Veteran Support

Leaving the Armed Forces can be a significant life transition. While many veterans move successfully into civilian life, some may face challenges with their physical health, mental wellbeing, employment, housing, finances, relationships, or feeling connected to their community. These challenges can arise immediately after leaving service or many years later.

Veterans often bring valuable skills, resilience, and experience to civilian life, but they may not always be aware of the support available to them. A simple conversation can help identify what matters most to the person and connect them with appropriate advice, services, and community support. The NHS, local authorities, charities, and specialist veteran services offer a range of support tailored to the needs of veterans and their families.

This section provides information and signposting to help veterans access support for their health, wellbeing, finances, housing, employment, and social connections. Whether someone served for many years or just a short period, they may be entitled to dedicated support and services. Veterans are encouraged to tell their GP practice about their military service, as this can help ensure they receive access to appropriate veteran-specific healthcare and support where needed.

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

Offering help to veterans can make a meaningful impact on their wellbeing. Here are some ways you can provide support:

Listen and Engage: Take the time to listen to veterans' experiences. Engage in conversations and show genuine interest in understanding their perspective.

  • Express gratitude for their service and sacrifices. A simple "thank you for your service" can go a long way in acknowledging their contributions.
  • Recognise the role of families in veterans' well-being. Offer support to their families and caregivers, as they play a crucial role in providing care and understanding.
  • Understand that not all veterans may want to talk about their experiences. Respect their boundaries and offer support when they're ready

Support for families: Supporting the families of veterans is crucial, as they often play a significant role in the well-being and transition of veterans after their service.

  • Families of veterans can often access dedicated and specific support, this could include: benefits advice, mental health support, peer support and financial and legal assistance.

Assist

Offer Assistance: Offering help to veterans is about building connections, showing empathy, and creating a supportive environment. 

Q: Did you know that the armed forces charity SSAFA can help provide practical, financial and emotional support for service personnel, veterans and their families, would you like some further information on this?

Act

National Support

If you need immediate mental health support or are in crisis please call NHS 111 for urgent mental health advice

Op COURAGE: Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing

NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and families.

Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service

NHS service providing specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the armed forces.

Op NOVA

Work with veterans that have been in contact with the criminal justice system to tackle housing problems, debt, mental health issues and drug or alcohol misuse.

 

Veteran Aware

NHS Veteran Aware is an accreditation programme designed to support healthcare providers understand and meet the needs of the Armed Forces community. 

Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance – Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance

 Combat Stress

Provide clinical treatment and support for veterans from the British Armed Forces, focussing on those with complex mental health issues resulting from the experiences during military service. 

Mental health services for veterans | Combat Stress

PTSD Resolution: A charity assisting servicemen and women and family members with mental health issues following service in the UK Armed Forces.

Veterans at Ease – Because Military Minds Matter – A military mental health charity providing free therapy and support

Local Support and Contact Details