03 December 2025
Remote and Rural Caithness: Exploring Veteran Recovery and Support
Help for Heroes teamed up with Discovery College Highland to better understand the experiences of veterans living across Caithness, a region where long distances, limited transport options and stretched local services shape daily life.
A recent visit to Wick brought together Help for Heroes and Discovery College Highland to better understand the experiences of veterans living across Caithness, a region where long distances, limited transport options and stretched local services shape daily life.
The meeting took place at the newly opened Wellington Centre, a welcoming peer-led space run by Discovery College Highland. Staff shared their approach to recovery and wellbeing, emphasising their safe, non-judgemental environment and the value of trained peer support workers. For many veterans, this kind of informal, approachable setting is essential, particularly in rural communities where isolation can amplify challenges.
Transport quickly emerged as one of the most significant barriers. With a four-hour train journey to Inverness and infrequent bus services, attending healthcare appointments or accessing specialist support can be extremely difficult. Even those with cars face rising costs for fuel and maintenance. Veterans described how these practical challenges can leave them feeling cut off from the services they need.
Access to healthcare was another prominent theme. Many local GP practices rely heavily on locum doctors, making continuity of care hard to achieve.
Specialist services often require long-distance travel, and limited digital connectivity can hinder telehealth alternatives. Long waits for psychological therapies, which in some cases were several years, were highlighted as a serious concern.
Despite these pressures, the meeting highlighted real strengths within the community. Discovery College’s approach to peer support, creative activities and wellbeing courses resonated strongly, and discussions explored how these could be blended with Help for Heroes’ Recovery College sessions to increase local access. Also referrals to the Help for Heroes’, Hidden Wounds Specialists, as a viable option to address the long wait for psychological therapies.
The group expressed interest in forming a local veterans’ network to build social connection and reduce isolation. Initial next steps include locally facilitated discussions involving veterans and community groups, followed by a co-produced action plan tailored to the needs of Caithness.