Directory of support for veterans and their families

Please find below information about a variety of support available for veterans and their families.

Combat Stress 

www.combatstress.org.uk 

24/7 Helpline for Veterans on 08001381619, text 07537 173683 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.

For Serving Personnel: 0800 323 4444; you can also text on 07537 173683

Combat Stress provides specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service. Referrals can be made via email or telephone. 

Help for Heroes 

www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Tel: 0300 303 9888

They provide a variety of support to veterans, families and serving personnel. From physical health to psychological input, welfare support and much more.

The Warrior Programme 

www.warriorprogramme.org.uk

Tel: 0808 801 0898

Email: enquiries@warriorprogramme.org.uk 

This is a non-clinical programme helping individuals to manage their emotions and develop resilience, focus and motivation. It has been developed over the last ten years to meet the demands and challenges experienced by past and present members of the armed forces and their families

Walking with the Wounded

www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk 

Provide psychological input via their Head Start Programme. All referrals must be submitted by a healthcare professional. They can also provide employment support.

Fighting With Pride 

www.fightingwithpride.org.uk

The charity supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families – in particular those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces before January 2000.

To contact the charity, either visit the website where there is a chat section or email: info@fightingwithpride.org.uk

TogetherAll 

www.togetherall.com (formerly Big White Wall) provides 24/7 safe, anonymous support FREE to all UK serving personnel, veterans and their families

SSAFA’s Forcesline

ssafa.org.uk

Tel: 0800 260 6767

Open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:30.

Support available: Welfare service for military families, support for older veterans, welfare and benefits advice on social care, advice and housing for the Armed Forces Community. Mental Wellbeing and disability support. Gurkha Service: Specialist Nepali Language services for members of the Brigade of Gurkhas and their families.

Royal British Legion  

www.britishlegion.org.uk

Tel: 0808 802 8080

Open 7 days per week 8am-8pm.

Online chat facility also available.

Support available for: Care and independent living, physical and mental wellbeing, financial and employment support, local community connections and housing support.

Gurkha Welfare Advice Centre (GWAC) UK  www.gwt.org.uk/ 

Tel: 01722 323955 or 01252 329460.

Email: info@gwt.org.uk.

They help assist in the coordination of welfare for retired Gurkhas in the UK, working closely with government departments, service charities, ex-Gurkha communities and other agencies to support those in need.

Veterans Welfare Service

Run by the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Veterans UK, they provide free one-to-one support to veterans or anyone supporting a veteran, their families and dependants, with a national network of welfare managers across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

They work together with the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, local authorities, voluntary organisations, service charities and Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees to provide a free welfare service that promotes independence, maintains dignity and provides continuous support through life.

London, SE & SW region: Tel 02392 702232

Email: veterans-uk-vws-south@mod.uk

Veterans' Hubs

These are relaxed places for veterans to drop in and share a cup of tea and the company of others who have served. They also provide a way to get advice, support and services under one roof.

www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/armed-forces/forces-connect-south-east/veterans-hubs-project

ASDIC Association of Armed Forces Drop-In centres

ASDIC represents and links veterans’ Drop-Ins across the country. Drop-Ins offer a variety of welfare and mental health support, together with comradeship and a sense of wellbeing, to the ex-military community and their families.

www.asdic.org.uk/member-directory/

Armed Forces Breakfast Clubs

A group of Veterans and Serving Members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Veterans' Breakfast Clubs meet around the country and overseas. The ethos is to provide mutual support.

www.afvbc.net/

In 2024, we were awarded Gold in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the UK government's highest level of recognition for organisations demonstrating an outstanding commitment to supporting the employment of members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans and their families.