Directory of support for veterans and their families

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

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

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 provide 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 prior to 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
 

Practical Support

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 member 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 provides 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

 

 

Veteran Hubs and Drop In Centres

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 gain 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 are a group of Veterans and Serving Members of Her Majesties Armed Forces. Veterans' Breakfast Clubs meet around the country and overseas. The ethos is to provide mutual support www.afvbc.net/

 

Brew & Banter drop-in events

From November, we are beginning a series of Brew and Banter drop-in events for ex-Armed Forces and Veterans. The events will run monthly in two locations – Tongham and Leatherhead. If you are ex-Armed Forces or a Veteran and want to join us for a hot drink and a chat, please see the dates and times below:

Tongham

Location: St Paul’s Church, The Old School, Poyle Road, GU10 1DS

Time: 6.30-8.30pm

Dates:

  • Tuesday 7 November 2023
  • Tuesday 5 December 2023
  • Tuesday 2 January 2024
  • Tuesday 6 February 2024
  • Tuesday 5 March 2024
  • Tuesday 2 April 2024

Leatherhead:

Location: Leatherhead Parish Hall, Church Road, KT22 8BD

Time: 7.30-9.30pm

Dates:

  • Wednesday 15 November 2023
  • Wednesday 20 December 2023
  • Wednesday 17 January 2024
  • Wednesday 21 February 2024
  • Wednesday 20 March 2024
  • Wednesday 17 April 2024