A new advice service has been launched in Stirling to support veterans and their dependants with a range of issues, including benefits, debt, housing, and legal matters.
The Armed Services Advice Service (ASAS) is being offered to people who served or have served in the Armed Forces, or are dependants of someone who has. It will provide wide-ranging and holistic advice on benefits, debt, money issues, relationships, employment, housing and homelessness, energy, and legal issues.
Veteran living in van helped by new service
The service was launched following interaction from Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau with a local veteran who was living on his own in his van when he approached the charity with nowhere else to go. He had been living in his van for several months and suffers from mental and physical health conditions, including high anxiety, depression, other illnesses, and short-term memory loss, which affects several daily tasks.
The ASAS advisor phoned Stirling Council Homeless Team to arrange an appointment for the client to do a homeless presentation. The advisor also referred the client to Housing First for additional support for vulnerable homeless individuals.
Support through the process
The man felt anxious about attending the homeless presentation alone, so the ASAS advisor attended with him at Springkerse House to support him. During the presentation, he was offered a flat that is part of Stirling Council's homeless accommodation and met his health needs. The advisor checked that the terms of the agreement were clear, and he confirmed they were and signed.
A few months later, the veteran was offered accommodation in the town where his elderly mother resides and will move in next month to assist her needs.
Service details
Craig Anderson, CEO of Stirling CAB, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received funding to deliver this vital service to veterans and their dependants across the Stirling area.”
“Transitioning from military life to ‘civvy street’ can prove very difficult for many and the Armed Services Advice Service is here to help inform, enable and empower, and make things easier for the veteran community.”
The service can be accessed by phone on 07983451739 or 01786470239, or online at asas@stirling.cas.org.uk or bureau@StirlingCAB.casonline.org.uk, from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm.
