Information And Support

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  • If you or someone you know needs support at this time, you can find more information by visiting the British Army website, the Royal Navy website, the Royal Air Force website and the Government's website.

EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, SUICIDE and PTSD

Combat Stress 

Provide specialist treatment and support for veterans, focusing on those with complex mental health issues. 

Helpline: 0800 138 1619 

www.combatstress.org.uk

HeadFIT 

Provides the tools and advice for the management of mental health for defence people. 

www.headfit.org

The Ripple Pond 

Provides confidential peer support to Armed Forces families, alongside a community where you can feel a sense of belonging and connection. 

www.theripplepond.org

H4H Hidden Wounds 

Provides confidential advice and support and offers a clinical assessment to help identify the most appropriate treatment plan, followed by a range of evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to individual needs. 

www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Defence Medical Welfare Service

Supports serving personnel and reservists of all three services, their dependent relatives and other entitled civilians when they need help during times of ill health.  

Helpline: 0800 999 3697  

www.dmws.org.uk

Op Courage (NHS England)

Mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/mental-health/veterans-reservists

Veterans NHS Wales

Specialised, priority service for veterans at any time of life who are experiencing mental health difficulties related specifically to their military service.

www.veteranswales.co.uk

Veterans First Point (NHS Scotland)

Access to veteran-led mental health and welfare support.

www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk

Northern Ireland Veterans' Support Office

The lead support and signposting service linking veterans to a range of organisations throughout Northern Ireland, that can help to support mental health.

www.nivso.org.uk

Veterans’ Gateway

Available 24/7, Veterans' Gateway provides information, advice and support for veterans and their families

Helpline: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Text: 81212

www.veteransgateway.org.uk

Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) 

Supports the Armed Forces, veterans and the wider military community with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD. 

www.togetherall.com

Samaritans 

Works with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. 

Helpline: 116 123 

Email: [email protected] 

www.samaritans.org

Shout 

A free 24/7 crisis text support service for people who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis.  

Text CONTACT to 85258  

www.giveusashout.org

CALM 

Campaign Against Living Miserably is a suicide prevention charity offering free, anonymous and confidential support via their helpline and webchat for anyone who is in crisis.    Phone: 0800 58 58 58  

(Daily | 5pm-midnight) 

www.thecalmzone.net 

Hopeline UK 

Offers support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you are concerned about someone you know. 

Helpline: 0800 068 41 41 

www.papyrus-uk.org

Inspire (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health) 

Provides local services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland. 

For immediate support call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and for support and information about mental health, call the Advocacy for All team on 0808 189 0036

www.inspirewellbeing.org

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) 

Can provide general mental health information and signpost you to your local services. 

Contact: 0344 800 0550 (Mon-Fri | 9am-6pm) 

www.samh.org.uk

Community Advice & Listening Line 

Offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales. 

Helpline: 0800 132 737 (24/7) or text "help" to 81066 

www.callhelpline.org.uk

Mind 

Provides advice and support on a range of topics including types of mental health problems, self-harm, legislation and details of local help and support in England and Wales. 

Join the online community: Side By Side | Mind

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (weekdays | 9am-6pm) 

www.mind.org.uk

Childline 

This is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you.  

Helpline: 0800 1111 

www.childline.org.uk

 

ADDICTION

SSAFA

They help relieve suffering and distress among the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity. 

www.ssafa.org.uk

NHS Alcohol Support

Information regarding concerns about alcohol and details of how to access support - Alcohol support

Drinkline National alcohol helpline

Helpline: 0300 123 1110 

(weekdays 9am-8pm | weekends 11am-4pm) 

Al-anon Family Groups

There for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking. 

www.al-anonuk.org.uk

Helpline: 0800 0086 811 (10am-10pm)

Samaritans

Samaritans works with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. 

www.samaritans.org

Helpline: 116 123 (24 hours a day | 365 days a year)

Narcotics Anonymous

www.ukna.org

Helpline: 0300 999 1212 (10am-midnight) 

The National Gambling Helpline

Operated by GamCare, the National Gambling Helpline offers confidential support, advice and free counselling to people concerned about their gambling, or the gambling of friends or family. 

Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7)

www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamblers Anonymous

Provides a list of support meetings for problem gamblers.

www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

www.gascotland.org (Scotland)

 

BEREAVEMENT

Royal British Legion

The RBL provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.

www.britishlegion.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (8am-8pm | every day)

SSAFA

If you lose someone who has previously served in our Armed Forces, or you are ex-Forces and you lose someone, then SSAFA is committed to supporting you during your bereavement.

www.ssafa.org.uk

SSAFA Forcesline: 0800 260 6767 (9am-5pm | Monday-Friday)

Cruse Bereavement Care 

The charity provides support after the death of someone close including face to face, telephone, group support, as well as bereavement support for children.

www.cruse.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)                 0808 802 6161 (Scotland) 

Child Bereavement UK 

The bereavement charity supports families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.

Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 

www.childbereavementuk.org

Veterans’ Gateway

Available 24/7, Veterans' Gateway provides information, advice and support for veterans and their families

Helpline: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Text: 81212

www.veteransgateway.org.uk

 

BULLYING

Defence Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline

UK: 0800 014 2381

Overseas: +44 33000 85942

Army Speak Out Helpline

0306 770 4656 / mil 96770 4656

[email protected]

Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall)

A safe, online community available 24/7, providing support for the Armed Forces, veterans and the wider military community with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD. 

www.togetherall.com

Little Troopers

The charity provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.

www.littletroopers.net

National Bullying Helpline

If you are being bullied at work, at home, in the community or in education, the National Bullying Helpline can provide free, confidential help and support. 

Helpline: 0300 323 0169 (9am-5pm | daily) 

www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

Childline

This is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you. 

Helpline: 0800 1111

www.childline.org.uk

 

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Forces Children’s Trust

The charity helps children in need whose parent or guardian has died or has sustained life-changing injuries while serving as a member of the British Armed Forces.

www.forceschildrenstrust.org.uk

Home-Start 

Offers help to families with young children through their challenging times – such as deployment or rebasing.

www.home-start.org.uk

Little Troopers

The charity provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.

www.littletroopers.net

Scotty's Little Soldiers

The charity is dedicated to supporting children who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces. 

www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk

Childline

This is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you. 

Helpline: 0800 1111

www.childline.org.uk

Young Minds

This charity offers specific support for mental health issues experienced by children and young people.

If you need urgent help text SHOUT to 85258.

www.youngminds.org.uk

The Mix

Non-judgmental support and information for young people (11 to 25) on a variety of issues including mental wellbeing, sex and relationships, exam stress, money, drugs and self-harm. 

Webchat available – www.themix.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (4pm – 11pm Monday to Friday. This service is closed at weekends.)

 

DEBT

Moneyhelper

An independent service, originally set up by the government, that provides free and impartial money advice.

UK Helpline: 0800 138 7777 (Mon-Fri | 8am-6pm) 

Welsh language helpline: 0800 138 0555

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

National Debtline

The charity gives free and independent debt advice over the phone or online. 

Helpline: 0808 808 4000 (Monday-Friday 9am-8pm | Saturday 9.30am-1pm)  

www.nationaldebtline.org

Royal British Legion

Provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. 

Helpline:  

From the UK: 0808 802 8080  

From overseas: +44 203 376 8080 (8am-8pm | every day)

www.britishlegion.org.uk

Veterans' Gateway

Available 24/7, Veterans' Gateway provides information, advice and support for veterans and their families

Helpline: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Text: 81212

www.veteransgateway.org.uk

StepChange Debt Charity

The UK’s leading debt charity offering free, confidential advice

Contact: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm / Saturday 9am to 2pm)

www.stepchange.org

DEMENTIA

Dementia UK

Provides a helpline staffed by specialist Admiral Nurses who can advise on all aspects of caring for someone with dementia. 

Helpline: 0800 888 6678   (Mon - Fri, 9 am - 9 pm | Weekends, 9am-5pm) 

www.dementiauk.org

Alzheimer’s Society

Provides information and support to people with any form of dementia and their carers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Helpline: 0333 150 3456 

(Mon to Weds: 0900 – 2000 hrs, Thurs and Fri: 0900 – 1700 hrs, Sat and Sun: 1000 – 1600 hrs)

www.alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer Scotland

Provides information, advice and personalised support services across Scotland.  

