
HM Forces
Help Advice and Fun
Leaving HM Forces can be a tough move; however, there exists a lot of help. Below is a list of contacts.
Help Services for UK Armed Forces Veterans
General Advice and Welfare Support
- Veterans’ Gateway:
Offers advice and directs veterans to relevant support organisations on welfare, housing, healthcare, employment, and more.
Medical and Health Care
- NHS Veterans Health Care – Priority treatment for conditions related to military service.
- Veterans Trauma Network – NHS care specifically for veterans with physical injuries or complex needs.
- BLESMA (Limbless Veterans) – Lifelong support for veterans suffering limb loss or loss of use of limbs.
Housing and Accommodation
- SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association) – Housing support, temporary accommodation, and advice for veterans and families.
- Veterans Gateway – Guidance for homelessness prevention and urgent housing solutions.
- Royal British Legion – Assistance with emergency accommodation and independent living solutions.
Employment, Training, and Careers
- The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) – Offers support, training, career counselling, and employment placements for veterans.
- Walking with the Wounded – Employment support and training to help veterans transition to civilian employment.
- Royal British Legion Employment Support – Career guidance, employment grants, and training schemes.
Financial Advice & Assistance
- Veterans UK (Ministry of Defence) – Advice and assistance regarding military pensions, compensation schemes, and financial entitlements.
- Royal British Legion Financial Support – Assistance with debt, financial emergencies, and benefits advice.
- Turn2us – Charity providing help with financial difficulties, welfare grants, and benefit guidance.
Legal Advice
- Forces Law – Independent legal advice for veterans and their families on issues like pensions, compensation claims, employment law, and family matters.
- Law for Forces – Legal support tailored to military personnel and veterans.
Family and Relationship Support
- SSAFA Family Support – Counselling, relationship support, adoption services, and family mediation.
- Army Families Federation (AFF) – Family advice and assistance, from education to welfare.
- Naval Families Federation (NFF) – Practical family support and guidance.
- RAF Families Federation – Support services tailored for RAF veterans and families.
Physical Health and Disability
- BLESMA – Support for veterans living with limb loss, including physical rehabilitation and prosthetics.
- Royal British Legion Mobility and Disability Support – Grants for mobility aids, home modifications, and physical rehabilitation.
- Help for Heroes Sports Recovery Program – Physical rehabilitation through sports and adaptive fitness programs.
Education and Career Training
- Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) – Funding for training and higher education courses for veterans.
- Career Transition Partnership (CTP) – Educational grants, vocational training, and employment transition support.
- Royal British Legion Education & Training Grants – Assistance with further education and vocational training.
Peer Support and Community
- Veterans Breakfast Clubs – Informal community groups promoting camaraderie among veterans nationwide.
- Royal British Legion Local Branches – Regular social gatherings, support networks, and remembrance events.
Legal Rights and Advocacy
- Forces Pension Society – Advocacy and advice for veterans regarding military pensions and entitlements.
- COBSEO (The Confederation of Service Charities) – Advocacy for veterans’ rights and fair treatment by the government and employers.
General Welfare and Advice
- Veterans Gateway – Centralised advice portal covering multiple support topics from employment to housing, finance, mental health, and more.
- Royal British Legion Helpline – 24/7 telephone helpline offering practical and emotional support.
Emergency and Crisis Support
- Samaritans – Veterans Crisis Line – 24-hour emotional and crisis support for veterans experiencing acute distress or suicidal thoughts.
- Combat Stress Crisis Helpline – 24-hour mental health crisis support for veterans.
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