V1P Lanarkshire First Blog Post
Welcome to the V1P Lanarkshire Blog
We are excited to launch this new monthly blog as a space to connect with veterans across Lanarkshire. Our blog will be updated on or around the last Thursday of every month.
Our aim is to use this platform to:
- Share psychologically informed information that can support the well-being of veterans
- Highlight useful resources, organisations, and local updates that may support veterans in their day-to-day lives
At Veterans First Point (V1P) Lanarkshire, we offer support to veterans living in the area. A team of veteran peer support workers (VPSWs) and psychologists help provide this care, supported by our project administrator. By working together, we provide both practical and emotional support, and structured therapeutic work, while also linking veterans to wider services and organisations that suit their needs.
For this first blog post, we would like to introduce the different components of V1P Lanarkshire, and share a little about the people who work within them.
Project Administration
Often the first point of contact for many veterans, our project administrator plays a vital role in ensuring the service runs smoothly. She enjoys the customer service side of her role, speaking with veterans, helping them feel at ease, and supporting them as they move through the service. She also supports a range of processes behind the scenes.
A bit more about her: With a background in computer science and various NHS experience, she took time out of her career to raise her family before joining V1P at its very beginning. Outside of work, she enjoys running, cooking, and arts and crafts.
Veteran Peer Support Workers (VPSWs)
Our VPSWs provide both practical and emotional support. Having a rich experience of military life themselves, they bring a deep understanding of military life, culture, and the unique challenges that come with transitioning to civilian life.
They work closely with veterans to organise a package of care, drawing on their own experiences, linking in with local organisations, and building pathways of support that fit individual needs which is supported by the wider team.
A bit more about them: Our VPSWs have been based and operational across numerous countries, including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They value the strong sense of belonging, as well as the dedication and support within the wider V1P team. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time with family, keeping active and have a real passion for cycling.
Psychology
Our psychology team brings a range of experience and therapeutic approaches, aiming to help veterans build an understanding of their difficulties and develop ways to manage, reduce and live alongside them.
For our psychologists, the value lies in building trusting relationships with veterans, creating a safe space where veterans feel heard, supported, and respected. Working alongside the wider V1P team is also something they find hugely valuable.
A bit more about them: Interests within the psychology team range from aviation and swimming to attending music concerts and escape rooms.
Looking Ahead
We hope this first blog has given you a sense of who we are and the different roles that make up V1P Lanarkshire. Each month, we will be sharing information, resources, and updates that we hope will be useful to you and the veteran community across Lanarkshire.
Thank you for taking the time to read and we look forward to sharing more with you soon.