Age Scotland aims to bring older veterans back into the circle
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To mark Armed Forces Day at the weekend Age Scotland launched Comradeship Circles, a new service offering older armed forces veterans opportunities to enjoy weekly group chats with each other by phone.
From this week veterans aged 50 and older - including Regulars, Reservists, National Service men and Merchant seafarers who have been part of a UK military operation - can register to join.
Veterans’ spouses, widows and widowers may also join.
Comradeship Circles co-ordinator Rachel Connor said: “Over the last three years through our Veterans Project Age Scotland has been working with and got to know the veterans’ community.
"We’ve been inspired by the care and support members of that community give each other – the comradeship they share is truly a bond of friendship beyond what is typical in civilian life.
“During the coronavirus outbreak many veterans’ charities and community groups have created opportunities for veterans to enjoy comradeship using video-conferencing apps.
"Our big concern is for those older veterans who are unable or prefer not to use the internet, and so miss out on these opportunities.
“Through Comradeship Circles they can now enjoy banter and share memories of military life with each other in by phone, in groups of up to six for about an hour, at the same time and on the same day each week.
"One of our facilitators will be on hand just in case, but mostly will leave to the veterans to speak to each other.”
Former army chief George is just the kind of veteran Comradeship Circles aims to benefit.
Since February has had a weekly call from Age Scotland volunteer Elly as he was feeling lonely and isolated.
Volunteer Elly said: “We have found we have common interests including walking and wildlife appreciation.
“George talks quite a bit about his health: it’s good he can as he doesn’t get this chance with anyone else.”
Through the new Comradeship Circles project, Age Scotland plans to offer George, and veterans like him, opportunities to ‘re-join the tribe’ by telephone.
The charity would also like to hear from community groups interested in partnering to establish a Comradeship Circle for older veterans they work with.
To register your interest in joining you can call the Age Scotland helpline on: 08001 244 222.
