Asap charity raises £120,000 for armed forces personnel

A charity based in Stirling is celebrating after raising £120,000 in its first year of existence.

It is the local wing of the Armed Services Advice Project (Asap), which has been set up by the Scottish Citizens Advice Bureau Service as a focal point for armed forces memebrs in the country in need of advice and support, the Stirling Observer reports.

Some 115 veterans have been assisted by the organisation in the past 12 months.

Ally Gemmell, regional support officer, said: "I believe this to be a very necessary and worthwhile project, which seems to be a widely-held view by veterans that the project has assisted so far."

He added while it is great the group has collected £120,000, the scheme is not just about money, as it also helps people cope with the stress of combat life.

Mr Gemmell noted he has encountered ex-servicemen and women from World War II, as well as current conflicts.

Posted by Mark Wilkins