We are delighted to award Poppyscotland with a funding boost of £65,000 to help with its support service which was launched by a group of charities in 2010. The Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) has helped more than 15,000 members of the Armed Forces community in the past decade.
Through trained advisers, it offers specialist guidance on a wide range of issues including benefits, debt, housing and employment. The service operates in 11 regions of the country – from Ayrshire to Aberdeen – and it is estimated that for every £1 of funding received, there is a client financial gain of £4.05.
ASAP, which is in large part-funded by Poppyscotland, works in partnership with the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureau.
Gary Gray, the Head of Welfare Services at Poppyscotland, said: “We know access to tailored information, advice and support is vitally important and since 2010 ASAP has made a massive difference to the lives of thousands of veterans and their families. This generous funding boost of £65,000 from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will ensure this vital work will go on.”
Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive, Derek Mitchell said: “The Scottish Citizens Advice network is there to offer advice and advocacy on behalf of everyone in Scotland and we are proud that for a decade we have run the specialist Armed Services Advice Project.
“The scheme has been a real success story over the past ten years with thousands of people helped and more money going back into the pockets of people across the country. Members of the Forces and their families make tremendous sacrifices for their communities and their country. The least we can do is play our part in ensuring they get the advice and support they need.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldiers’ Charity adds: “We are delighted to award Poppyscotland with a substantial grant to help the charity continue providing vital services to veterans and their families in Scotland. The Armed Forces Advice Project has been running for the past 10 years which shows in itself the positive impact it’s having on our Army family. Providing our veterans with advice and support to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life is invaluable and we are pleased to be able to assist Poppyscotland with carrying out its work.”