Scottish Forces Charity celebrates 5th anniversary
Written by author on January 28, 2014
‘South West Scotland RnR’, which provides activity holidays for injured servicemen on their return from Afghanistan, will mark their 5th anniversary on the 26th January. During the five years, the house in the coastal village of Carsethorn on the Solway Firth has hosted over 400 returning servicemen for a week long holiday.
Charity Founder Jennefer Tobin explains:
“When we first opened the house to give holidays I had no idea or thought for how it would develop; it was enough to just get through each week. My thought on seeing the combatants returning was, they need a holiday. This is what we have done for five years. This fight with people of medieval values and up to date weaponry in a country with unidentified legacy minefields and a population with shifting loyalties has brought new problems to be overcome by our young fighting men and women. Putting yourself in harm’s way for the benefit of the nation has never been so difficult. Taking the opportunity to show our appreciation is the least we can do.
To commemorate the fifth anniversary several new developments are being introduced to reflect the current climate and the on-going withdrawal from Afghanistan. The holidays are now available to veterans and also to bereaved families. It’s a timely decision as the Scottish Government announced last week that they were appointing a new Scottish Veterans Commissioner. It is estimated that there are 400,000 veterans living in Scotland and SWS RnR want to ensure that the option of a holiday is available to this growing group to help boost morale and confidence and provide time-out. The first group of Veterans are currently staying at the holiday house in Carsethorn, they come from regiments all over the UK.
Groups holidaying at the house are able to take part in outdoor activities such as clay pigeon shooting and water sports as well as enjoy the peaceful and beautiful coastal location.
Tobin explains more:
“We are delighted to be able to invite veterans to stay for the first time; we’ve taken on a new Army Liaison role within the charity, which means we can host a group of individuals rather than a group from a single unit. We are keen to get as many people involved in fundraising so that we can provide as many holidays as possible. Each holiday costs £3000 for a group of ten, which includes activities, food and accommodation. This is £60 per day for one person. We commit to putting every penny raised towards a holiday. If there are groups out there looking for a good cause to back, please get in touch and you can donate via our website www.southwestscotlandrnr.org.uk”
For more information on South West Scotland RNR please go to www.southwestscotlandrnr.org.uk
