East Renfrewshire and NHSGG&C Armed Forces health and wellbeing support

Armed Forces Community Support, East Renfrewshire Council have a Community Covenant with the Armed Forces and Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire. The aim is to improve the service delivery experience to these groups in our area by raising awareness and understanding of the issues affecting service personnel and improve local access to a range of supporting agencies.

Support Services include :

• ensure that service personnel are known to their health provider and can access specialist advice services through NHS Scotland
• improve overall health and wellbeing and offer guidance on specific health concerns including advice with mental and physical recovery
• coordinate access to council services such as housing, mental health and addictions services
• signpost the Veterans Welfare Service, Ministry of Defence 'Supporting Services Through Life' for help or advice on pay, pensions, compensation and Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) benefit assistance
• signpost to ex-service organisations, volunteering services and treatment and support to those suffering from mental ill-health as a result of their service career
• access employability services and our employability team through Work EastRen

View our Armed forces community support webpage

For further information on local supports contact :

Veterans Advisor:
jane.duncan@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

Armed Forces Champion:
kate.campbell@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

ERCL provides a variety of culture, leisure and sports opportunities across East Renfrewshire through their leisure and library service.

Services for Armed Forces Personnel Include :

Health for Heroes Scheme

An Initiative which provides free fitness membership to Armed forces, Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans. This membership includes a consultation with an exercise specialist from the Active Health and Wellbeing Team and access to the gym, fitness classes and swimming. If members are looking for social support too, they can attend the Live Active supervised gym sessions and the Vitality group exercise classes, where getting to know each other is encouraged.

Veterans Breakfast

ERCL hosts a veterans' breakfasts to support the Health for Heroes members and local Armed Forces personnel / Veterans to engage with each other and offer local community support.

Visit the East Renfrewshire Leisure and Culture website 

If you would like further information on the Health for Heroes initiative or the Veteran Breakfast please contact Carolynne McKendry: 

Email : carolynne.mckendry@ercultureandleisure.org
Telephone : 07387251110

The Royal British Legion - East Renfrewshire provides support to local armed forces and service personnel and their families. Providing advice, guidance and support.

Visit the Royal British Legion website 

For further information on Royal British Legion services visit:

The Royal British Legion
Lanrig Road
Newton Mearns
East Renfrewshire
G77 5AA

Telephone : 0141 639 1270

DMWS Scotland, provides welfare services to veterans and other members of the Armed Forces community who are on a medical pathway.

In partnership with NHSGGC they deliver practical and emotional support for those using NHSGGC services, including MH Peer Support. They can:

• give you a non-judgmental space to talk to trained peer support workers who understand veteran life
• help you stay on track during treatment or while you wait
• find you the right support for your needs

Visit the DMWS Scotland website

Referrals:
referrals@dmsw.org.uk
*Welfare Team will be in touch asap.

Telephone : 0800 999 3697
Our helpline is free to call and available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
*Please note this is not an emergency line.

ACVC Hub is an Art and craft and woodwork hub for veterans with mental health issues and more who have lost their way in life. The ACVC Hub aims to help veterans get balance back and provide a safe place to relax and do arts, model, kits, clay, pyrography, wood burning, woodwork, painting and more.

Visit the ACVC Hub website 

Telephone : 0141 440 0980
Email : acvchub@outlook.com

Community Veterans Support provides a drop in support centre for veterans, providing free tea and coffee and a daily hot lunch, along with a range of activities and outings. Holistic and complementary therapies available in sensory room. Our centre also provides basic advice and assistance in benefits, housing, pensions, debt and employment. An outreach service for veterans is also provided.

Drop In Details :

The Pearce Institute
840-860 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 3UU
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Visit the Coming Home Centre Glasgow webpage

Telephone: 0141 237 8830

Email :
dave@communityveteranssupport.org
allana@communityveteranssupport.org

The Reid MacEwen Activity Centre aims to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of Veterans in the community, providing the opportunity to engage with people who have shared experiences and history, learn new skills, explore a number of interests and access support services.

Visit the Reid MacEwen Activity Centre webpage

Telephone : 0141 814 4534
Email : debra.dickson@erskine.org.uk

Glasgow Helping Heroes provides a one point of contact, which will improve local access to a range of services including : financial, housing and employability advice and capacity for service personnel, veterans, their families and carers.

Visit the Glasgow Helping Heroes webpage

Telephone: 0141 488 3652
Email :ghh@ssafa.org.uk

Drop In Details :

The Pearce Institute
840-860 Govan Road
Glasgow
G51 3UU

Monday to Friday  9am to 5pm

Sight Scotland Veterans Hawkhead Centre in Paisley is an activity hub for ex-servicemen and women of all ages living with significant sight loss. It's a warm, welcoming place that brings veterans together.

Fully accessible facilities include :

• gym
• skills Kitchen
• IT room
• music room
• arts & Crafts
• wood Work
• gardening

Visit the Sight Scotland Hawkhead Centre webpage 

Opening Hours :
Monday to Friday
8.30am to 4.30pm

Telephone :0141 370 8050
Email: hello@sightscotlandveterans.org.uk

RCA Trust provides support for housing, gambling related harm, alcohol and drug advice and counselling services.

Counselling is available to both individuals on a 1-1 or group basis. Families affected by a loved one's alcohol, drug or gambling use are also able to access support / counselling.

Web Link :
Visit the RCA Trust website

Email : info@rcatrust.org.uk
Telephone : 0141 887 0880