Supporting our Armed Forces community

A useful directory with links to organisations and charities who can help support our Armed Forces community.

Veterans' Gateway

Veterans’ Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans or their families who need support. Veterans Gateway put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need. From healthcare and housing, to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.

Veterans’ Gateway is made up of a consortium of Armed Forces charities including The Royal British Legion, SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity, Poppyscotland and Combat Stress. A group of referral partners also back the service, allowing Veterans’ Gateway to refer people to specialist organisations both within and outside of the Armed Forces sector.

How does Veterans' Gateway Work?

The team of advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and many are veterans themselves. They can be contacted by calling the freephone number, by text or email. Veterans’ Gateway also has an extensive Self Help service, allowing veterans to search for help and advice independently.

Freephone Contact Centre Telephone Number:
0808 802 1212

The UK Armed Forces Veterans ID Card

The Ministry of Defence will be launching a new Veterans ID card which will enable public and charitable sector services to instantly recognise the service of a Veteran. This card will provide proof that a Veterans has served in HM Armed Forces in line with the Government definition of a Veteran, which is one day’s service.

Currently, there is no way for existing Veterans to easily prove the fact that they have served, and the administrative burden on providers when verifying that a person is a Veteran can be considerable, both in time and cost. This card will allow you to confidentially verify that someone has served in the Armed Forces.

However, this card will not be held by all Veterans as it is being rolled out in tranches and some genuine Veterans in need may not have the capacity to apply for one.

Therefore, please do not take the absence of a Veterans ID card as proof that a person is not a Veteran. Instead continue to use your existing processes to verify their Veteran status.

If you are asked questions about the ID card, please refer Veterans to the Veterans UK helpline number and they will be able to provide the relevant information, details below.

Telephone:
0808 1914 218

Website
www.veterans-uk.info

Armed Forces and Veteran Support Directory 

Army Benevolent Fund
Army Benevolent Fund aims to help army and former army personnel and their families in need.

Abberton Rural Training
Supporting the Wounded and Injured Service Personnel through the Colchester Personnel Recovery Centre. Providing 1 day introductory Woodland and Land Courses, and 5 day intensive Land Based Studies Programme.
Telephone: 01787 228269
Email: info@abbertonruraltraining.org

Age Well East
We believe everyone deserves to age well, and it is our mission to support and empower people to live happier and healthier. We advise and provide practical information; we support people through emotional challenges and we empower people to live well with dementia.

Alabare: Homes for Veterans
Charity provide temporary accommodation to British Armed Forces Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. 24 homes across England and Wales, providing 110 bedspaces.
Telephone: 01722 322 882

Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs
Breakfast clubs exist to facilitate veterans, and often serving Armed Forces personnel, meeting face to face in a relaxed, safe, social environment. They operate across the country including in Colchester, Braintree and Tendring.

Army Families Federation
The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families around the world - on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.

Army Welfare Service
Army Welfare Service helps serving married and single personnel and families with any personal or family difficulties that arise, by providing a confidential, comprehensive welfare service.

BLESMA (The Limbless Veterans)
Online mental wellbeing support 24/7. Safe, anonymous and has Wall Guides (counsellors) available 24/7. Free to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Telephone: 0207 060 1677

Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK helps vision impaired Armed Forces and National Service veterans to relearn vital life skills and provides them with the tools they need to be independent in their own homes. They offer new learning, training and recreation opportunities and provide long-term nursing, residential and respite care.
Telephone: 0800 389 7979

Building Heroes
Created in 2014, Building Heroes is dedicated to service leavers, veterans, reservists and military families. They offer employment support and training for a career in construction, providing trade skills and a network of employers.

Career Transition Partnership
The CTP provides resettlement services for those leaving the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Marines. Regardless of time served, all members of the Armed Forces can benefit from CTP support when leaving Service.

Chelsea Pensioners
Chelsea Pensions supports ex-service personnel over 65.

Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice provide guidance and advice on a whole range of issues.

Cobseo
Cobseo provide a single point of contact for Governement, including local government, as well as other interested parties. 

Colchester foodbank
Providing emergency food to those in crisis. 

Colchester Mind
Colchester Mind support for those who are stressed, depressed or in crisis.

Combat Stress
Combat Stress is a Veterans mental health charity in the UK providing treatment for ex-Service personnel suffering with mental ill-health including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
Telephone (24hr helpline): 0800 138 1619
Text: 07537 173683
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk

Defence Discount Service
Defence Discount Service allows members of the armed forces, their families and veterans to make savings both online and on the high street.

