COUNCIL bosses have pledged to improve their service to help Army veterans and their families.

Inverclyde Council’s customer service representatives have received specialist training to assist local residents who are part of the service personnel community. 

Customer service staff will either help customers at the first point of contact, or refer on them to services where specialist support is provided such as medical treatments, benefits, housing or employment.

Veterans support advisor, Jane Duncan, has been appointed to work across Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire councils. 

Jane served 22 years with the Army’s Royal Signal Corps, which included tours in Kosovo and Bosnia as well as three tours of Northern Ireland.

She said: “When we use the word ‘veteran’, there’s a common assumption that we’re talking about an elderly generation who served in earlier conflicts.

But ‘veteran’ describes anyone leaving the services and, in the majority of cases, we’re talking about young men and women in their late 20s or early 30s who have served for four to six years. 

“We’re also reaching out to reservists because there’s a common misconception that they don’t need the same support.

“Many of those who serve are proud of how they can look after themselves, and reluctant to be seen as asking for a hand-out. 

“But this is help and support they are entitled to, same as anyone else.

“It’s not about seeking an advantage for those who have served, but making sure that they aren’t disadvantaged.”