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Support for veterans

Get tailored financial advice and support for veterans and Forces families.

Supporting veterans and forces families

Our Affordability Officer, Cath Stone, brings not only years of experience supporting customers, but also a personal understanding of military life.

Cath joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service in November 1988, serving across the UK and overseas, including the United States, Belgium and Gibraltar. Her lived experience shapes the tailored support we provide to veterans and their families.

Cath’s military background

Cath describes her time in the Royal Navy as one of the most rewarding periods of her life — full of memorable experiences and friendships that have lasted for decades.

This background gives Cath a deep understanding of the unique challenges that veterans and Forces families can face when transitioning to civilian life.

Specialist support for veterans

Because of her experience, Cath can identify and access specialist funding, benefits and support that are specifically available to veterans.

She helps customers navigate systems that can often feel complex or overwhelming. Her combination of empathy, understanding and practical expertise ensures the support provided is both personal and effective.

Real financial impact

In 2025/26 Cath helped tenants — including veterans — to access an incredible £579,758.35 in financial support.

This support included:

  • Help with benefits
  • Grants
  • Budgeting support
  • Other forms of financial assistance

If you’re struggling with household costs, or would like advice on what support you may be entitled to, we’re here to help.

Contact Cath for confidential support

Local support for veterans and forces families

If you’re a veteran or part of a Forces family, there is a strong network of organisations across Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway offering practical, emotional and wellbeing support. Below is a guide to what’s available locally.

Confidential support with housing, mental health, finances, employment and social groups, including drop‑ins in Irvine and Kilmarnock.

Phone: 01294 310400
Website: https://www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk

Veterans First Point (Ayrshire & Arran)

Confidential support with housing, mental health, finances, employment and social groups, including drop‑ins in Irvine and Kilmarnock.

Phone: 01294 310400
Website: https://www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk

SSAFA Dumfries & Galloway

Practical, emotional and financial support for veterans and their families, delivered by trained local caseworkers.

Phone (Regional Office): 0141 488 8552
Email: ScottishRegional.Office@ssafa.org.uk

Veterans Garden Dumfries

A welcoming wellbeing space offering links to food support, mental health services, Poppy Scotland, Combat Stress and more.

Website: https://veteransgardendumfries.org/support-services/

NHS Scotland – Priority Care for Veterans
Veterans with service‑related health conditions are entitled to priority NHS treatment, where clinically appropriate.
Please speak to your GP for further information.
Veterans Assist Scotland

Access a coordinated network of veteran organisations, including Age Scotland and mental health support groups.

Age Scotland Helpline: 0800 12 44 222
Age Scotland Email: helpline@agescotland.org.uk
Veterans Project Email: veteransproject@agescotland.org.uk
Website: https://www.veterans-assist.org

Veterans’ Gateway – National Helpline

Your first point of contact for advice and referrals to veteran services across the UK.

0808 802 1212 (7 days a week)

You’re not alone

Whether you’re looking for practical help, someone to talk to, or support adjusting to civilian life, these organisations are here for you.

Please reach out — support is available when you need it.

Contact us