Helpline: 0808 808 3000 (24 hours) 

www.alzscot.org

SSAFA

Helps the Armed Forces community in a number of ways, though their focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.

Live chat facility online or call 0800 260 6767 

www.ssafa.org.uk

Royal British Legion

Provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. 

Helpline:  

From the UK: 0808 802 8080  

From overseas: +44 203 376 8080 (8am-8pm | every day)

www.britishlegion.org.uk

 

DOMESTIC ABUSE

Royal Navy – Naval Service Family and People Support (NS FPS)

Contact: 02392 728777 or Freephone 0800 145 6088 

Army – Army Welfare Service (AWS)

Contact the Intake and Assessment Team on 01904 882053, or email [email protected] 

Royal Air Force  SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association).

SSAFA provides a welfare support service for serving RAF personnel and their dependents. They can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year if the caller is away from their normal station.

Contact: 03000 111 723 (24 hours) or email [email protected] 

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline 

The 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge is for women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and others calling on their behalf. 

Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Men's Advice Line

Offers confidential advice for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner. 

Helpline: 0808 801 0327 (Weekdays | 10am - 5pm)

www.mensadviceline.org.uk

National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence Helpline 

National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence helpline run by Galop, provides support to LGBTQ+ people suffering domestic abuse. 

Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Monday – Thursday 10am – 8:30 pm / Friday 10am – 4:30 pm)

www.galop.org.uk

Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline (Northern Ireland)

Offers referral to a range of services to all women, men and children affected by domestic & sexual violence.

Helpline: 0808 802 1414 (24/7)

Email: [email protected]

www.dsahelpline.org

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 

Offers telephone information and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse or forced marriage. 

Helpline: 0800 027 1234 (24/7) 

www.sdafmh.org.uk

Live Fear Free Helpline 

A confidential, signposting and information service for anyone experiencing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence in Wales. 

Helpline: 0808 80 10 800 (24/7)  

www.gov.wales/live-fear-free/domestic-abuse-wales

 

FAMILIES FEDERATIONS

Army Families Federation

The AFF work hard to improve the quality of life for British Army families around the world – on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.

www.aff.org.uk

Naval Families Federation

The NFF give you a chance to air your views, feel valued and be treated with fairness and respect so you can thrive in your community.

www.nff.org.uk

RAF Families Federation

The RAF-FF work to improve the quality of life for the Royal Air Force family around the world – at work or at home.

www.raf-ff.org.uk

LGBTQ+

Army LGBT+ Network  

Through a variety of different support avenues, the Army LGBT+ Network offers support for any lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender soldier and LGBT people thinking of joining the Army. 

www.facebook.com/ArmyLGBT

RAF LGBT+ Network 

This network works to ensure that the Royal Air Force LGBT community are supported, valued and empowered to benefit the individual and the RAF as they operate across the globe. 

RAF LGBT+ Network | Facebook 

Royal Navy Compass 

The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Network of the Royal Navy, including the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Maritime Reserves.

Royal Navy Compass | Facebook

MOD LGBT+ Network | ShOUT 

‘Employee Staff Network representing all sexual orientation and gender identities across the civilian workforce.

MOD LGBT+ Network | Twitter

Switchboard 

An information, support and referral service for anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality. 

Helpline: 0800 0119 100 (Daily | 10am-10pm) 

www.switchboard.lgbt

LGBT Foundation 

Offers a range of services, support and information to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. 

Helpline: 0345 330 3030 (Daily | 10am-10pm) 

www.lgbt.foundation

Stonewall 

Offers help and advice for people who may be LGBTQ+ on a range of subjects, including coming out and hate crime.

www.stonewall.org.uk 

Trans Unite 

A network for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community and help connect you to an established network of trans support groups near you. 

www.transunite.co.uk

 

LONELINESS

Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs

Bringing together veterans and Armed Forces personnel in a relaxed, safe, social environment to enjoy breakfast and banter, to combat loneliness and allow veterans to ‘return to the tribe’

Find your nearest breakfast club at www.afvbc.world

Samaritans 

Available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day. 

