Fund launches ‘Valentine for a Veteran’ campaign across Scotland

The RAF Benevolent Fund has launched a new campaign in Scotland, Valentine for a Veteran, highlighting the impact of loneliness and isolation among RAF veterans and the power of small acts of kindness in helping them feel connected.

Timed around Valentine’s Day – a period when family life, friendships and togetherness are particularly visible – the campaign focuses on delivering thoughtful Valentine messages from children and young people across Scotland to RAF veterans who may be experiencing isolation and ill health. Alongside sharing messages of kindness, the campaign invites communities to fundraise in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s ongoing welfare work with veterans and their families.

This year, the Fund has worked in partnership with Sight Scotland, recognising that many older veterans are living with visual impairments. Textured Valentine cards, created using materials such as felt, ribbon, fabric or buttons, have been especially meaningful for veterans with sight loss, allowing them to experience the messages in a more tangible way.

One of the veterans who received a Valentine message was David Innes, 94, from Edinburgh, who joined the RAF as a boy entrant in 1949 and served for more than ten years as an Aircraft Fitter.

Reflecting on his service, David said: "I really enjoyed my time in the RAF. I joined when I was very young and it became a huge part of my life. I travelled a lot and learned skills that stayed with me long after I left."

Now later in life, David lives with significant sight and hearing loss, which he says can contribute to a deep sense of isolation. He explained: "When you lose both your sight and your hearing, it can be very isolating. You rely on other people and it’s easy to feel cut off from the world and from social life."

For David, receiving a Valentine message is about more than the card itself. "Something like this really lifts you. It makes you feel remembered and valued. Knowing that someone has taken the time to think about you makes a big difference."

He also highlighted the importance of intergenerational connection within the veteran community. He said: "It’s important that younger people understand who veterans are and what we’ve done. That connection helps keep our experiences alive and reminds you that you’re still part of something."

Gavin Davey, Area Director of Scotland, Northern Ireland & North-East England at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said the campaign helps to shine a light on an issue that often goes unseen. He explained: “Across the nation, many veterans face increased risk of loneliness and social isolation, particularly in later life. Factors such as living in rural or remote communities, declining health, sensory loss and reduced mobility can make it harder to stay connected. ‘Valentine for a Veteran’ has had a huge response from the public, schools and community groups across Scotland, and will help veterans feel included, valued and connected.

"We are extremely grateful for the public thoughtfulness and generosity to help the RAF Benevolent Fund to continue to provide the practical, emotional and financial support veterans rely on throughout the year."

Families, schools, youth groups and community organisations were invited to fundraise alongside taking part. All funds raised will support members of the RAF Family including veterans, serving personnel and their families with practical, financial and emotional support.