A Veteran's Best Friend

04/01/2026

Happy New Year Folks,

Please watch the video.

Unfortunately I’ve (the Founder Mick Cairns) decided with the support of the Trustees to close the charity down.

I know it’s terrible news for some, but I have to do what’s right for me.

I can’t thank everyone enough who has supported me along the way. I’m proud of what the charity has accomplished, but I can’t see it continuing due to the reasons stated in the video.

Please take care everyone and stay safe!

Kind regards,
Mick Cairns

23/11/2025

Tonight’s hub! Great catch up and dogs made us smile and laugh as always!

23/11/2025

Afternoon folks! Got a favour to ask.

HMS Caledonia’s Senior Rates Mess has very kindly selected our charity to raise money for. They are doing a raffle on the 16th of December and I would like to get more prizes for them. We will take anything I.e. alcohol, chocolates, bathing baskets, prizes from local businesses and the list goes on.

If you can donate anything at all, please private message me on this page. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

03/10/2025

BEACON UPDATE: FOUND SAFE

Ant, for whom we recently launched a Beacon Alert, has been located by police and is being supported at this time. We thank everyone who shared this alert and helped bring about a positive result.

If you'd like to know more about Beacon Alert, please see our website: https://beaconalert.co.uk/

If you're a veteran or serving member of the armed forces, or you're concerned about someone who is, you can register for the Forcer Protocol: https://forcerprotocol.org/

If you're going through a rough time, support is available, please reach out.

CALL 999
If there is a risk of harm, then it's an emergency

SAMARITANS
Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

OP COURAGE
Specialist NHS support for the armed forces community

ANDY'S MAN CLUB
An award-winning national talking group for men

Details at: https://beaconalert.co.uk/getting-support/

02/10/2025

Can’t thank Unite the Union (https://www.facebook.com/share/1DEhvsD9Yo/?mibextid=wwXIfr) enough for their kind donation of £250! I (Mick Cairns, The Founder) work at Edinburgh Airport and have benefited first hand from their hard work to make sure we receive fair pay and conditions! A special thanks to my colleague and Union Rep Garry Cross for suggesting our charity! Can’t thank you all enough! The money will definitely be put to good use!

Unite is organising across Scotland's airports to build power and win on jobs, pay and conditions.

21/09/2025

BEACON UPDATE: FOUND SAFE

Toby, for whom we recently launched a Beacon Alert, has been located and is safe. We thank everyone who shared this alert and helped bring about a positive result.

If you'd like to know more about Beacon Alert, please see our website: https://beaconalert.co.uk/

If you're a veteran or serving member of the armed forces, or you're concerned about someone who is, you can register for the Forcer Protocol: https://forcerprotocol.org/

If you're going through a rough time, support is available, please reach out.

CALL 999
If there is a risk of harm, then it's an emergency.

SAMARITANS
Call 116 123 or email [email protected].

OP COURAGE
Specialist NHS support for the armed forces community.

ANDY'S MAN CLUB
An award-winning national talking group for men.

Details at: https://beaconalert.co.uk/getting-support/

21/09/2025

BEACON UPDATE: FOUND SAFE

Shailem, for whom we recently launched a Beacon Alert has now been in contact with police, and concerns for immediate welfare have been resolved.

Family and friends remain hopeful for further contact, and we respectfully encourage this. If seen, we ask the public to be considerate and kind.

Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal and supported this case.

If you'd like to know more about Beacon Alert, please see our website: https://beaconalert.co.uk/

If you're a veteran or serving member of the armed forces, or you're concerned about someone who is, you can register for the Forcer Protocol: https://forcerprotocol.org/

If you're going through a rough time, support is available, please reach out.

CALL 999
If there is a risk of harm, then it's an emergency.

SAMARITANS
Call 116 123 or email [email protected].

OP COURAGE
Specialist NHS support for the armed forces community.

ANDY'S MAN CLUB
An award-winning national talking group for men.

Details at: https://beaconalert.co.uk/getting-support/

19/09/2025

BEACON UPDATE: FOUND SAFE

Paul, for whom we recently launched a Beacon Alert, has been located by police and is safe. We thank everyone who shared this alert and helped bring about a positive result.

If you'd like to know more about Beacon Alert, please see our website: https://beaconalert.co.uk/

If you're a veteran or serving member of the armed forces, or you're concerned about someone who is, you can register for the Forcer Protocol: https://forcerprotocol.org/

If you're going through a rough time, support is available, please reach out.

CALL 999
If there is a risk of harm, then it's an emergency.

SAMARITANS
Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

OP COURAGE
Specialist NHS support for the armed forces community.

ANDY'S MAN CLUB
An award-winning national talking group for men.

Details at: https://beaconalert.co.uk/getting-support/

15/09/2025

Thank you so much to everyone that donated to our raffle we got rid of everything and was able to raise £100. Without the support from you all this wouldn't be possible..so thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts x

11/09/2025

We will be there!

Dog owners won’t want to miss an event at Falkirk Stadium this weekend.

08/09/2025

Hub last night. All dogs had a great time catching up. Bonnie was all over everyone

26/08/2025

Our beautifully-located Rosendael residence in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, currently has a small number of coveted spaces for Veterans, and also job openings for Housing Assistants.

If you are an ex-Service man or woman who is homeless, at risk of homelessness, or is in need - or you know of someone who is - then please get in touch with us, by calling 0300 131 6755 (24 hours) or by using this simple online enquiry link:
https://forms.office.com/e/pq18sjDGtz

Turning to the new job opportunities: we have vacancies for a full-time Housing Assistant, and another Housing Assistant (bank staff). The closing date for both positions is 8 September, and you can learn more and apply using this link:
https://www.svronline.org/about-work/