Eastern VAPC (Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee)
Formerly known as the War Pensions Committees - advise and liaise with veterans, their families and relevant organisations on their needs, issues and concerns. VAPC act as advocates and provide governance to the veterans’ community, and champion the rights of veterans and their families where there is injustice, inequality or a lack of fairness.

Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme
The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces.

Forcesline
Free and 100% confidential helpline that provides a supportive, listening and signposting service for serving personnel, former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Telephone: 0800 731 4880

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ)
Forces Families Jobs is the go-to place for training and employment for family members of currently serving UK military personnel.

Apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are forces family friendly. You can use this website with confidence in knowing that employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces.

This is your gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading your existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.

HAIG Homes
HAIG Homes are a housing provider for ex-Service personnel in the UK, owns over 1500 properties across 50 locations. Endeavour to help any veterans in housing need, whether they are transitioning into civilian life or are simply in need of a helping hand.
Telephone: 0208 685 5777

Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes is a national network of support for those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, they give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. See also Band of Sisters/Band of Brothers.

Help for Heroes – Hidden Wounds
Open to Veterans and their families, and the families of those who are serving. Psychological wellbeing service.
Telephone: 0808 2020144
Email: hidden.wounds@helpforheroes.org.uk

Head Start: Walking with the Wounded
They offer ex service personnel access to quality and effective treatments for mild to moderate mental health conditions. Referrals can be made through your GP.
Telephone: 01263 863906
Email: headstart@wwtw.org.uk

Hire A Hero
Supports Service Leavers and Veterans to make the successful transition into civilian life, by working with them to help make the right choices through the transition period.

Horses & Forces | EMDR & Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (horsesandforces.co.uk)
Supporting and working with adults experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including PTSD and complex PTSD. 

Jobcentre Plus Armed Forces Services
Support for current and former members of the armed forces and their families to access Jobcentre Plus services. Contact the Jobcentre Plus Armed Forces Champions by emailing londonandessex.armedforceschampions@dwp.gov.uk.

Launchpad
Launchpad are a charity providing affordable supported rental accommodation with onsite support to veterans of all ages and their partners. Accommodation in Newcastle and Liverpoool, provides a base from which residents can successful make the transition to civilian life. Accepts veterans with complex issues which can be resolved over a max of 2 years.
Telephone: 0300 1111 238

Leavers Link - Colchester
Voluntary, free to all networking events between Service Leaver and Veteran community, and local Employers. 

Little Troopers 
Supporting children who have family serving in the Armed Forces, regular or reserve. 

Naval Families Federation
Speaking up for Naval Service families.
Telephone: 023 9265 4374

Officers' Association
The Officers' Association offers regular and one-off financial help and advice to all ex-officers and their dependents in distress at home.

Op COURAGE - Military and Veterans Transition Intervention and Liaison Service Op Courage
This service is for armed forces personnel approaching discharge, and veterans. The service will help to identify some of the early signs of mental health difficulties and will give access to interventions, therapeutic treatments for complex problems and psychological trauma, and prevent patient reaching crisis point.
Telephone: 0300 034 9991
Email: mevs.mhm@nhs.net

Outside the Wire
Offer innovative, comprehensive support - sensitive to the complexities of military life and the often understandable resistance to admitting the extent of any personal issues, especially those relating to: PTSD and other mental health; alcohol and drug use; domestic violence and family related issues.
Telephone: 01603 626123

Parachute Regimental Association
The Parachute Regimental Association were formed to organise activities, so members continue their associations formed during their service with the Regiment and Airborne Forces. The PRA is able to provide welfare support and advice to those in need or distress.

Phoenix Heroes
Building veteran communities and creating a natural peer support environment where our core support services are delivered directly to those who need additional help. We are receiving many referrals from mainstream charities for veterans and their families to join our veteran community.
Telephone: 01206 932488
Email: info@phoenixheroes.co.uk

Project Nova
Project Nova engages with ex-military veterans who have become involved with or are on the periphery of entering the Criminal Justice System, with the aim to divert them away from offending or reoffending.

PTSD Resolution Charity for UK Forces Veterans Mental Health
Provides support and private councelling for those suffering from PTSD. 

QUEST (Courses4Forces)
Guide to support to find out about funding, help with job hunting, or general support with everyday challenges of settling back into civilian life. From education options whilst serving, to resettlement and beyond.

