We are delighted to award a £37,000 grant to the Scottish charity Fares4Free, towards its support and transport services for former soldiers.
The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) funds a number of other charities and organisations that deliver practical care and support to veterans; and we are proud to support Fares4Free, which is a community of professionally trained outreach support drivers and volunteers committed to supporting soldiers and their families throughout Scotland. Its work is holistic, focusing on the overall wellbeing of the individuals it supports.
Fares4Free’s drivers are Mental Health First Aid and ASSIST- Suicide Prevention trained and can provide a calming and safe environment for passengers, especially after tough appointments.
The charity’s “More Than A Journey” project covers all of Scotland, including the Highland regions and other remote rural areas, where return hospital journeys can often take several hours. Former soldiers needing help with transport often have complex mental health conditions such as PTSD and severe anxiety, which require extra support.
Fares4Free works collaboratively alongside many charities, organisations, and local councils that are dedicated to helping veterans and their families. It also has over 50 partners providing various levels of support and advice to the people it supports.
Our grant will help the charity provide support and transport for around 35 former soldiers and their family members every month.
Marie Crombie, Chief Executive Officer, Fares4Free, said:
“We are grateful for the support we’ve received from the Army Benevolent Fund. Their commitment to supporting our mission enables us to provide critical assistance to veterans, and their families during times of need. This funding will enable us to support them to overcome barriers on their journey toward recovery and continued treatment pathways.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, said:
“We are always keen to support charities with a considered and holistic approach to the welfare of veterans. This year we were only too pleased to fund Fares4Free’s fantastic service, which is doing so much to improve the health and wellbeing of soldiers and their families.”
Read more about Fares4 Free here.