Halcro Johnston speaks up for veterans’ support
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has called for improved services for veterans and their families across the region.
The Conservative MSP spoke in a Scottish Parliament debate earlier this week on the creation of the first UK-wide Veteran’s Strategy. He used the speech to give his backing to a new pilot project delivered by Skills Development Scotland and the Ministry of Defence that provides bespoke careers guidance to veterans in Moray and the Highland Council area.
Mr Halcro Johnston also raised the need for change and innovation in how ex-servicemen and women are supported when they leave the armed forces, with a focus on re-entering civilian employment.
Speaking today, Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“It is very welcome that, for the first time ever, we now have an agreed strategy on supporting veterans across the whole of the UK.
“The strategy identifies six key areas where support is most needed over the next ten years: community and relationships, employment and skills, health and wellbeing, finance and debt, housing, and contact with the law.
“One of the main hurdles that armed forces veterans face is finding in finding a civilian job and adapting to civilian life. And the same can also be true for spouses who have had their career opportunities narrowed by supporting their loved ones while they are serving their country.
“We need to be there to offer advice and help when it is needed and to harness the numerous skills that a period in the armed forces provides. We have a great opportunity to make real improvements in how we help our veterans and their families; people who have given so much to keep us all safe.”
