If you are in crisis and require immediate support, please call 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
Below is a list of other organisations you can contact for support:
Veterans’ Gateway
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.
Tel: 0808 802 1212
Web: www.veteransgateway.org.uk
NHS 111 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
NHS 111 is the non-emergency number offering 24 hour medical information, advice and reassurance. It replaced NHS Direct in 2014. You should use the NHS 111 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
Tel: 111 (24 hours)
Web: www.nhs.uk
NHS 24 (Scotland)
NHS 24 is the non-emergency number offering 24 hour medical information, advice and reassurance in Scotland. You should use the NHS 24 service if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
Tel: 111 (24 hours)
Web: https://www.nhs24.scot/
Combat Stress
Combat Stress offer confidential and safe help and advice about Service-related mental health issues for the whole military community.
Tel (veterans and their families): 0800 138 1619
Tel (serving personnel and their families): 0800 323 4444
Web: www.combatstress.org.uk/veterans/contact-us/
The Samaritans
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.
Tel: 08457 909 090 – UK | 116 123 – ROI (24 hours)
Web: www.samaritans.org
Op Courage
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available from Op Courage: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service run by the NHS. It doesn’t
matter if you are due to leave the armed forces, have just left or if you left many years ago. Op Courage are here to help and understand the courage it takes to speak to someone.
Web: Veterans: NHS mental health services
Op FORTITUDE
Are you or someone you know at risk of homelessness?
On 21 December the establishment of a new referral scheme was announced – Op FORTITUDE will enable veterans at risk of homelessness to access supported housing and wrap-around specialist care in health, housing and education. Working with charities, the funding will ensure a single central point for local authorities and charities to identify those in need and refer them to a network of support.
Veterans can access the scheme through a dedicated charity helpline, on the number 01748 833797.
Veterans UK Welfare Service
Information on claiming AFCS, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Medical Discharges and Pension.
Tel: 08081 914 218
Web: www.gov.uk/government/collections/armed-forces-compensation
SSAFA Forcesline
SSAFA Forcesline offers a 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.
Tel: 08007 314 880 (Mon-Fri 09:00 – 17:30)
Web: www.ssafa.org.uk/help-you/forcesline