Armed Forces Support

Helplines

If you have served or are currently serving in the UK Armed Forces, you can call the Combat Stress mental health helplines.

• Helpline: Veterans and their families 0800 138 1619 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
• Helpline: Serving personnel and their families 0800 323 4444 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

You can also text on 07537 173683 or email [email protected]

Standard charges may apply for texts, please check with your provider.

A team of specially-trained professionals are available day and night to provide free confidential advice and support.  They are there for you whether you’re having a tough time, having trouble sleeping, experiencing flashbacks, feeling depressed or anxious, or just feeling that something isn’t quite right.

If you’re a family member or carer worried about the mental health of a loved one, or need to talk to someone yourself, you can call the helpline too.

https://combatstress.org.uk

Care after Combat helps former British Armed Forces veterans in the justice system and their families.

• Helpline: 0300 343 0255  (24-hour a day, 365 day a year)

Making sure veterans get the care, guidance, and respect they have earned. Life after the military can be tough, and even harder for those in the justice system. Many face mental health challenges, lack of support, and loneliness. Care after Combat offers one-to-one mentors and practical help, giving veterans the support they need to rebuild their lives.

https://careaftercombat.org

The Royal British Legion (RBL) supports members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families—and is committed to being there for them long term. 

• Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week)

Anyone who is serving or has served in the Armed Forces, along with their dependants and carers, is eligible for help from the RBL. The RBL recognises that life can be challenging and it is not always easy to know where to turn. Its support teams work in communities every day, reaching those most in need.

While not an emergency service, the RBL can help people get back on their feet when they are struggling. The organisation understands the sacrifices made by service members, the strain this can place on family life and relationships, and the challenges that can come with transitioning to civilian life.

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/how-we-help

The RNBT’s motto is “Serve a day, supported for life.” It supports serving personnel, those transitioning from service, and RN/RM veterans or dependents, providing help to those who need it.

• Helpline: Call 02394 216294 or email [email protected] (Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm)

https://rnbt.org.uk

Help for Heroes understands the challenges people face when starting a new life after leaving the military.

• Helpline: 0300 303 9888 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm)

Finding work, a home, a sense of purpose, and a place in society can feel overwhelming.

As one of the UK’s leading Armed Forces and veterans’ charity, Help for Heroes works to ensure veterans and their families can live well after service, with the support they need.

https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk

The Veterans’ Gateway helpline can provide information and referral support by telephone.

• Helpline: 0808 802 1212  (Monday to Sunday, 8am - 8pm)

Find support for UK armed forces veterans and their families, including help with finance, healthcare, employment, housing, social care and more.

https://www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans

Forcesline is a free and confidential telephone helpline and email service that provides emotional support and a listening ear to those in the Armed Forces community who are feeling lonely, isolated or are struggling to cope with everyday life. They can also signpost you to other organisations who may be able to offer more practical assistance.

• Helpline: Forces Line - 0800 260 6780 (9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am - 4pm on Fridays).

https://www.ssafa.org.uk

Other Organisations 

The Forces Connect app was developed by Forces Connect South East, a cross border partnership of local authorities, tri-service armed forces, health and service charities using a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust with the aim of making it easier for the Armed Forces community (serving, ex-service and their families) to access direct information on the local services available to them.

https://www.forcesconnect.co.uk

The immediate needs support charity for veterans who find themselves battling hardship and distress.

The Veterans Charity provides support to Veterans of the UK Armed Forces. The recipient of the support must be a Veteran of the UK Armed Forces who has completed a minimum of 6 months verifiable service, either as a regular or as a reservist. Verification of service will be required in order to obtain support.

See what support you can get and complete the form here https://www.veteranscharity.org.uk/getsupport

The Not Forgotten transforms the lives of veterans and serving military personnel living with injury, illness or isolation by bringing people together, lifting spirits and restoring dignity and confidence.

Running a varied year-round programme of social events, day outings, respite and challenge breaks around the UK and aboard, and prestige royal events at Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace, improving physical and mental health, reducing isolation and loneliness, building self-esteem and re-establishing the camaraderie for those who miss that sense of belonging.

https://thenotforgotten.org/register/register-for-our-help

Walking With The Wounded provides personalised support to ex-service personnel who are struggling since leaving military service. As a veteran’s charity, it can help with employment, mental health, and support care coordination.

• Call: 0330 058 5800

https://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

Their approach is a holistic one – they treat the whole person and avoid simply applying a ‘mental health’ label, which can be simplistic and even damaging.

https://standeasy.org.uk/contact-us

The Royal Naval Association provides companionship, comradeship and unity. Dedicated RNA volunteers offer members support in various forms, from a cuppa and a catch-up to welfare and wellbeing events, signposting and more. Contact your local branch or email the main office [email protected] 

https://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity will support you and your family—whenever and wherever you need them. Whether you are serving, a veteran, or a family member, their support spans all aspects of life, from mental health and financial assistance to education, housing, and family wellbeing. The website brings together the many ways they can help, ensuring that no one in their Naval family faces life’s challenges alone.

https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/appeal/supporting-you

For most veterans, leaving the Armed Forces and returning back to civilian life is a smooth transition but some are faced with challenges such as homelessness, poverty, health issues, addictions, broken families and unemployment.

Launchpad exists to provide accommodation and other support, with the expertise of specialist providers, so veterans can stabilise their lives and make a successful transition from military to civilian life.

https://veteranslaunchpad.org.uk/need-support

Supporting Wounded Veterans aims to help veterans break down the barriers that hinder them from achieving the life they deserve.

https://www.supportingwoundedveterans.com/contact-us

Fighting with Pride supports the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ veterans, service personnel and their families. Their expertise lies in the ‘lived experience’ of the team.

https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/get-in-touch