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New Scottish Veterans Residences video

Scottish Veterans Residences have released a powerful new mini-documentary giving an insight into the impact of their work supporting homeless ex-Servicemen and women. Watch the video on our Home Page or on You Tube here.

The 11-minute video was produced by Edinburgh-based film-maker Rob Waugh, of digital content company Simmerdim, and has been launched to raise awareness of the services offered by SVR across their three sites: at Whitefoord House in the Capital, Bellrock Close in Glasgow, and Rosendael in Dundee.

SVR provides accommodation and help to Veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in need, and their work includes tailored 1-to-1 support, counselling, occupational therapy, an activities programme, and a range of initiatives and partnerships to help them work towards a independent living and successful transition to civilian life.

In the video, the charity’s CEO Martin Nadin explains: “Veterans are all volunteers, but they are extraordinary people who have done extraordinary things. Where we can, we should make sure that Veterans are never homeless. They served the nation, they did the nation’s bidding, and therefore I believe there is a duty to them to make sure they are safe and always accommodated.

“Our vision is for all veterans to live as independently as they are able in a place they are proud to call home.”

The emotive video includes a number of thought-provoking stories from residents and staff, including Veteran James, who put a life of crime and substance misuse behind him, with the assistance of SVR.

He said: “This place gave me my first chance, and only chance in life to become the person I should have been. I’m not a mess anymore, and I’m not doing anything I shouldn’t be doing. I’m not looking over my shoulder anymore, I’m just looking forward. I don’t miss [SVR] because I used this place as a stepping stone. The day that I left, I felt ready to leave.”

Mark, another Veteran, arrived at SVR at his lowest ebb, but emerged from crisis to rebuild his life, and now has his own flat and works for the charity.

Looking back at his journey, Mark says: “I got into trouble with the police, which led then to the breakdown in my relationship and the breakdown of my mental health. When I first came here I literally have no recollection of the first few months here. My wife, who I still have a great relationship with, had said that before you got there you tried to kill yourself, so they literally saved my life.

“SVR saved my life, SVR rebuilt me. SVR gave me a purpose. They gave my family back their Dad, their Grandad, their husband.”

Leading the Activities programme at SVR, is former Royal Marine PT Darren Morgan, whose work was recognised this year at the Scottish Veterans Awards. He says: “The reason these residents have arrived within SVR is that the wheels have come off and one of my aims is to put those wheels back on.

“For those who are willing to embark on regular activity, and create some structure in their life, you see such a huge benefit for someone who has maybe been cooped up for quite a while, not really having any direction. If they are willing to embark on that activity programme just to get them into the outdoors and get some fresh air again, it makes them realise that life definitely is worth living.”

SVR would like to thank Video creator Rob Waugh for a job incredibly well done. Reflecting on the project, he said: "To spend almost a year working with an organisation, getting to know the stories, understand the ethos, plan to showcase the best of what they do, then pull it all together in what is essentially a mini-documentary, that was satisfying. Hard, but satisfying. 

"What was really refreshing about this project was that there was no deadline. They just wanted it done right. No rushing to just get it done and published. It allowed time to think. And that might even be the true understanding of the value SVR offer to those it helps. It gives people unrushed spaced to clear their heads and rebuild, with the support of great professionals."

If you are a Veteran who needs help, or know of someone who does, please contact Scottish Veterans Residences at info@svronline.org or visit www.svronline.org