CVS / Venture Trust
Jamie Hepburn MSP Meeting
We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Veterans, Jamie Hepburn for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP, in our Quiet Room recently.
The visit reflects our ongoing partnership with Venture Trust and our shared commitment to supporting the veteran community.
Venture Trust visits CVS
We were pleased to welcome Mark and Abigail from Venture Trust to the centre recently to hear about the relaunch of their Outdoor Therapy service for veterans across Greater Glasgow.
Supported by the Scottish Veterans Fund and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, this free service offers one-to-one counselling in local green spaces, providing an alternative to traditional indoor therapy for veterans experiencing mental health challenges, trauma, isolation, or difficulties adjusting to civilian life.
For more information, follow the link below:
Armed Forces Week
As we draw closer to Armed Forces Day tomorrow, we topped off our 'Armed Forces Week' events at the Centre with a bang.
Tuesday: Brilliant visit to Edinburgh Castle courtesy of Army Benevolent Fund
Wednesday: Was our Armed Forces Day 'We'll Meet Again' farewell to 'Scoff & Banter'
Friday: Our Doors Open Day kicked off with awesome free food and refreshments. We raised the roof with songsmith Charlie Gorman of Music In Hospitals & Care
We also played host to RW Poppyscotland 'Bud' Bus and team in its final outing, telling stories of challenge and hope.
Police Scotland Youth Volunteers enthusiastically supported the day, helping in the Centre, running an archery stance and camo face painting and bringing the local community up to the Centre. Huge thanks to Officers Johnnie Sinnerton and Garry Baxter!
Last but not least, one of our civilian volunteers ,Bob Robert McCheyne brought his authentic USMC Vietnam military Jeep to the party. Thanks Bob.
Army Benevolent Fund/CVS: Edinburgh Castle Visit
Terrific visit to the Army Benevolent Fund HQ in Edinburgh Castle today. Highlights included a thorough brief from Major John Donovan (Rtd), Regional Director, Scotland & NI on both the history of the Castle and the roles of the ABF. Then it was off to visit memorials and museums before a bespoke tour of the 1 o' clock Gun. Thank you John and team ABF for an outstanding visit!
Armed Forces Week Farewell Scoff & Banter
3 Years ago they said it wouldn't work..veterans and civvies sharing the same space? Last night we said farewell to our community engagement project, 'Scoff & Banter'. Three years of weekly event management, three years of locals enjoying an evening of free entertainment - terrific food (3,744 meals plated), prize bingo and, of course, Karaoke. Great friendships made along the way and positive lessons learned for the future.
On the back of this venture, we have branched out into other areas of community partnership with University of Glasgow GRID Riverside project, making music with 12 Guitars, Govan Housing Association, The Glasgow Barons to name only a few.
Huge shout out to our veterans for making this a great success, to the good people of Govan who turned up faithfully week by week and to the Scottish Government for funding us through Veterans Scotland. What next? Watch this space.
