VETERANS First Point Ayrshire, a new support network for veterans across Ayrshire, has been launched with military precision by South Ayrshire’s veterans champion, Provost Winifred Sloan at Ayr Town Hall.
Veterans First Point Ayrshire has been established to support veterans, their families and friends, to support servicemen and women whether they have just left the armed forces recently or years ago.
A booklet that was launched at the event was created to help veterans and their families.
Containing information and contacts on housing, health and welfare, mental health, finance, careers and much more it quickly directs people to where they can get advice, guidance and support.
Speaking at the event, Provost Sloan said: “Today’s event reflects the hard work and dedication of a range of organisations who were determined to bring about the creation of Veterans First Point Ayrshire.
“Veterans, their families and friends will now be able to access free advice, guidance and support that will help them when they leave the armed forces.
“No matter how long they have served in the armed forces.
“Our servicemen and women need and deserve support when they make the transition to civilian life and that support needs to be sustained for years to come.
“These people are willing to literally lay down their lives for their country and we have a responsibility to be there for them when they need it.
“The new Veterans First Point Ayrshire information booklet is just the start.
“Specially-created and packed with information on who to contact for advice or guidance about a range of topics including finance, housing, health and employment the booklet is great, it will be invaluable to veterans, their families and friends with at a glance contact details.
“However there’s much more to come and we are already looking for permanent premises to create a drop-in centre for veterans and their families. This is just the start of more support for our deserving veterans.
“Veterans First Point Ayrshire is run by veterans for veterans, so there are people ready to help who really understand what veterans go through.
“I’m sure this new support network will be a great success and I look forward to continuing to work with all the partners involved to ensure that’s achieved.”
Veterans First Point Ayrshire is a joint project involving a wide range of partners: A (Ayrshire (Earl of Carrick’s Own) Yeomanry) Squadron, The Queen’s Own Yeomanry, Armed Forces Veterans Association, Ayr Housing Aid, Career Transition Partnership (CTP), Combat Stress, Forces Families Support Centre, Gardening Leave, Hands for Heroes, Help for Heroes, NHS Ayrshire & Arran; Public Partnership Forum, RAFA, Royal British Legion Scotland Monkton & Prestwick, RFEA, Royal British Legion Scotland Womens’ Section, South Ayrshire Council, SSAFA Forces Help Ayrshire Branch, Voluntary Action South Ayrshire.
Lance Corporal Michael Monaghan, (25), a war veteran who served in Afghanistan with the Queen’s Welsh Dragoon Guards in 2008, played a crucial part in launching Veterans First Point Ayrshire.
He said: “I am delighted to be part of the team who is going to be running it. As an injured soldier I know what it is like to come back from Afghanistan with mental health problems, money problems, etc.
“I have had help but nowhere near as much as Veterans First Point Ayrshire is offering which I find amazing because I know there are people out there who are interested in helping armed services men and women.
“It is great because it’s going to be run by veterans for veterans who may have been through the same problems. I strongly believe in the services they are offering – fantastic!”
Falklands veteran and artist, John Damari, also took part in the launch.
He is actively supporting Veterans First Point Ayrshire by exhibiting his artwork in the Council Chamber at Ayr Town Hall until Tuesday 28 June. Entry is free and his work will be for sale. John is donating 50% of all exhibition sales to the veterans.
John Damari said: “I am delighted as an artist to have the skills to create wonderful landscapes in support of Veterans First Point Ayrshire.
“I am sure that the proceeds from the paintings will be put to a very good use, so the veterans can benefit from funds raised by those wishing to support them.
“Servicemen and women who travel all over the world in support of our nation deserve our support. It is a great privilege for me to be part of such a wonderful support network for our veterans and to have the support of South Ayrshire Council, Provost Sloan and everyone else involved in Veterans First Point Ayrshire.”
For more information about Veterans First Point Ayrshire, visit http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/veterans or call 07527 845122.
South Ayrshire Council is a founder member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.
THE ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE
The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is an association founded in 2007 by some of the top companies in Ayrshire.
Its purpose is to publicise its members, and to celebrate and promote the wealth and rich diversity of entrepreneurial talent and business excellence that abounds here within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.
Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse, Western House Hotel, Turnberry Golf Resort and South Ayrshire Council. Member company activities include broadcasting, building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.
Frazer Coogans Commercial Solicitors senior partner Norman Geddes is executive chair of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle, and managing director is public relations consultancy Fame Publicity Services proprietor, Murdoch MacDonald.
Founder members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle:
South Ayrshire Council http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Clydesdale Bank http://www.cbonline.co.uk
Turnberry Hotel and Golf Resort http://www.turnberry.co.uk
Ayr Racecourse http://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Western House Hotel http://www.westernhousehotel.co.uk
CKD Galbraith Property Consultants http://www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Frazer Coogans Solicitors http://www.frazercoogans.co.uk
Accident & Injury Claims Centre http://www.accidentclaims.com
MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers http://www.mackaycorporate-brokers.com
Donald Ross Estate Agents: http://www.donaldross.co.uk
Westgale Ltd Building Contractors http://www.westgale.co.uk
Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants http://www.sinclairscott.com
Paligap Creative Agency http://www.paligap.com
ARP Lorimer & Associates Architects http://www.arpl.co.uk
JB Management – Training Providers http://www.jb-management.com
Brunston Castle Golf Club http://www.brunstoncastle.co.uk
Visimetrics http://www.visimetrics.com
Fouters Restaurant http://www.fouters.co.uk
Christie Financial Planning Ltd http://www.christiefp.com
Allison Lightbody Waddell Chartered Surveyors http://www.alwsurveyors.com
Kestrel Press http://www.kestrelpress.com
Fame Publicity Services Public Relations Consultancy http://www.famepublicity.co.uk
West Sound Radio http://www.westsound.co.uk
http://www.westfm.co.uk
Easton Property
Easton Kitchens & Bathrooms
For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail eliteayrshire@gmail.com
Website: http://www.eliteayrshire.com
Issued by:
Murdoch MacDonald
Fame Publicity Services
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