Families of service personnel

If you are the spouse or partner of someone in service or previously employed by the armed forces, you may be eligible for support. 

The Scottish Government is committed to making sure you and your family do not face any disadvantages when accessing services and support in Scotland. 

Contact your local Veterans Champions 

Veterans Champions can help you identify issues which need to be addressed and resolved. They support the whole armed forces community, including those currently in service.  

All local authorities and NHS Health Boards within Scotland have a Veterans Champion.  

You can find more information, including who your Veterans Champion is, on Veterans Assist Scotland website.

How the Families Federations can help 

Family Federations work to improve your quality of life as a service family. They are independent from the armed forces, and can help you with anything affected by the military lifestyle. 

Family Federations can help you find the right person or service to speak to. 

There are 3 Families Federations representing the armed forces. These are the: 

• Army Families Federation 

• Naval Families Federation

• Royal Air Force (RAF) Families Federation 

Speak to a Families Federation immigration adviser 

The Army and Navy Families Federations also have immigration advisers who can also help you. 

Immigration advisers can provide free and confidential advice about every aspect of the immigration journey, whether you're a: 

• serving personnel 

• veteran 

• family member 

To get help, you can telephone the individual Families Federations on: 

• Naval Families Federation: 023 9265 4374 

• Army Families Federation: 01264 554004 

• RAF Families Federation: 01780 781650 

If you’re moving to Scotland 

Due to the nature of the armed forces, serving personnel may be transferred to different bases – either in the UK or further afield. You and your family may choose to move with them.  

‘Welcome to Scotland’ is a guide that can help you prepare for your move to Scotland. 

It contains information on what to expect and how to prepare for your arrival, including how to access: 

• housing 

• employment 

• healthcare 

• education 

• benefits 

Read the ‘Welcome to Scotland’ guide on the GOV.UK website. 

Understand the Scottish education system 

The Scottish education system is different to the English education system.  

The Forces Children’s Education website has lots of information about how Scotland’s education system works. 

You can also access resources for teaching children about life in a military family on their website.