The Armed Service Advice Project (ASAP) is run by Scotland’s Citizens Advice Bureau network with the support of PoppyScotland and other military charities. It is a ‘one-stop shop’ offering free support to both current and former military personnel on a range of issues including housing, employment, finances and health.

As well as passing the 10,000 client milestone, ASAP has helped its clients gain more than £8 million by supporting them to access benefits, wages and compensation and to manage their finances.

ASAP co-ordinator Claire Williams said: “Today we are proud to announce that ASAP has helped over 10,000 military heroes across Scotland. That’s an average of six people every working day whose lives have been changed by expert advice and one-to-one support.

“But we want to help even more. We know there are people in the Armed Forces community who are suffering all sorts of problems in silence. Our message to them today is: we’ve helped over 10,000 of your colleagues. Now let us help you.

“Most military and ex-military personnel get by without needing any specialist support. But some do need a bit of help. They face the same kind of problems that civilians face – including issues like unemployment, debt, housing and money worries. But their situation can be that bit more complicated because of their military background. Many have mental or physical problems, and they are often un-sure where to get the specialist help they need. That’s what this service is all about: offering that kind of targeted one-to-one support.”

An example of a recent case where ASAP has helped people includes ‘Jon’ who approached ASAP for help following an eviction.

Jon is an army veteran who had found it difficult to adjust to civilian life, and by the time he came to ASAP he had no fixed address or mobile phone, no access to benefits, and wanted to challenge the eviction. He felt that he was on a downward spiral, with both his physical and mental health deteriorating.

The ASAP adviser worked with Jon for many months, helping him to engage with specialist advisers within the CAB and a range of external agencies. As Jon had no mobile or contact address, the ASAP adviser became his point of contact with all external agencies.

Eventually ASAP managed to establish a postal address for correspondence to be sent to so he could apply for benefits, secured him accommodation in a veterans’ residence, and supported him to engage with specialist services for veterans to help him with lifestyle management and employability skills.

Jon now has the stability and support he needs to make a fresh start.

Mark Bibbey, chief executive of PoppyScotland, added: “We are delighted to see ASAP going from strength to strength. It has had a hugely positive impact on the lives of thousands of veterans and their families over the past six years. Poppyscotland is committed to ensuring ASAP has the necessary funding in the coming years so it can continue to provide vital information and advice for those in the Armed Forces community who urgently need it.”