SSAFA Scotland Volunteer Conference highlights importance of connection

18 March 2026

More than 100 volunteers and staff from SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity have come together for the organisation’s Scotland Volunteer Conference, which this year recognised the importance of building connections.

Delegates at the two-day, biennial event included volunteers and staff from across Scotland as well as assistance providers, partner organisations, SSAFA trustees, and beneficiaries.

Attendees were welcomed to the conference by Scotland Regional Chair Walter Gallacher before hearing from keynote speaker, Executive Chair of Veterans Scotland Emma Watson Mack, about how charities and other organisations can work together to meet the needs of an evolving veteran population.

The conference agenda featured panel sessions delivered by SSAFA team members and guests, highlighting topics from SSAFA’s specialist services and including a moving session at which volunteers with varied roles shared why they volunteer.

Guest speakers including Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton, Senior Dementia Care Consultant David Wilson-Wynne, and Veterans Lead for the Scottish Prison Service Lillian Burns shared valuable expertise – as well as highlighting examples of successful collaboration with SSAFA.

The event also saw 18 SSAFA volunteers recognised for their dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community in Scotland, with awards for long service and outstanding contribution.

Walter Gallacher, SSAFA’s Scotland Regional Chair and Convenor of the Scottish Resource Committee, said: “At SSAFA we have been connecting the Armed Forces community with often life-changing support for 140 years, and we’re incredibly proud of that legacy.

“That same sense of connection, recognition, and camaraderie is equally as important to our volunteers and staff, and it’s why the biennial Scotland Volunteer Conference is such a flagship event in SSAFA’s Scottish calendar.

“It is fantastic to see so many people from across Scotland and beyond come together to connect, learn, share ideas, and foster relationships that will strengthen the SSAFA experience for our people, our beneficiaries, and our partners moving forward."