Erskine Veterans Charity

Erskine Veterans Charity







Contact 

Website: https://www.erskine.org.uk/ 
Get Support: https://www.erskine.org.uk/get-support 
Registered Office: The Erskine Home, Erskine Veterans Village, Bishopton, Renfrewshire, PA7 5PU, Scotland.

What this organisation does

Erskine Veterans Charity is one of Scotland's leading charities supporting military veterans. Operating since 1916, the organisation provides a range of care, accommodation and wellbeing services designed to support former service personnel and, in some cases, their spouses and families. 
While Erskine is not a seafarer-specific charity, it may be relevant to former Merchant Navy personnel who have also served in the Armed Forces, veterans from Royal Navy backgrounds, or family members seeking specialist veteran support in Scotland. Based on individual circumstances, referrals may also be appropriate through the wider seafarer welfare network.

Who can use the service

Erskine's services are primarily intended for:
  • Military veterans living in Scotland. 
  • Former servicemen and women from a variety of backgrounds and service histories. 
  • Elderly or disabled veterans who require care, assisted living or home support services. 
  • Certain spouses or partners where eligibility criteria apply, particularly within assisted living and home support services. 
Eligibility varies depending on the service required and should be confirmed directly with Erskine before referral.

Support available

Erskine provides several forms of support for veterans:

Care Homes

Specialist care homes offering residential nursing and personal care in veteran-focused environments. These homes are designed to provide long-term care in comfortable surroundings with staff experienced in supporting the veteran community. 

Activity Centres

Community-based activity centres in Bishopton and Forres that aim to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and support veterans living independently in the community. 

Assisted Living Apartments

Accommodation and support services for elderly or disabled veterans and, where eligible, their spouse. This option allows residents to maintain greater independence while accessing assistance as needed.

Home Support

Support delivered directly in a veteran's own home by experienced staff. Services are designed to help veterans and spouses continue living independently with practical assistance and wellbeing support.

Transitional Supported Accommodation

Housing and support for service leavers and veterans whose transition plans have broken down or who require additional assistance during a difficult period of change. 

Features and benefits

Erskine may help eligible veterans and their families by:
  • Accessing specialist veteran-focused care and support. 
  • Maintaining independence through assisted living and home support services. 
  • Reducing loneliness and social isolation through activity centres and community engagement. 
  • Receiving support from staff who understand military service and veteran-related challenges. 
  • Finding safe accommodation during periods of transition or crisis. 
  • Accessing services that support both wellbeing and quality of life.

How to get help

  1. Visit the Erskine Get Support page: https://www.erskine.org.uk/get-support
  2. Review the service most relevant to your circumstances, such as care homes, home support or transitional accommodation. 
  3. Contact Erskine through the website to discuss eligibility and availability. 
  4. Be prepared to provide information about military service history and current support needs if requested.
  5. If you are a seafarer or fishing family member and are unsure whether Erskine is the right service, contact Seafarer Support for guidance and referral options.

Things to check before contacting them

Before making contact, it may be helpful to:
  • Confirm that the applicant meets the veteran eligibility requirements.
  • Check whether support is available in the applicant's location.
  • Gather any relevant service history information.
  • Identify the specific type of support required, such as accommodation, home support or residential care.
  • Ask about waiting times, referral requirements and supporting documentation where applicable.