Erskine Veterans find furry companions as rescue animals provide support in SSPCA partnership

Veterans are set to benefit from a new partnership between Erskine Veterans Charity and the Scottish SPCA that will bring together former service personnel and rescue animals in a bid to tackle loneliness and improve wellbeing.

The initiative will see veterans from Erskine’s care homes visit the Scottish SPCA’s Cardonald Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Glasgow to spend time with animals awaiting adoption.

In return, animals from the centre will be brought by SSPCA staff to meet residents at The Erskine Home in Bishopton. The scheme is designed to offer comfort, companionship and emotional support to those who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as provide stimulation and socialisation for the animals.

The partnership is backed by research showing that interaction with animals can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety among older people.

Anna Hart, Interim CEO of the Scottish SPCA, said, “Animals can have a profoundly positive impact on people’s lives. The simple routines of feeding, walking or simply being with an animal can bring structure to daily life and improve both mental and physical health. Through this partnership, we’re fostering deeper bonds and brighter days for those who have given so much to others.”

Erskine Chief Executive Ian Cumming described the move as a significant step in the charity’s commitment to holistic care. He said: “We know the impact animals can have on wellbeing, especially for those who may feel isolated or miss the companionship they once had. By bringing people and animals together, we are creating moments of connection and calm that can make a lasting difference.”

The scheme has already received positive feedback from Erskine residents, including RAF veteran James Bowes, 87, and his wife Mary, 86, who visited the Cardonald centre as part of the launch. James said: “We have had animals all our lives and to hear that now, in Erskine, we can continue with that relationship makes us so happy. Being around animals again brings back so many warm memories — the walks, the companionship, even just having a wee pal sitting beside you. It gives you something to look forward to and this kind of connection brings so much joy. An animal reminds you that you’re still needed and that there’s still so much love to give and receive. It’s a wonderful thing Erskine and the SSPCA are doing, and I am delighted to be taking part.”

Scottish SPCA Glasgow centre manager, Carrie Giannelli added: "Socialisation helps reduce stress and anxiety in rescue animals, especially those recovering from trauma or neglect. Interacting with calm, caring volunteers, such as veterans, in quiet areas of the centre helps build trust and confidence. Regular human contact is vital for shy or mistreated animals to become more comfortable around people and prepare for adoption. Volunteers also benefit as connecting with animals can reduce stress, ease loneliness, and bring a sense of purpose and joy through meaningful companionship."

Both charities say the partnership reflects an evolving approach to care, with an emphasis on supporting mental health and wellbeing in addition to meeting physical needs.

The Scottish SPCA has cared for Scotland’s animals for over a century, while Erskine has supported veterans since 1916.

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For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Erskine Veterans Charity is more than a charity — it’s a community, a family, and a lifeline for Scotland’s Veterans and their loved ones. Since 1916, we’ve provided expert care and unwavering support for ex-Service men and women, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of those who’ve served our country.

As Scotland’s leading provider of care for Veterans and their spouses, Erskine continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Veterans as the only charity in Scotland to offer such a wide-ranging suite of person-centred services for our beneficiaries.

Erskine delivers outstanding nursing, residential, and dementia care in our specialist homes on the East and West coasts. However our support extends beyond care homes: through our Veterans Village in Bishopton, we provide 44 family cottages, five Assisted Living Apartments, and 23 Transitional Supported Accommodation Apartments for Veterans of various ages and life stages.

We also help Veterans thrive within their own local communities. Our Activity Centres in Bishopton and Forres, offer a safe space for Veterans to come together with like-minded people to connect, engage in purposeful activities, learn new skills, and access support. In addition our regional Home Support service offers older Veterans the friendly assistance which they need to live well with independence and dignity in their own home.

At Erskine, we don’t just care for Veterans — we care about them.

The generosity of our supporters allows the charity to maintain our commitment to care for Scotland’s Veterans – without donations we simply cannot continue this work.

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.

Erskine Veterans Charity | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity No. SC006609 | The Erskine Home, Erskine Veterans Village, Bishopton, PA7 5PU