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When former soldier Daniel Lafferty first walked through the doors at Ibrox for the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Veterans At Ease programme, he didn’t know quite what to expect. What he found was not just a support group, but a new sense of belonging that’s changed his life for the better.

“I’m 59 now,” Daniel begins. “I grew up in Paisley. My dad was a plumber, and my mum did all sorts of jobs—cleaning and whatever else—just to help pay the bills and keep things going.”

Daniel’s early years revolved around sport and community. “I joined the local boxing club in Paisley when I was ten, and that’s really where my life took off. I met good people, got proper training, and turned out to be pretty decent at it.” That love of challenge and camaraderie would carry him far.

By 24, Daniel was ready for a new direction. “Paisley wasn’t for me,” he admits. “There wasn’t much happening, so I decided to join the army. I went into the recruitment office and joined within five minutes. Next thing I knew, I was in hardcore training in Edinburgh for 26 weeks. It was intense, but I stuck it out because I knew that’s what I wanted.”

The army became Daniel’s home for over three decades. “I served for 26 years as a soldier, stationed all over the world. Looking back, I know I’d never have been able to afford to visit half the places the army took me. After leaving regular service, I joined the reserves for another eight years, so I ended up with 32 years’ service in total.”

But when his service ended, the adjustment hit hard. “Life after the army was tough because you lose that routine and the sense of belonging that comes with military life.”

“It’s a big adjustment trying to fit back into civilian life after being part of such a close-knit unit.”

The challenges related to post-service life is exactly what the Foundation’s Veterans At Ease programme aims to tackle. The 14-week, free mental-wellbeing initiative is open to anyone who has served in the armed forces. Sessions are held weekly at the Ibrox Community Complex (ICC) and are delivered by the Foundation’s Trauma Counsellor, Jane McLean alongside trained community coaches.

The aims of the Veterans At Ease programme are far reaching: to help veterans build confidence, reduce isolation, and reconnect with others who understand the challenges of life after service.

For Daniel, the invitation to join came through a friend. “A mate of mine who also served in the forces called Chris phoned me one day and said, ‘Come on, Daniel, you need to come along to this.’ That’s how I found this group and it’s been brilliant ever since.”

He admits that first step can be daunting. “A lot of veterans hide,” he says.

“We make excuses not to go to something, but honestly, this has been so worthwhile.”

What Daniel found at Veterans At Ease was immediate camaraderie and trust. “The turn out’s been amazing and seeing familiar faces—people you might have served with in Afghanistan or Ireland—makes a big difference. On that first day, it was great bumping into old mates, catching up, and meeting new ones. Within a couple of meetings, you feel like you’ve known everyone for years.”

Beyond the laughter and stories, the group offers practical help. Each participant learns about mental health first aid, emotional resilience, and techniques for managing stress and anxiety. But for Daniel, it’s the sense of unity that stands out most.

“It makes you feel like you belong,” he says. “And you know that by being here, you’re helping others as much as helping yourself. We’re all in the same boat, and that shared understanding means a lot.”

For many veterans, the chance to meet in a welcoming location with a view of Ibrox Stadium adds something special. Veterans At Ease sessions take place in the ICC, and the connection to football helps break down barriers.

“I’m a big football guy. I’ve been refereeing for 36 years, and walking around the stadium, having a bit of banter with the lads, was a really special moment. It’s something I’ll always remember.”

Although Daniel is a Celtic supporter, he says that didn’t matter one bit. “All my family are Rangers, and to begin with they said, ‘There’s no way you’re going to Ibrox!’ But I told them I was going for something different, and it’s turned out to be something very special.”

That inclusivity – regardless of background, badge or team – mirrors the military spirit itself. “When you’re a soldier, it doesn’t matter whether you’re Celtic, Rangers, St Mirren, or whoever.

“You’re all in it together.”

The impact of the programme has reached beyond Ibrox and into Daniel’s home life. “My partner noticed a massive change in me,” he says. “She tells me my morale’s better, I’m happier, I just seem lighter. Even a couple of days before a Thursday session, she says she can tell I’m excited about going.

“It’s an emotional feeling for me, because this experience has changed me for the better and made a massive difference to my life. I’d come here every day if I could.”

Daniel has also reconnected with old comrades through the programme and discovered other support networks, including Who Dares Cares, a veterans’ organisation. “They’ve been a massive help,” he explains. “If we’re not doing something with this group, we’ve got that one to fall back on. There’s always something going on and it helps keep us connected.”

He’s also quick to credit those who lead the sessions. “Jane and Curtis, who run the programme, have been brilliant,” he says. “It’s not easy standing up in front of a group and leading, but they do it with confidence and care. We’re all really grateful for what they’ve done for us.”

Jane has seen first-hand the progress Daniel has made since joining the group. “When I first spoke to Daniel about the Veterans At Ease group, he was genuinely delighted to hear about a programme focused on veterans’ mental health and wellbeing. Although he was understandably a bit anxious on the first day, he settled in quickly and has gone from strength to strength.

“Daniel is now a well-liked and valued member of the group. He’s always engaged and offering his support to others. Seeing his confidence grow to the point where he now wants to volunteer with a veterans’ organisation has been fantastic. It’s been an absolute pleasure having him as part of the programme.”

As the Veterans At Ease programme continues to grow, its impact on participants like Daniel is clear. It offers not just counselling and activity, but purpose, community, and hope.

Asked whether he’d recommend it to others, Daniel doesn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. A million percent,” he says firmly. “By the second or third session, I felt settled and understood what it was all about. I’d say to anyone in a similar position ‘Just come along and get involved. You never know how far it can take you.’”

You can register your interest for the next block of Veterans At Ease by e-mailing: rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk and one of our staff members will be in touch.

The Foundation would also like to acknowledge and thank the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for their funding support for this programme.