A FINANCIAL advice initiative has helped close to 700 members of East Renfrewshire’s Armed Forces Community (AFC) since its formation seven years ago.

The Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP) gave support to 684 veterans, serving personnel and their families during that time.

Latest figures from the charity, which is based in the East Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) office in Barrhead, indicate it helped clients to save over £1.2 million.

The statistics show the confidential service also offered 3,700 pieces of advice to current and former servicemen and women.

Launched in 2010 to help clients overcome day-to-day problems such as benefits, tax credit, national insurance and appeals, East Renfrewshire’s ASAP is one of 10 projects nationwide.

Collectively, ASAP has worked with over 10,000 men and women across Scotland in this period.

It has also helped AFC members gain more than £8 million nationally by enabling them to secure benefits, wages and compensation.

East Renfrewshire ASAP regional support officer Jamie Pollock said: “One of the main ways that we can quantify the impact of our advice is by measuring the resulting financial benefits for our clients.

“The ASAP in East Renfrewshire has helped its clients gain more than £1.2 million. This includes money gained by accessing benefits they are entitled to, and money saved by effectively managing debt.”

ASAP is delivered by a funding group led by Poppyscotland that includes: the Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Families Association, Army Benevolent Fund, RAF Benevolent Fund, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, as well as Seafarers UK.

A nationwide survey of ASAP users saw 94 per cent rate the initiative as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, while 85 per cent said the help given to them had improved their peace of mind.

ASAP co-ordinator Claire Williams said: “Today we are proud to announce that ASAP has helped over 10,000 military heroes across Scotland.

“That’s an average of six people every working day whose lives have been changed by expert advice and one-to-one support.

“Most military and ex-military personnel get by without needing any specialist support. But some do need a bit of help. They face the same kind of problems that civilians face – including issues like unemployment, debt, housing and money worries.

“But their situation can be that bit more complicated because of their military background. Many have mental or physical problems, and they are often unsure where to get the specialist help they need. That’s what this service is all about: offering that kind of targeted one-to-one support.”

She added: “We know there are people in the AFC who are suffering all sorts of problems in silence.

“Our message to them today is: we’ve helped over 10,000 of your colleagues. Now let us help you.”

To find out more, visit www.adviceasap.org.uk or email jamiepollock@eastrenfrewshirecab.casonline.org.uk.