Information And Support
- 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
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.
Veterans First Point (NHS Scotland)
Access to veteran-led mental health and welfare support.
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/mental-health-support-across-northern-ireland
Veterans’ Gateway
Available 24/7, Veterans' Gateway provides information, advice and support for veterans and their families
Helpline: 0808 802 1212
Text: 81212
Combat Stress
Provide specialist treatment and support for veterans, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.
Helpline: 0800 138 1619
HeadFIT
Provides the tools and advice for the management of mental health for defence people.
The Ripple Pond
Provides confidential peer support to Armed Forces families, alongside a community where you can feel a sense of belonging and connection.
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.
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
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]
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
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)
Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall)
Supports the Armed Forces, veterans and the wider military community with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD.
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
Inspire (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health)
Provides local services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland.
Contact: 028 9032 8474
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)
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
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)
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
ADDICTION
NHS Help
Information, advice and links to further help - Alcohol Misuse
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.
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.
Helpline: 116 123 (24 hours a day | 365 days a year)
Narcotics Anonymous
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)
Gamblers Anonymous
Provides a list of support meetings for problem gamblers.
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
www.gascotland.org (Scotland)
SSAFA
They help relieve suffering and distress among the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity.
BEREAVEMENT
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.
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
Royal British Legion
The RBL provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
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.
Helpline: 0800 260 6767 (9am-5pm | Monday-Friday)
Veterans’ Gateway
Available 24/7, Veterans' Gateway provides information, advice and support for veterans and their families
Helpline: 0808 802 1212
Text: 81212
BULLYING
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
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.
Little Troopers
The charity provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
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
Young Minds
This charity offers specific support for mental health issues experienced by children and young people.
Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you need urgent help text YM to 85258.
The Mix
Non-judgmental support and information for young people under 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
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 for families with young children through their challenging times – such as deployment or rebasing.
Little Troopers
The charity provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.
Scotty's Little Soldiers
The charity is dedicated to supporting children who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces.
DEBT
The Money Advice Service
An independent service, originally set up by the government, that provides free and impartial money advice.
Helpline: 0800 138 7777 (Mon-Fri | 8am-6pm)
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)
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)
Veterans’ Gateway
Available 24/7, Veterans' Gateway provides information, advice and support for veterans and their families
Helpline: 0808 802 1212
Text: 81212
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)
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
Alzheimer Scotland
Provides information, advice and personalised support services across Scotland.
Hepline: 0808 808 3000 (24 hours)
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
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)
DOMESTIC ABUSE
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)
Men's Advice Line
Offers confidential advice for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner.
Helpline: 0808 801 0327 (Weekdays | 9am-5pm)
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
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]
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)
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)
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]
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.
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.
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.
LGBTQ+ ISSUES
Switchboard
An information, support and referral service for anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality.
Helpline: 0300 330 0630 (Daily | 10am-10pm)
LGBT Foundation
Offers a range of services, support and information to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
Helpline: 0345 330 3030 (Daily | 10am-10pm)
Stonewall
Offers help and advice for people who may be LGBTQ+ on a range of subjects, including coming out and hate crime.
Helpline – 0800 050 2020 (9.30am-4.30pm Monday – Friday)
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.
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.
RAF LGBT+ Freedom Network
They work 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+ Freedom Network | Facebook
Royal Navy Compass
They support the LGBT+ community and are committed to discrimination.
MOD LGBT+ Network | ShOUT
They work hard and offer support to LGBT+ communities and to make mental health a community concern.
PREGNANCY RELATED ISSUES
NHS:
- www.nhs.uk/pregnancy
- Scotland | www.nhsinform.scot
- Northern Ireland | online.hscni.net
- Wales | www.wales.nhs.uk
Association for Post-Natal Illness
Offer and support to anyone suffering from or affected by Post Natal Illness.
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.
Fertility Network UK
Offers information, advice and support for anyone suffering from infertility related problems.
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
Bliss
Provides care and support for all babies born too soon, too small and too sick and their families.
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
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
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 | daily)
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)
Victim Support NI
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 028 9024 3133 (Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm)
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)
SEXUAL ABUSE & VIOLENCE
Rape Crisis England & Wales
Offers confidential support and information to women in England and Wales who have survived any form of sexual violence, no matter how long ago. Also provides immediate support to friends and family on how to support female survivors of sexual violence.
Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (12pm-2.30pm & 7pm-9.30pm | daily)
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
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)
Childline
A free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.
Helpline: 0800 1111
Samaritans
Available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Helpline: 116 123
Email: [email protected]
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)
Victim Support NI
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 028 9024 3133 (Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm)
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)
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.
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.
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