Helpline: 116 123 

Email: [email protected] 

www.samaritans.org

Royal British Legion

The RBL provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families.

www.britishlegion.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (8am-8pm | every day)

SSAFA

SSAFA can offer support if you’re lonely and has recently launched a new initiative – Community Connection Champions – specifically to help service people and their families, wherever they’re posted, to feel less alone.

www.ssafa.org.uk

SSAFA Forcesline: 0800 260 6767 (9am-5pm | Monday-Friday)

PREGNANCY RELATED ISSUES

NHS: 

Association for Post-Natal Illness 

Offer and support to anyone suffering from or affected by Post Natal Illness. 

www.apni.org 

Maternal Mental Health Alliance 

The charity ensures all women across the UK get consistent, accessible and quality care and support for their mental health during pregnancy and postnatally. 

www.maternalmentalhealthalliance.org 

Mothers for Mothers 

Offer peer support to mothers experiencing isolation, anxiety, depression or distress during pregnancy until the youngest child of the family starts school. 

Helpline: 0117 935 9366 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 9pm)

www.mothersformothers.co.uk 

Fertility Network UK 

Offers information, advice and support for anyone suffering from infertility related problems. 

Info Line: 01424 732361

www.fertilitynetworkuk.org 

PANDAS | Pre And Postnatal Depression Advice And Support 

Offers advice and support to individuals and their families across the UK suffering pre and postnatal illnesses. 

Helpline: 0808 1961 776 

www.pandasfoundation.org.uk 

Bliss 

Provides care and support for all babies born too soon, too small and too sick and their families. 

www.bliss.org.uk 

Sands 

Supports anyone affected by the death of a baby that has died before, during, or shortly after birth and offer telephone support and online message boards.    Helpline: 0808 164 3332 (10am – 3pm Monday – Friday / 6pm – 9pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (note – not open during bank holidays unless otherwise stated on the website) or email [email protected]

www.sands.org.uk

 

RACISM

Equality and Advisory Support Service 

Advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales. 

Helpline: 0808 800 0082 (9am – 7pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 2pm Saturday).

www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

The National Bullying Helpline 

Provides free, confidential help and support if you are being bullied at work, at home, in the community or in education. 

Helpline: 0300 323 0169 (9am-5pm | Monday to Friday) 

www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk  

Victim Support 

Provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police. 

Helpline: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7) 

www.victimsupport.org.uk

Victim Support NI  

Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland. 

028 9024 3133 / 028 7137 0086

www.victimsupportni.com

Victim Support Scotland 

Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland. 

Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (Mon-Fri | 8am-8pm) 

www.victimsupport.scot

 

SEXUAL ABUSE & VIOLENCE

Rape Crisis England & Wales 

Provides specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.

Helpline: 0808 500 2222 (24/7) 

www.rapecrisis.org.uk 

Rape Crisis Scotland 

Provides confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres. 

Helpline: 0808 801 03 02 

www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk 

The Rowan 

The regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for Northern Ireland.  They provide a range of support and services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to people of all ages who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, whether this happened in the past or more recently. 

Helpline: 0800 389 4424 (24 hours) 

www.therowan.net

Childline 

A free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. 

Helpline: 0800 1111 

www.childline.org.uk 

Samaritans 

Available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day. 

Helpline: 116 123 

Email: [email protected] 

www.samaritans.org

Victim Support  

Provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.  

Helpline: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7)  

www.victimsupport.org.uk  

Victim Support NI   

Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.

028 9024 3133 / 028 7137 0086

www.victimsupportni.com  

Victim Support Scotland  

Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.  

Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (Mon-Fri | 8am-8pm)  

www.victimsupport.scot 

 

HIV & SEXUAL HEALTH

NHS

www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health  

www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids  

The Terence Higgins Trust 

Provides information about HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and how to maintain good sexual health. They also provide resources for people living with HIV and those newly diagnosed. 

Helpline: 0808 802 1221 (10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday)

www.tht.org.uk

If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in a programme on Forces TV or on forces.net, the following organisations may be able to help. The links will take you directly to where you can find information and support.