Service Personnel, Veterans & Families

SERVICE PERSONNEL, VETERANS & FAMILIES

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - SSAFA
http://www.ssafa.org.uk
Providing support to anyone serving in the Armed Forces, as well as those who used to serve and their families, services include financial assistance, emotional support and a confidential helpline.
Helpline: 0800 260 6767 (lines open Monday - Friday 09:00-17:00)
Live Chat: (online Monday – Friday 09.00 -17.00)

The Royal British Legion
http://www.britishlegion.org.uk
Offering financial, social and emotional support to anyone who has served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (lines open every day 0800-2000)
Live chat: (online every day 8am – 8pm)

Veterans Gateway
https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/
Putting veterans and their families in touch with organisations offering information, advice and support from healthcare and housing to employability, finances and personal relationships.
Advice Line: 0808 802 12 12 (lines open 24 hours)
Live chat: (online everyday, 24 hours)

Veterans-UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk
Providing welfare, support and specialist programmes for anyone who has served in the Armed Forces.
Helpline: 0808 1914 2 18 (lines open Monday – Friday 0800 – 1600)

The Soldiers Charity
http://www.soldierscharity.org/
Giving lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers, as well as their families.

Help For Heroes
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Supporting and raising money for members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in service.

NGVFA – National Gulf Veterans and Families Association
http://www.ngvfa.org.uk/
Supporting those affected by the Gulf Wars and ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
Email: info@ngvfa.org.uk

AFVBC - Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs 
http://afvbc.com
Network of self- reliant clubs throughout UK. Open to all serving or veteran members of HM Armed Forces. Find your nearest club on the website.

Hire A Hero
http://www.hireahero.org.uk/
Supports armed service leavers and veterans to make the successful transition into civilian life.

Support Services Listing
https://www.gov.uk/topic/defence-armed-forces/support-services-military-defence-personnel-families
MOD information on support services for military and defence personnel and their families.

Bereaved Military Family 
https://www.cruse.org.uk/organisations/grief-in-the-military/
Part of Cruse bereavement to support anyone who’s loved one has died in the Armed Forces.
Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (lines open Monday & Friday 09.30 – 17.00, Tuesday – Thursday 09.30- 20.00, Saturday & Sunday 1000 - 1400)
Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk

TRAUMA

Combat Stress
https://combatstress.org.uk/get-help
Combat Stress offer mental health support to veterans.  Free-to-call helplines are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for veterans, serving military personnel, and their loved ones. They offer confidential emotional support and guidance, and can support with referrals to clinical services.
Helpline for veterans: 0800 138 1619
Helpline for serving personnel: 0800 323 4444
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk 
Text: 07537 173 683 (standard charges may apply)

ASSIST Trauma Care
http://www.assisttraumacare.org.uk
Providing support services to individuals and families affected by traumatic stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PTSD Resolution
http://www.ptsdresolution.org/
National network of counsellors available to help forces veterans, reservists and their families suffering from military trauma.

Douglas Bader Foundation
https://www.douglasbaderfoundation.com/
Online guide for anyone with congenital or acquired limb loss, as well as their families, including emotional, physical and psychological support for limb loss.

BLESMA
http://www.blesma.org/
Formerly known as The British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association. BLESMA promotes the welfare and wellbeing of former and currently serving service men and women, post limb loss.