Support for Veterans and the Armed Forces

Specific urgent support for veterans

From Gov UK
Veterans needing urgent help in a crisis can contact us or the following organisations for assistance. Urgent help for veterans – GOV.UK

LOCAL SUPPORT – SELF REFERRAL

Support for veterans accessing local health care

The NHS provide a simple introduction to the NHS for veterans and all members of the armed forces community

GENERAL SUPPORT

From the Veteran’s Gateway

An excellent first point of contact for veterans and their families seeking local support. This national organisation will connect you to local support organisations.

“We connect veterans and their families with a range of local support organisations – both within and outside the Armed Forces sector.” 

Advice and support for veterans & ex-forces | Veterans’ Gateway

Also they have a directory you can search for local support

Find support in your local area Find local support for veterans with an interactive map | Veterans’ Gateway

From SSAFA Buckinghamshire

You can contact the local SSAFA branch in Buckinghamshire, which provides local lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the armed forces Buckinghamshire | SSAFA

Further information

Further local support can be found under:

Other local organisations

If you live on the borders of Buckinghamshire you may want to look at other local organisations

From SSAFA Berkshire
You can contact the local branch in Berkshire, which provides lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the armed forces Berkshire | SSAFA

From SSAFA Oxfordshire
You can contact the local branch in Oxfordshire, which provides lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the armed forces Oxfordshire | SSAFA

General Veteran Mental Health Support

From Op COURAGE
The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing service supporting any veteran who is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing.

From Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies
The NHS psychology service in Buckinghamshire
See under Working with you: “Are you a Military Veteran?“ Working with you – NHS Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies NHS Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

From Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies
One to one support for PTSD using “Eye movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing “treatment One to one support – NHS Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies

From Citizens Advice

Armed forces and veterans Armed forces and veterans – Citizens Advice

From the Royal British Legion
“Search for your closest Royal British Legion location and pop in to see us.”

“Becoming a member provides the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities and events held locally, regionally and nationally throughout the year.”

From Buckinghamshire Council
“Find out what support is available to the armed forces community in Buckinghamshire.”

For families

From Buckinghamshire Council
Includes support at bases in Buckinghamshire, childcare support, education and more

National Support – SELF REFERRAL

GENERAL SUPPORT

From the Veteran’s Gateway
“Here for you 24/7, we’re also the first point of contact for all your welfare needs. From healthcare and housing to employability, and more. Get in touch so that we can refer you directly to our expert, vetted partners.” Advice and support for veterans & ex-forces | Veterans’ Gateway

From SSAFA
Forcesline is a free and confidential telephone helpline and email service that provides support for serving (regulars and reserves), ex-Forces and for their families. Forcesline | SSAFA

From Gov UK
The Veterans UK helpline provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare. Veterans UK: contact us – GOV.UK

From the Royal British Legion
We support serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week. Who we help:   Who We Help | Armed Forces Charity | Royal British Legion
Click on “contact” on the top menu or scroll to the bottom of any page of the “get support” sections you will find contact details for telephone and online chat.

From Walking With The Wounded
As a veteran’s charity, we can help with employment, mental health and wellbeing, and Support Care Coordination. Ask for Help | Walking With The Wounded

From the NHS
Charities and support groups Charities and support groups – NHS

Further national support

There is also support in a number of other areas including

Support for prosthetic devices

From Blesma
“We are the only national service charity that supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives, offering financial and emotional support to them and their families” How we help | Blesma, The Limbless Veterans Charity

Mental Health Support

From Combat Stress
A 24-hour helpline for veterans and their families for confidential mental health advice and support. An online self-help is also available for guidance and support. Helpline | Combat Stress

From Help For Heroes
Offer a clinical assessment to help identify the most appropriate treatment plan, for veterans experiencing difficulties with your mental health Hidden Wounds Service – Help For Heroes

Employment Support

More than 2 years after leaving service

From Op ASCEND (Gov.uk)
“If you’ve left service for more than 2 years, Op ASCEND can provide you with free, enduring employment support from the Forces Employment Charity. Whether you’re looking for a career change or new employment opportunities, Op ASCEND is a service that connects you with veteran-friendly employers and provides expert tips, support and advice.”

Less than 2 years after leaving service

From the Career Transition Partnership
“The Career Transition Partnership brings together expert personal support, employers and training providers to help those who serve resettle into civilian life. In most cases, support is provided from 2 years before discharge until 2 years after discharge.”