Anger as ‘lifesaving’ project for veterans to close after funding is withdrawn

Armed forces veterans and their families say they have been betrayed by the axing of a lifeline project just days before Remembrance Sunday.

The Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) has been earmarked for closure at the end of October, leaving vulnerable veterans without support.

Established in 2010, ASAP has given nearly 120,000 pieces of advice to more than 21,500 people in Scotland – not just veterans but also those currently serving and their families.

A Scots veteran who used the scheme after being diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) relating to his military service said people would die if the project was ditched.

The scheme, which operates across Scotland, has helped people access some £20 million in benefits and compensation but staff have been told the project will shut on October 30 due to funding cuts.

Former RAF corporal John Kilpatrick, from Stirling, said: “This is a disgrace because ASAP has saved people from ending up in coffins.

“When this project goes, people will die, it is as simple as that. I have Complex PTSD and ASAP have helped me a lot.

“It seems that there is a breakdown of the infrastructure to help veterans in Scotland. We need to stop this and say enough is enough.”

Another veteran criticised the decision to cut the life-saving project, calling it a betrayal that disregarded the needs of struggling people and undermines claims that Britain is the best country for veterans.

They said: “This is a betrayal, pure and simple. Suits in London want to make savings and they have drawn a red line through this lifesaving project regardless of what it means for people battling to survive.

“It is an absolute disgrace and yet again makes a mockery of the inane claim that Britain is on track to be the best country in the world for veterans.

“This project deals with people in real distress. ASAP’s help can unlock some extra cash that enables people to get a home, heat their home or take a taxi to a medical appointment rather than struggling with public transport.

“The Royal British Legion and PoppyScotland merged in 2011 but it was not a merger of equals.

“PoppyScotland provides the funding for ASAP but they have been reined in by the Royal British Legion.

“The Legion is the bigger, more corporate organisation and they are clearly now flexing their muscles and pushing for a takeover.”

An internal ASAP email seen by The Sunday Post said: “Armed Services Advice Project, the highly successful partnership which was established in 2010 between PoppyScotland and Citizens Advice Scotland, is to end on 31 October 2024 resulting in the loss, Scotlandwide, of the vital service for serving members, veterans and dependents of the armed forces community.

“Following short notice by The Royal British Legion that the funding has been discontinued, the impact will be felt by veterans and armed forces community services across Scotland that have, over the years, relied on the skills and knowledge of their own discreet Citizens Advice Bureau specialist service, ASAP, to support some of the most vulnerable members.”

PoppyScotland figures show that ASAP has helped clients gain access to more than £20.7m since the scheme launched in September 2010.

Former Royal Signals soldier Jo Wilkinson, who runs the Wee Country Veterans project, said: “This is a huge blow.

“It is disgusting and a move which leaves veterans out in the cold. It all seems to be about putting money over people’s lives.”

In 2011, the UK Government launched the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise from the nation to ensure those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in accessing public and commercial services.

Former soldier Cammy MacLeod, of PTSD charity Who Dares Cares, said: “This shows the Armed Forces Covenant is meaningless and an empty gesture. This is clearly a betrayal of the armed forces community in Scotland but it is not a purely Scotland v England thing. ASAP helps not only Scottish veterans specifically but many English, Welsh and Northern Ireland veterans who have settled in Scotland.

“This is really about an organisation forgetting what it was set up to do and it signals the beginning of the end of PoppyScotland. This is the withdrawal of a highly respected and trusted advice service which worked tirelessly during lockdown as essential workers and again during this cost-of-living crisis.

“Staff have helped people navigate the withdrawal of winter fuel allowance and the transition from Department of Work and Pensions benefits to Social Security Scotland and a Scottish benefit system.

“What will a Royal British Legion call centre in Wales know about Scots law, housing, benefits and all the rest?”

In 2021, the Royal British Legion was accused of being too corporate and out of touch when the veterans organisation spent more than £100,000 designing a new logo.

Former servicemen were left “dumbfounded” at the “gross misuse” of money spent on the rebranding job.

The RBL, which has an annual income of around £150m and bank reserves of almost £70m, launched its new logo to coincide with the charity’s centenary year.

A spokesman for RBL and Poppyscotland said: “We understand concern can be caused when the way services are delivered changes however we would like to reassure members of the Armed Forces community that there will be no gap in the provision of support going forwards, and our aim is to enhance and improve how veterans, serving personnel, and their loved ones, access support in Scotland.

“Together Poppyscotland and the RBL spend more than £1.5m per year in providing a full range of welfare support, including an urgent support service available 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. With our expanded services and increased investment, we are confident no one will go without the support they need and deserve, and we would urge anyone in need of help to contact us as soon as possible.”