Armed forces

  • SSAFA forces line

    A free and confidential service providing support for serving (regulars and reserves), ex-forces and their families. SSAFA is outside of the military chain of command, they will listen and won’t judge. Freephone lines are open 09:00-17:00, Monday-Friday.

    Phone
    0800 731 4880

    Website
    SSAFA forces line

  • Veterans gateway

    National point of contact for veterans seeking support. Putting 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. Freephone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Phone
    0808 802 1212

    Website
    Veterans gateway

  • Welfare and financial support

    There are lots of organisations that provide support to serving Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans.

    The Royal Navy Royal Marines Welfare Team is always on hand to help with the unique challenges that service personnel and their family and friends encounter during life in – or with – the Royal Navy or Royal Marines

    The Naval Families Federation lists organisations and charities that help with a range of welfare issues, including bereavements and disability needs

    The British Army provides help on a range of welfare issues including deployment support, legal assistance and a dedicated, free telephone service (Forcesline) for confidential guidance

    The Army Families Foundation (AFF) is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice on a range of welfare issues including money matters and family life

    The Royal Air Force Community Support provides support to service personnel and families in a number of areas, including accommodation, education and financial support

    The Royal Air Force Families Federation provide all RAF personnel and their families – Regular and Reserve, single or married – with timely and professional support, assistance and an independent voice regarding issues or concerns that they may have

    The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) works to ensure that the needs of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families are met in an appropriate and timely way

    Veterans UK provides a range of services including a veteran’s advice helpline, a welfare service that will provide a dedicated caseworker to assist veterans and their families, and support war pensioners and war widows and widowers

    The Royal British Legion provides support to people who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, their dependents and carers

    The South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) provides supports Reservists and Cadets in the South East of England, as well as managing Reserve, Cadet and Training centres; supporting Reservists by engaging with and supporting their employers; and encouraging support for Reserve Forces and Cadets