The volunteering charity TimeBank has been awarded a grant of £50,000 from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, to support Scottish soldiers who are struggling to adjust to civilian life and reduce their risk of social and economic isolation.
The grant will enable TimeBank to extend its volunteer mentoring project, Shoulder to Shoulder Erskine (S2SE), for a further year in partnership with the Scottish veterans’ charity Erskine, and to focus on the needs of ex-Army personnel.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of TimeBank, said: “Many ex-service men and women are in a state of crisis in their lives, with complex problems including financial hardship, homelessness, alcohol dependency and health issues. Volunteer mentoring can be a vital aid in their transition to sustainable, healthy and productive civilian lives.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff ABF The Soldiers’ Charity adds: “Whilst most soldiers transition to civilian life with very few problems, there are some that may find it difficult. The Soldiers’ Charity is delighted to be supporting TimeBank in its important work helping those veterans who are struggling.”