As the Army’s national charity, the Army Benevolent Fund delivers support to the Army family across the UK and in 51 countries worldwide.
Through our Scottish Grants Programme, we recently have awarded a total sum of £324,500 to charities operating in Scotland.
Darren Doherty, Director of Grants & Welfare at the Army Benevolent Fund, said:
“Our Scottish Grants Programme enables us to meet the particular needs of serving soldiers, veterans, and their families living in Scotland. By working with specialist charities that are experts in their field, alongside Scottish regiments, the serving Army in Scotland, and harnessing the expertise and understanding of the community provided by Veterans Scotland, we can ensure our benevolence support reaches the people who need it the most.”
Vector24
Vector24 is a Scottish charity providing welfare guidance and free transport to members of the Armed Forces. Its work focuses on removing practical barriers that prevent individuals from accessing healthcare, welfare services and community support. Through a network of trained staff and volunteers, many with military backgrounds, it delivers tailored journeys and signposting for those facing ill health, disability or isolation.
Our recent grant of £40,000 will help Vector24 expand its reach and strengthen partnerships with organisations including the NHS, local authorities and military charities, ensuring Army families can access vital services and remain connected.
Erskine
Erskine delivers specialist residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care to elderly veterans, which significantly improves quality of life, and the ABF is a longstanding funder of its important work.
Our most-recent funding of £150,000 will contribute towards the costs of caring for 106 Army beneficiaries currently living at the Erskine home in Bishopton. The grant will support Erskine’s crucial enhanced care services including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, as well as a daily programme of activities, events and trips.
Forces Children Scotland
A grant of £25,000 has been awarded to Forces Children Scotland to support children from Army families through a programme focused on mental wellbeing, resilience and community connection.
The funding will enable the development of an online welcome resource for children relocating to Army bases, helping them better understand their new surroundings before they arrive. It will also support early intervention mental health programmes delivered in schools and communities, alongside youth-led projects that empower young people to shape their local environments.
Veterans Housing Scotland
The ABF has awarded £15,000 to Veterans Housing Scotland to support financial advice services aimed at preventing homelessness among veterans.
The funding will contribute to the work of an Income Maximisation Officer, who supports more than 600 veterans and their families to manage their finances, maximise their income and cope with rising living costs. This support helps ensure individuals can maintain stable housing, meet essential costs and reduce financial stress.
Community Veterans Support
A grant of £20,000 has been awarded to Community Veterans Support to continue delivering practical and emotional support to veterans and their families as they reintegrate into civilian life.
The funding will support a range of initiatives, including weekly wellbeing walks, mental health support and community meals, all designed to reduce isolation and improve overall wellbeing. It will also contribute to courses on healthy eating and budgeting, helping veterans develop life skills, improve financial resilience and build confidence in daily life.