Facts & Statistics » Compared to their English and Welsh counterparts, veterans living in Scotland are:
• 10% more likely to become homeless
• 8% more likely to suffer from mental health problems
• 5% more likely to have financial problems
• 5% more likely to have a criminal record
• 3% more likely to suffer from alcohol problems
One in five of the Scottish population is a member of the veterans' community (ex-Service person or spouse/dependant of ex-Service person)
Recent research showed that some 350,000 members of the veterans' community have potential welfare needs.
Over 70,000 members for the British Armed Forces have served in Afghanistan since 2001, and over 100,000 served in Iraq between 2003 and 2009.
Since 2002 the number of individuals who received a one-off financial grant from Poppyscotland has fallen by 10% but the average amount required for each case has increased by 66%.
In the past 5 years Poppyscotland has provided over £1 million to Erskine and £1 million to Scottish Veterans Garden City Association.
Our sister charity Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory supports employment for veterans with disabilities. There are currently 33 veterans employed, aged between 30 and 72. Between them they have seen active service in every campaign from Korea to the first Gulf War.
Around 5 million poppies, 60,000 collecting tins and 10,000 wreaths are distributed each year.
Poppyscotland enjoys the support of an army of 600 local area organisers and 10,000 local volunteers.
In 2010 the Scottish Poppy Appeal raised a record £2.35 million, a 5% increase on the previous year and a 50% increase over the past five years.
