- 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
Combat Stress
Provide specialist treatment and support for veterans, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.
24-hour Helpline for support for yourself or if you’re worried about the mental health of a loved one – 0800 138 1619 (serving personnel and their families can call 0800 323 4444)
Text: 07537 173683
Email: [email protected]
HeadFIT
Provides the tools and advice for the management of mental health for defence people.
The Ripple Pond
Supporting adult family members of physically or psychologically injured British Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
Help 4 Heroes
Mental Health care for veterans and families
Helpline: 0300 303 9888 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm)
Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)
An independent charity providing medical welfare to those who have, or continue to, serve on the frontline.
Referrals helpline: 0800 999 3697
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 Commissioner's Office
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner's Office (NIVCO) is dedicated to supporting veterans across Northern Ireland by acting as a crucial link between veterans and the various support services available to them.
Togetherall
A diverse and safe online community where people can feel safe to share their feelings, support each other and start to feel better.
Active day and night, monitored and moderated 24/7 by licensed mental health practitioners.
Samaritans
Works with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
Veterans' Emotional Support Helpline – 0808 175 3075
24/7 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 SHOUT to 85258
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
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. Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm – midnight every day)
Hopeline247
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
Email – [email protected]
Text - 88247
Inspire (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health)
Provides local services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland.
For immediate support call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and for support and information about mental health, call our Infoline team on 0808 189 0036
SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health)
Can provide general mental health information and signpost you to your local services.
Information Service: 0344 800 0550 (Mon-Fri | 9am-6pm)
Community Advice & Listening Line Wales
Offers emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.
Helpline: 0800 132 737 (24/7)
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
Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (9am – 6pm UKT)
Support line: 0300 102 1234 (9am – 6pm UKT, Monday – Friday except Bank Holidays)
Welfare benefits line: 0300 222 5782 (9am – 5pm UKT)
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
PTSD Resolution
A charity assisting forces veterans and family members over the age of 12, to access free mental health therapy for Post Traumatic Stress. This includes those issues with addiction, veterans in prison or who are now living outside the UK. They also offer support to partners and families who are also affected by their loved ones' trauma.
Helpline: 0300 302 0551 (9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday)
ADDICTION
SSAFA
Welfare, health and support services for the UK military’s serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 – 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am - 4pm Friday
NHS Alcohol Support
Information regarding concerns about alcohol and details of how to access support - Alcohol support
Drink Aware National alcohol helpline
An independent charity which aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking.
Drinkline: 0300 123 1110
(weekdays 9am-8pm | weekends 11am-4pm)
Drinkline Scotland: 0800 7314 314
Drinkchat: web chat support between 9am and 2pm UKT on weekdays through the website – drinkaware.co.uk
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)
Email: [email protected]
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
A community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug-free life.
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
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
www.gascotland.org (Scotland)
PTSD Resolution
A charity assisting forces veterans and family members over the age of 12, to access free mental health therapy for Post Traumatic Stress. This includes those issues with addiction, veterans in prison or who are now living outside the UK. They also offer support to partners and families who are also affected by their loved ones' trauma.
Helpline: 0300 302 0551 (9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday)
BEREAVEMENT
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.
SSAFA Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 – 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am - 4pm Friday
Cruse Bereavement Care
The charity offers 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)
Opening times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am – 5pm | Tuesday 1pm - 8pm (Closed Saturday & Sunday)
Scotland Helpline: 0808 802 6161
Opening times: Monday – Friday 9am – 8pm | Weekends 10am – 2pm
Child Bereavement UK
Helps children and young people (up to the age of 25) and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.
Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 (9am – 4:30pm UKT, Monday – Friday)
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)
Peer-led support to adults impacted by suicide loss
Support Line – 0300 111 5065 (9am – 7pm daily)
Compassionate Friends
Offering support, understanding and comfort to bereaved siblings and parents after the death of a child, of any age, from any cause.
Helpline: 0345 123 2304 (10am – 4pm and 7pm – 10 pm, every day of the year)
BULLYING
Defence Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline
UK: 0800 014 2381
Overseas: +44 33000 85942
Army Speak Out Helpline
0306 770 4656 / mil 96770 4656
Togetherall
A diverse and safe online community where people can feel safe to share their feelings, support each other and start to feel better.
Active day and night, monitored and moderated 24/7 by licensed mental health practitioners
Little Troopers
The charity provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.
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 Monday – Friday and 10am to 12pm on Saturday)
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
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
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 to 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.
www.scottyslittlesoldiers.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
Young Minds
Practical advice and help for young people and their parents to find support.
If you need urgent help text SHOUT to 85258.
The Mix
The UK’s leading digital charity for under 25s, connecting young people to experts and their peers about everything from money to mental health, homelessness to jobs, break-ups to drugs and more. No topic is out of bounds and there’s no judgement. Non-urgent support is available via online support groups and short-term counselling.
Webchat available – www.themix.org.uk
24/7 Crisis Messenger: Text THEMIX to 85258
DEBT
Moneyhelper
A website to help you make your money and pension choices clearer. Free, impartial guidance that’s backed by government.
