Guidance

National services that offer support to veterans

A list of services across the UK that offer support to veterans.

From:
LGBT Veterans Independent Review
Published
22 June 2022
Last updated
17 August 2022 — See all updates

Below is a list of national services that offer support to veterans. There may also be services local to you.

These services are independent of the Review. You may experience delays in accessing services due to the current situation with coronavirus (COVID-19).

General

Veterans’ Gateway

The Veterans’ Gateway is for any ex-service personnel and their families looking for advice or support – whatever they are dealing with. They provide the first point of contact to a network of military and non-military partner organisations to help you find exactly what you need, when you need it - whether you’re in the UK or overseas. For 24-hour support go to Veterans’ Gateway or call 0808 802 1212.

Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo)

The Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo) represents the whole serving and veterans community and promotes the welfare and general interests of the armed forces community.

Service Complaints Ombudsman

Service Complaints Ombudsman provides independent and impartial oversight of the Service complaints system for members of the UK Armed Forces.

Defence Personnel Advice Service

Defence Personnel Advice Service provides signposting and advice for service personnel.

It still matters: Whenever it happened to you, it is never too late to get support for sexual abuse or sexual violence

Forward Assist

Forward Assist provides support, advice, guidance and advocacy through a variety of projects that help veterans ‘come out of the darkness’, and seek support to reduce the negative impact of social isolation and loneliness. Their interventions aim to improve the physical and mental health of veterans.

Health

NHS

The NHS offers mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.

Combat Stress

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans offering free treatment and support to ex-servicemen and women of the UK Armed Forces. Call them on 0800 138 1619, text them on 07537 404 719 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.

Fighting With Pride

Fighting With Pride supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ Veterans, service personnel and their families – in particular those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces prior to January 2000.

LGBT Foundation

The LGBT Foundation now offer a befriending service to both serving personnel and veterans, as well as their families.

Veterans UK

Medical assistance for veterans in:

  • England: NHS 111 service or call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency, or contact NHS
  • Scotland: Scotland’s Health on the Web or call 111
  • Wales: NHS Direct Wales or call 0845 46 47
  • Northern Ireland: nidirect government services - telephone contact details are available from the website

Helpline:

Normal service 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday

When the helpline is closed, callers will be given the option to be re-routed to The Samaritans 24 hour helpline.

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS), is part of Veterans UK and provides one-to-one support to veterans via a national network of welfare managers across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Phone or email the Veterans UK helpline and ask for the Welfare Service.

Samaritans

Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan.

Download the Samaritans Veterans free app, an app that can provide you with emotional support after your career in the Armed Forces.

Big White Wall

Big White Wall offers online mental wellbeing support 24/7 where you can share your concerns with others who feel like you. It’s safe, anonymous and has Wall Guides (counsellors) available 24/7. This service is free to veterans.

Centre for Women’s Justice

The Centre for Women’s Justice works to hold the State to account and challenge discrimination in the justice system around male violence against women and girls.

Inquest

Inquest is a charity providing expertise on state-related deaths and their investigation to bereaved people, lawyers, advice and support agencies, the media and parliamentarians.

The Equality Advisory Support Service

The Equality Advisory Support Service helpline advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights, across England, Scotland and Wales. You can Email them via the EASS website, call them on 0808 800 0082 or text 0808 800 0084.

Royal British Legion

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

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis is a charity working to end sexual violence and abuse.

They provide specialist information and support to all those affected by sexual violence in England and Wales.

Live Fear Free helpline

Live Fear Free helpline provide help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Call on 0808 801 0800.

Galop

Galop provides support to LGBT+ people experiencing hate crime, domestic abuse, and sexual violence advice. Call on:

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline  0800 999 5428

LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline 0207 704 2040

National Conversion Therapy Helpline 0800 130 3335

Rights of Women

Rights of Women is a women’s charity working in a number of ways to help women through the law.

Advocate

Advocate matches members of the public who need free legal help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay.

Legal Aid Agency helps you find a legal aid adviser or family mediator.

The Law Society

The Law Society’s Find a Solicitor is a free service for anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales that are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Chambers UK

Chambers UK - Legal Rankings allows you to search for the top ranked lawyers and law firms in the UK.

Liberty

Liberty challenges injustice, defends freedom and campaigns to make sure everyone in the UK is treated fairly.

Published 22 June 2022
Last updated 17 August 2022 + show all updates

  1. Forward Assist details added to list

  2. First published.

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