It's not intended to replace existing sources of advice, but to provide a safety net for those who are unaware of what is available.

Kevan Jones said:

"I'm very pleased that Fife Council has pledged its support to ensure servicemen and women, their families and veterans can access help and advice about the things that are important to them.
"The MOD is committed to ensuring continued support for the Armed Forces and veterans in local communities, and we're working in partnership with councils across the UK and the devolved Governments to improve how we do this."

Councillor Peter Grant, Leader of Fife Council, added:

"Fife Council is delighted to be the first local authority in Scotland to pilot this joint initiative between local and central government.

"Fife has strong links to the Armed Forces; servicemen and women and veterans are an important part of the wider community.

"Here in Fife we have a dedicated team of people ready to help.

"If there is a problem with what people are entitled to, there is now a simple route to raise issues and get things resolved.

"This council is immensely proud of the contribution of servicemen and women from the borough. We are pleased that we will be at the front line of helping to deliver services to members of the Armed Forces Community."

Wing Commander Pat O'Donnell from RAF Leuchars - the largest military base in Fife - said:

"RAF Leuchars is a thriving busy air station and we are grateful for the crucial support we get from local communities and organisations in the area.

"This commitment from Fife Council will help our people on all sorts of levels - perhaps if they have to move to Fife in the middle of the school year from a different school system, or need specific healthcare services as a result of injuries.

"It will be especially useful for families when a wife or husband is away on operations as it can be challenging to sort issues out on your own.

"People in the forces are not asking to jump the queue, but it's important that communities recognise the unique service they provide to their country and the specific needs or circumstances they have because of the nature of their work."

Several other local authorities will establish similar pilot programmes across the UK. The intention is to roll out a best practice model to cover all areas.

Some of the benefits that serving personnel, their families and veterans can receive are:

• advice about access to NHS services;
• information about help for veterans with mental health problems;
• help and advice about education, skills and careers;
• help with affordable and social housing;
• help with transport, including Blue Badges and concessionary transport;
• advice about, and access to, affordable childcare.

For more information contact the free national telephone number - 08000 223366