Scottish Veterans Residences, a charity founded in Edinburgh in 1910, have released a powerful new mini-documentary giving an insight into the impact of their work supporting homeless ex-servicemen and women.
The 11-minute video was produced by Edinburgh-based film-maker Rob Waugh, of digital content company Simmerdim, and has been launched to raise awareness of the services offered by Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) across their three sites at Whitefoord House in the Capital, Bellrock Close in Glasgow, and Rosendael in Dundee.
SVR provides accommodation and helps veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need, and their work includes tailored one-to-one support, counselling, occupational therapy, an activities programme, and a range of initiatives and partnerships to help them work towards independent living and successful transition to civilian life.
In the video, the charity’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Nadin, explains: “Veterans are all volunteers, but they are extraordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Where we can, we should make sure that veterans are never homeless. They served the nation, they did the nation’s bidding, and therefore I believe there is a duty to them to make sure they are safe and always accommodated.
“Our vision is for all veterans to live as independently as they are able in a place they are proud to call home.”
The emotive video includes a number of thought-provoking stories from residents and staff, including veteran James, who put a life of crime and substance misuse behind him, with the assistance of SVR.
He said: “This place gave me my first chance, and only chance in life to become the person I should have been. I’m not a mess anymore, and I’m not doing anything I shouldn’t be doing. I’m not looking over my shoulder anymore, I’m just looking forward. I don’t miss [SVR] because I used this place as a stepping stone. The day that I left, I felt ready to leave.”
Mark, another veteran, arrived at SVR at his lowest ebb, but emerged from crisis to rebuild his life, and now has his own flat and works for the charity. Looking back at his experience, Mark said: “I got into trouble with the police, which led then to the breakdown in my relationship and the breakdown of my mental health.
“When I first came here I literally have no recollection of the first few months here. My wife, who I still have a great relationship with, had said that before you got there you tried to kill yourself, so they literally saved my life.
“SVR saved my life, SVR rebuilt me. SVR gave me a purpose. They gave my family back their dad, their grandad, their husband.”
Leading the Activities programme at SVR, is former Royal Marines PT Darren Morgan, whose work was recognised this year at the Scottish Veterans Awards. He said: “The reason these residents have arrived within SVR is that the wheels have come off and one of my aims is to put those wheels back on.
“For someone who has maybe been cooped up for quite a while, not really having any direction, if they are willing to embark on that activity programme just to get them into the outdoors and get some fresh air again, it makes them realise that life definitely is worth living.”
If you are a Veteran who needs help, or know of someone who does, please contact Scottish Veterans Residences at info@svronline.org or visit www.svronline.org
Stephen Rafferty is a former crime correspondent at The Scotsman and was a staff reporter for the Daily Record and Edinburgh Evening News. He has freelanced for many of the Scottish and UK national newspaper titles. Got a story? Get in touch - stephen@theedinburghreporter.co.uk
