Members of the Armed Forces community in West Dunbartonshire are to receive support from a new welfare service.

Poppyscotland, which will launch a new service in the coming months, is on the lookout for two people in Dunbartonshire to help deliver the new initiative.

From early summer, a new team of six will deliver the service, which will significantly enhance Poppyscotland’s already comprehensive range of support.

The charity reaches out to those who have served, those still serving, and their families at times of crisis and need by offering vital, practical advice, assistance and funding.

The service will have national capability, but, critically, will have a local focus and be tailored to the specific needs of each individual.

Gary Gray, the head of welfare services at Poppyscotland, said: “This is a hugely exciting period for Poppyscotland’s Welfare Services team.

"The implementation of the welfare support service will offer us a unique opportunity to deliver support in the communities across Scotland; providing a holistic, person-centred support to individuals who are particularly vulnerable and have complex needs.”

Chris Fisher, who served in the Royal Navy from 1970 to 1977 and now lives in Helensburgh with his wife Julie, has received help in the past from Poppyscotland.

Chris suffers from a progressive and degenerative disability, in which his body has been trying to form a foetal position.

He only has the use of his left hand and his hips and knees have fused, meaning getting anywhere was impossible until Poppyscotland provided a grant for a specially adapted van which allows Chris to get out and about.

On the help he has received, Chris says: “The difference the support has made is huge. I have much more freedom and independence now and cannot thank Poppyscotland enough for all that they have done for me.

“Looking ahead, it’s great to hear of the new welfare support service that will help other veterans like me to access the right support in the right location.

"The local focus will be so important, especially given the complexity of so many of the cases that Poppyscotland deals with.

"My own condition is incredibly rare, so it will prove invaluable in the future for those in need to have a named point of contact.”

For more information about the new roles, go to poppyscotland.org.uk/about-us/current-vacancies/

If interested, send your CV and covering letter to recruitment@poppyscotland.org.uk by January 23.