Transitioning to civilian life in the UK is supported by a robust network of dedicated health and welfare services designed specifically for those who have served. By registering with an NHS GP and identifying as a veteran, you unlock priority access to specialist care for service-related conditions. Information on how to access a range of services is listed below, including Op COURAGE for mental health and Op RESTORE for physical injuries. Beyond healthcare, comprehensive assistance is available through government-led initiatives like Op FORTITUDE for housing support, alongside legendary charities such as the Royal British Legion and SSAFA, which provide financial aid and community connections. Whether you need help with employment, welfare, or simply finding a sense of camaraderie, these resources ensure that no veteran must navigate their post-service journey alone. However, if you believe you need specific assistance from the Hoplite, please fill in our Support Referral Form.
Ring 999 for EMERGENCY calls to police, ambulance, fire brigade and rescue services.
Use this number when you need urgent attendance by the emergency services. For example, when someone is seriously ill or injured, or a crime is in progress.
Calls are free, and 999 can be dialled from a locked mobile phone.
The Samaritans service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need someone to talk to, we listen., we won’t judge or tell you what to do. They can be called on 116 123. Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill.
National Domestic Abuse helpline
Freephone: 0808 2000 247 (24 hour), Support for women, children and men experiencing domestic violence.
For non-emergency medical assistance, use the services below:
England
NHS 111 service or call 111, veterans and their families in England can get specialist help from the NHS Op COURAGE service.
Scotland
Scotland’s Health on the Web or call 111, veterans can access veteran-led mental health and welfare support through Veterans First Point.
Wales
NHS 111 Wales or call 0845 46 47, you can reach out to Veteran Therapists in each Local Health Board through Veteran NHS Wales.
Northern Ireland
nidirect government services or call your area’s out of hours service, the Veterans’ Commissioner’s Office links individual veterans, veterans’ groups, statutory and non-statutory bodies, and charities supporting veterans.
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.
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. We work with the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, local authorities, voluntary organisations, service charities and Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees to promote independence and maintain dignity.
They may be able to help you with:
Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
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 Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) is the principal charity of the Royal Navy, providing support for sailors, marines, veterans and their families.
ABF s the British Army’s national charity, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, former soldiers, and their immediate families. The charity’s mission is to ensure that members of the Army family who are in need can avoid hardship and live with independence and dignity.
The RAF Benevolent Fund is the leading welfare charity for the Royal Air Force, providing financial, emotional, and practical support to all members of the RAF family. This includes serving and former RAF personnel and their partners and dependants.
Togetherall This service is free to veterans, offers online mental wellbeing support 24/7 where personnel can share their concerns with others who feel like them. It’s safe, anonymous and has counsellors available.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving UK armed forces personnel and their families. Support is available from the first day of service and continues long after service is over.
Key areas of veteran support from the RBL:
The Charity for Civil Servants is the primary charity supporting UK public sector workers. It provides confidential support to current, former, and retired civil servants, as well as their dependents. The charity offers a range of services for whatever problems people are facing, from mental health struggles to financial difficulties.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity provides lifelong support to service members, veterans, and their families, covering emotional, practical, and financial needs through local branches and national helplines.
For urgent help: Call the national Forcesline, a free and confidential telephone helpline that provides emotional support and a listening ear to those in the Armed Forces community who are feeling lonely, isolated or are struggling to cope with everyday life. Phone: 0800 260 6780.
Live Chat: Available on the SSAFA website during specific hours (Monday-Thursday 9:00-17:00, Friday 9:00-16:00).
Help for Heroes provides a range of veteran support services, including financial aid through grants like the Veterans’ Mobility Fund, mental and physical healthcare support, and social opportunities. Veterans and their families can access help by calling the helpline at 0300 303 9888 or by completing an online form.
Support Organisations
