Poppy charity is backing heroes
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A LEADING veteran’s charity is continuing to support the Armed Forces community in the Highlands a century on from the Armistice.
Poppyscotland published the five-year impact report for its Inverness welfare centre last week.
It revealed that more than 3000 current and former service personnel, as well as their carers and families, have received assistance from the centre.
The report coincided with the official launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal at Inverness Town House, while a memorial stone has also been unveiled at the city’s war memorial.
The charity’s head of fundraising Gordon Michie says the continued support for the centre from the community is crucial.
Speaking at the launch event, he said: "In Inverness we are very grateful for the support of the local community. The welfare centre has been a big success since it opened.
"The money raised from the Poppy Appeal goes towards our work across the whole country, but a good amount is invested in the Highlands and it’s very important that we remember that the money we are raising now helps those who are in need today as a consequence of the most recent conflicts.
"There is a strong military tradition in this area, and we have strong team who can not only signpost services, they can also help directly."
The Inverness welfare centre provides year-round support to the Armed Forces community, and its manager Nina Semple believes having a constant presence in the city is essential.
"Having that year-round presence is so important," she said.
"You can’t predict people’s needs and you can’t predict when they will arise, so to have that presence in the centre of Inverness where we can be there for people immediately is pretty important.
"The plan is to build on the knowledge and experience we’ve gained.
"What we are trying to do is reach out further and improve outcomes for people here."