UK Helpline: 0800 138 7777 (8am – 6pm UKT Monday – Friday, closed Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays)
Welsh language helpline: 0800 138 0555
From overseas: +44 20 3553 2279
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)
StepChange Debt Charity
The UK’s leading debt charity offering free, confidential advice
Contact: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm / Saturday 9am to 2pm)
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 Monday - Friday, 9am - 9pm | Weekends and Bank Holidays (except Christmas Day) 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
(Mon to Weds: 0900 – 2000 hrs, Thurs and Fri: 0900 – 1700 hrs, Sat and Sun: 1000 – 1600 hrs)
Alzheimer Scotland
Provides information, advice and personalised support services across Scotland.
Helpline: 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 Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am - 4pm Friday
Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm UKT
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
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]
Opening hours for the team are 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am – 4pm on Fridays
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]
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)
Respect Men's Advice Line
Offers confidential advice for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner.
Helpline: 0808 801 0327 (Weekdays | 10am - 5pm)
Galop
National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence.
Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Monday and Tuesday – 9:15am - 8pm, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:15am - 4:30pm and closed on weekends. The helpline is closed between 1pm and 2pm Monday - Friday.)
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)
Text / WhatsApp: 07401 288595
Email: [email protected]
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)
Alternatively, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline by text 24/7 on 07860 077333.
Email: [email protected] (24/7) and live chat service via website.
www.gov.wales/live-fear-free/domestic-abuse-wales
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+
Army LGBT+ Network
The official British Army LGBT+ Network group for current serving soldiers. The group exists to connect soldiers across the British Army and to provide a platform for discussion and support.
RAF LGBT+ Network
This network works 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.
Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network
The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Network of the Royal Navy, including the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Maritime Reserves.
Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network | Facebook
ShOUT
Employee Staff Network representing all sexual orientation and gender identities across the civilian workforce.
Switchboard
The national LGBTQIA+ support line. They can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity, whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling.
Helpline: 0800 0119 100 (Daily | 10am-10pm)
LGBT Foundation
Offers a range of services, support and information to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. The LGBT Foundation also offers a tailored befriending service, wellbeing sessions and networking opportunities for Armed Forces personnel and veterans who identify as LGBTQ+.
Helpline: 0345 330 3030 - 9am – 9pm Monday – Friday / 10am – 6pm Saturday and Sunday (excluding bank holidays and religious festivals)
Stonewall
Offers help and advice for people who may be LGBTQ+ on a range of subjects, including coming out and hate crime.
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.
LONELINESS
Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs
Bringing together veterans and Armed Forces personnel in a relaxed, safe, social environment to enjoy breakfast and banter, to combat loneliness and allow veterans to ‘return to the tribe’
Find your nearest breakfast club at www.afvbc.world
Samaritans
Available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Veterans' Emotional Support Helpline – 0808 175 3075
Helpline: 116 123
Email: [email protected]
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
SSAFA offers support if you’re lonely and their Community Connection Champions help service people and their families, wherever they're posted, to feel less alone.
Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 – 9am - 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am - 4pm Friday
The Marmalade Trust
A charity for all ages, raising awareness of loneliness. Their mission is to create a society where we recognise loneliness exists and support each other to make new connections. This website has practical advice for ways to feel better connected and access support.
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
Offers support to anyone suffering from or affected by Post Natal Illness.
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
A UK wide charity and network of more than 130 organisations dedicated to ensuring all women and families impacted by perinatal mental health problems have access to high-quality, compassionate care and support.
www.maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
Fertility Network UK
Offers information, advice and support for anyone suffering from infertility-related problems.
Support & Information Helpline: 01424 732361 (10am – 4pm)
PANDAS | Pre and Postnatal Depression Awareness and Support
Offers advice and support to individuals and their families across the UK suffering pre and postnatal illnesses.
For WhatsApp support message 07903 508334 (8am – 10pm but closed on English & Scottish Bank Holidays)
Free bookable call-back service via the website.
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 (10am – 3pm Monday – Friday / 6pm – 9pm Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
Or email [email protected]
RACISM
Equality and Advisory Support Service
Advises and assists on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales.
Advice Line: 0808 800 0082 (9am – 7pm Monday to Friday, 10am – 2pm Saturday).
www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
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 on Monday to Friday and 10am to midday on Saturday)
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.
Supportline: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7)
Victim Support NI
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
028 9024 3133 / 028 7137 0086
Victim Support Scotland
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.
Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (8am – 8pm on Monday to Friday and 10am – 4pm on Saturday)
SEXUAL ABUSE & VIOLENCE
Rape Crisis England & Wales
Provides specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.
Helpline: 0808 500 2222 (24/7)
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.
Advice and Information line: 0800 389 4424 (24 hours)
Sexual Assault Referral Centre Rowan
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.
Veterans' Emotional Support Helpline – 0808 175 3075
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.
028 9024 3133 / 028 7137 0086
Victim Support Scotland
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.
Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (8am – 8pm on Monday to Friday and 10am – 4pm on Saturday)
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.
Helpline: 0808 802 1221 (10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday)