New local service targets veterans' needs across Stirling
Stirling has launched a dedicated advice service aimed at former and current members of the Armed Forces and their dependants to tackle a wide range of practical and welfare problems, including homelessness, debt and benefit entitlements.
The Armed Services Advice Service (ASAS) is being provided through the local Citizens Advice Bureau and will offer what organisers describe as holistic, wide-ranging support on issues such as benefits, debt, employment, housing and homelessness, energy and legal matters, as well as relationship and money problems.
The new service was established after the bureau engaged with a local veteran who had been living alone in a van and required urgent help. The man, who suffers from multiple mental and physical health conditions including high anxiety and short-term memory loss, approached the charity with nowhere to stay.
"The Armed Services Advice Service (ASAS) is being offered to people who served or have served in the Armed Forces or are dependants of someone who has."
ASAS advisors acted to liaise with Stirling Council's Homeless Team on the client's behalf and arranged a homeless presentation. Recognising the veteran's anxiety about attending alone, an ASAS adviser accompanied him to Springkerse House to support him through the process.
Following the presentation, the veteran was offered a council flat that met his health needs and later secured accommodation in the town where his elderly mother lives, with a planned move next month to assist her. Advisors also referred him to the Housing First scheme to access further tailored support for vulnerable people experiencing homelessness.
Services on offer and local impact
Local veterans' groups and advisers say the intervention demonstrates how targeted, person-centred support can prevent long-term destitution and reduce pressures on statutory services. The Stirling example underlines the practical difference timely advocacy and navigation of the benefits and housing systems can make.
- Benefits advice — help to identify entitlements and complete claims.
- Housing and homelessness — liaison with council housing teams and referral to specialist schemes such as Housing First.
- Debt and money management — assistance with budgeting, negotiating with creditors and applying for support.
- Mental and physical health navigation — referrals and accompaniment when needed to reduce barriers to access.
- Employment and legal guidance — support finding work or resolving legal matters linked to service or civilian life.
The Citizens Advice intervention was notable for the adviser accompanying the veteran to his council appointment — a practical measure that ensured the man was supported during the crucial decision-making stage. That level of hands-on advocacy is central to ASAS's model in Stirling.
| Issue | ASAS response |
|---|---|
| Immediate homelessness | Arranged homeless presentation and supported attendance |
| Vulnerability and health needs | Secured accommodation meeting health requirements and referred to Housing First |
| Longer-term stability | Helped arrange move to support family responsibilities |
What this means for Stirling's veteran community
For veterans in Stirling, ASAS offers a single point of access to advice that recognises the complexity of problems many face after leaving the services. The combination of benefits guidance, housing advocacy and mental health-aware practice is designed to reduce repeated crises and enable sustainable outcomes.
Local agencies say the service will work closely with Stirling Council, Housing First providers and health services. That co-ordination aims to ensure the council's statutory duties are met while providing the additional support that can make council offers workable for people with health and social care needs.
Citizens Advice and partner organisations are encouraging veterans, serving personnel and their families to contact the local ASAS for help. Early intervention, they argue, can prevent cases from escalating into entrenched homelessness or financial destitution.
Further details on how to access the service were provided by the local Citizens Advice Bureau when the scheme was launched.
