In my constituency of Edinburgh South West, I am proud have two large military bases, Dreghorn and Redford Barracks.  

On visits to the bases, I have witnessed the incredible service of the men and women there. However, I know that too often, when service members leave the military, they are faced with great challenges.  

Every year about 2,000 men and women are discharged from the armed forces due to an injury, illness or mental health condition.  

While some of these veterans may be dealing with short term conditions, others have disabilities that will have a profound impact on the rest of their lives.  Adequate resources and support must be in place for these disabled veterans.  

I’m proud that last year this Government committed £3.5 million of support for services for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.  However, I would also like to recognise the key role that many veterans’ charities provide for disabled veterans.  This support is often vital in helping disabled veterans address their mental and physical disabilities.   

In February, I was sad to see Veterans First Point Lothian, located in my honourable friend for Edinburgh South’s constituency, hold its final drop-in session. I know this service was a lifeline for many of my constituents who are veterans, providing a one-stop-shop for advice.  

However, many services remain, providing much needed support for veterans across Edinburgh.  

The Edinburgh Smart Centre which hosts the National Specialist Prosthetics Service provides incredible support to those dealing with limb loss. In my constituency of Edinburgh South West, Sight Scotland work each day to support veterans impacted by sight loss. Their support ranges from financial and digital literacy to support participating in sports, to help with independent living.  

We must ensure that our veterans remain able to live independent and fruitful lives despite any physical injuries they may face.  

Housing  
It is necessary to support disabled veterans in every aspect of their lives.  For many disabled veterans, securing long-term and accessible affordable housing remains a real challenge, with incredibly high levels of demand across Scotland.  

Veterans Housing Scotland tells me that for each property advertised there are between 6 and 8 applications, and in 90% of cases, these applications are made when the individuals are homeless or facing imminent homelessness.  

Within Edinburgh these pressures are made only more acute by the wider housing crisis the city faces.  Affordability pressures are huge, especially for those in receipt of benefits or fixed incomes, and the stock of accessible housing for disabled veterans remains harmfully low.  

Stronger collaboration between local authorities, housing providers and veteran’s charities is crucial to provide as strong of a support system as possible. However, collaboration is not enough, and sustainable funding for tenancy support services is vital.  

Financial Support  
Disabled veterans also deserve secure financial lives. Yet significant challenges exist for veterans interacting with our benefits and pensions systems.  

Constituents have informed me of the complexity of interactions between the military benefits and pensions system with the civilian system.  

In some cases, this has left constituents without the benefits or pensions they are entitled to or created undue stress and anxiety for those that may already be dealing with significant mental health challenges.  

Our disabled veterans must also have a secure and affordable retirement waiting for them.  

I have heard from multiple residents that the systems for accessing pensions and military benefits are made trickier by low staffing levels and slow progress.  

I am glad to hear that new staff and now being trained and recruited. However, it is crucial that the MoD ensures this turns into a tangible improvement in the processes for disabled veterans, many of whom may deal accessibility issues making their interactions with the service that much more difficult.   

Conclusion  
As speakers today have raised it is vital we support our disabled veterans withs support tailored to their mental and physical disabilities.  

However, when offering this support, it must come in a holistic and whole person approach, that ensures disabled veterans have access to a good quality of life, adequate housing and a secure financial future.