RAF Families Federation
Provides all RAF personnel and their families with timely and professional support, assistance and an independent voice regarding issues or concerns they may have.
Telephone: 01780 781650

RAF Association
Provide confidential, professional and fair services to members of the wider RAF family from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran and their families.
Telephone: 0800 0182 361

Recruit for Spouses
Recruit for Spouses offer help for military spouses to get into work or start their own business.

Relate
Relate offers relationship support.

RFEA - The Forces Employment Agency
The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.

Ripple Pond
A self-help support network for adult family members of physically or emotionally injured Service Personnel and Veterans.

Royal British Legion
Royal British Legion supports the Armed Forces Community and those affected by disability, health conditions or social welfare needs. Help includes the provision of welfare, healthcare, housing, employment and development opportunities.
Telephone: 0808 802 8080

Royal British Legion – Employment Support
RBL offer employment support services to help serving and ex-serving personnel and their families prepare for employment as they move into civilian life. Their partners at RFEA can give you advice on how to put your skills to good use to find the best job for you. 

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI)
RBLI is a national charity supporting the Armed Forces, people with disabilities and people who are unemployed. We improve lives every day by inspiring those we help and supporting them to find work and lead independent lives.

Royal British Legions Veterans Hearing Fund (VHF)
Veterans Hearing Support assist ex-service men and women who have hearing loss or associated difficulties such as tinnitus to access the Royal British Legions Veterans Hearing Fund. The application process is free and is not means tested.

Our service to veterans is free of charge and we have a network of highly trained audiologists right across the UK who will complete a full hearing assessment on eligible veterans to make sure they receive the correct hearing technology and assistive listening devices, or therapies required.
Telephone: 0333 455 9116

Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity
Support to sailors, marines and their families, for life.
Telephone: 0239 387 1520

SEAP Military Advocacy Services
SEAP Military Advocacy Services supports veterans, reservists and their families, who find themselves facing a range of health, housing, financial, family and social problems.

The Services Insurance & Investment Advisory Panel (Siiap)
Provide specialist insurance and financial advice for members of Armed Forces.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association (SSAFA)
SSAFA is the UK's oldest armed forces charity. They provide practical help and assistance to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served - even if it was only for a single day.
Telephone: 0800 731 4880

SPACES - Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the Ex Services
SPACES, is a housing advice and placement service for veterans. SPACES targets the most vulnerable of Service leavers, regardless of rank, length of service, or reason for discharge.
Telephone: 01748 833797 / 01748 872940 / 01748 830191

Sporting Force
Sporting Force provide exercise, education and social events to support veterans and their families struggling with their mental health and loneliness. They also help with employment in the professional sports industry. 

STOLL
STOLL provides rehabilitative support to vulnerable and disabled ex-service men and women. The support offered includes provision of accommodation, employment training, benefits advice, a drop-in centre, and other social activities and groups.
Telephone: 0207 385 2110

THE ICARUS CHARITY
A veteran-led mental health treatment charity providing therapy, councelling and a range of support. 

The Not Forgotten Association
The Not Forgotten Association aims to provide leisure and recreation for serving and ex-service personnel who are wounded or have sustained permanent injuries.

The Poppy Factory
Helping veteran's with health conditions on their way into employment and overcoming barriers.

Togetherall
An online community providing support anonymously to help people take control and feel better in their mental health. 

Tom Harrison House
Specialist facility providing an addiction recovery programme exclusively to military veterans, reservists, serving personnel and their families. 12 week programme – supported accommodation for the programme duration in a dedicated recovery house.
Telephone: 0151 909 8481

Transport for London
Veterans can get a free London Transport Oyster card.

Veterans Aid
In general terms all the charity’s activities revolve around helping ex-servicemen and women in crisis. Specifically it deals with all the factors that contribute to crisis – significantly those leading to homelessness.
Telephone: 0800 012 6867

Veterans Gateway
24 hour, 7 days a week helpline for veterans and their families.
Telephone: 0808 802 1212

Veterans UK
Veterans UK administers the armed forces pension schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service. They also provide welfare support for veterans, and their families, through the Veterans Welfare Service and the Veterans UK helpline.
Telephone: 0808 1914 218

Walking with the Wounded
Walking with the Wounded supports a pathway for vulnerable veterans to re-integrate back into society and sustain their independence. At the heart of this journey is employment.

X Forces
Supports business start-up, learning, funding mentoring and ongoing support for military community.