Resources for Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans:
Recognising you need support is an important first step. We have created a list of organisations and services that are available to support the Armed Forces community which may be able to help.
If you think you (or a relative or friend) might be experiencing some form of mental health problem, then we recommend you make an appointment with your GP for help and advice.
If you believe someone’s life is at risk, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
NHS Services:
In the UK, the first point of contact for any mental health concerns should be your General Practitioner.
The NHS website provides clear advice and support on mental health in general, as well as services for those who have experienced traumatic or challenging events.
Services for Armed Forces and Veterans:
- Combat Stress – UK leading charity for veterans’ mental health. They help former servicemen and women in addition to their families with their mental health and provide specialist treatment and support.
- combatstress.org.uk 0800 138 1619 (24hr)
- NHS Op Courage – National NHS service offering mental health support for veterans and members of the Armed Forces community.
- SSFA Armed Forces Charities – Dedicated to supporting current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
- https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ 0800 260 6767 (UK) +44 207 463 9292 (rest of world)
- Help For Heros – Provides direct, practical support for wounded, injured and sick servicemen, women and veterans and their families. Also provides psychological services.
- Cobseo Confederation of Service Charities – A membership organization which represents military charities, focusing on improving the lives of veterans and service personnel.
- Veterans’ Gateway – Resource for veterans and their families, providing information on services and support available.
- Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Program – Provides mental health services and support for veterans and reservists.
- Royal British Legion – Charity offering support to veterans and their families.
- Fighting with Pride – Chairty supporting LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families
Therapist Finders:
Many therapists and clinicians hold accreditation from professional organisations and can be found through their official therapist finder directories. These listings also provide essential details about the types of therapy offered and the qualifications required for therapists to work with clients.
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- The British Psychological Society (BPS) – Find a Psychologist
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) – find a CBT practitioner
- Psychology Today counsellor search
- Pink Therapy (LGBTQ+ expertise)
General Information and Mental Health Services:
- Support via the University of Bath: https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/wellbeing-support-at-the-university/
- Mind – A UK-wide mental health charity providing support and resources on a range of topics such as different types of mental health problems, avenues for help, and alternative treatments.
- mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393
- YoungMinds – Supporting young people’s mental health, offering help for children and young adults in addition to parents or people who work with young people.
- Samaritans – Offers free, confidential, 24/7 general support as well as a self-help app
- samaritans.org 116 123
- Togetherall – An online community offering support and mental health resources for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
- SANE – Focused on raising awareness, improving services, and providing emotional support.
- SHOUT – Offers 24/7, free, confidential support service via text for anyone who is struggling to cope.
- giveusashout.org Text SHOUT to 85258
- Cruse (Bereavement support) – A charity offering support for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Rethink Mental Illness –Provides support for those affected by mental health issues.
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Focused on preventing male suicide.
- PTSD UK – A charity which focuses on raising awareness for PTSD and has extensive links to help and advice.
- Mental Health Foundation – Includes an extensive guide to trauma, its impacts and potential avenues for support.
Resources for military connected families:
We know that what one family member goes through can affect everyone else. It's important to remember to take care of yourself too.
Below are a list of various relevant resources and services that may be able to help.
If you think you (or a relative or friend) might be experiencing some form of mental health problem, then we recommend you make an appointment with your GP for help and advice.
If you believe someone’s life is at risk, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
NHS Services:
- In the UK, the first point of contact for any mental health concerns should be your General Practitioner.
- The NHS website provides clear advice and support on mental health in general, as well as trauma.
Therapist Finders:
Many therapists and clinicians hold accreditation from professional organizations and can be found through their therapist finder directories. These listings also provide essential details about the types of therapy offered and the qualifications required for therapists to work with clients.
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- The British Psychological Society (BPS) – Find a Psychologist
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) – find a CBT practitioner
- Psychology Today counsellor search
- Pink Therapy (LGBTQ+ expertise)
General Information and Mental Health Services:
- Support via the University of Bath: https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/wellbeing-support-at-the-university/
- Mind – A UK-wide mental health charity providing support and resources on a range of topics such as different types of mental health problems, avenues for help, and alternative treatments.
- mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393
- Togetherall – An online community offering support and mental health resources for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
- SANE – Focused on raising awareness, improving services, and providing emotional support.
- Cruse (Bereavement support) – A charity offering support for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Rethink Mental Illness –Provides support for those affected by mental health issues.
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Focused on preventing male suicide.
- PTSD UK – A charity which focuses on raising awareness for PTSD and has extensive links to help and advice.
- Mental Health Foundation – Includes an extensive guide to trauma, its impacts and potential avenues for support.
General Information and Mental Health Services for Young People:
- YoungMinds – Supporting young people’s mental health, offering help for children and young adults in addition to parents or people who work with young people.
- Samaritans – Offers free, confidential, 24/7 general support as well as a self-help app
- samaritans.org 116 123
- SHOUT – Offers 24/7, free, confidential support service via text for anyone who is struggling to cope.
- giveusashout.org Text SHOUT to 85258
- Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) – Provides advice and support for young people who feel like they want to take their own life
- https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ 0800 068 41 41
- Childline – Provides confidential telephone and online councelling for anyone under 19.
- The Mix – Free confidential telephone helpline and online service for anyone under 25.
Armed Forces and Veterans:
- Combat Stress – UK leading charity for veterans’ mental health. They help former servicemen and women in addition to their families with their mental health and provide specialist treatment and support.
- combatstress.org.uk 0800 138 1619 (24hr)
- https://combatstress.org.uk/support-for-families-of-veterans
- SSFA Armed Forces Charities – Dedicated to supporting current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
- https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ 0800 260 6767 (UK) +44 207 463 9292 (rest of world)
- Veterans’ Gateway – Resource for veterans and their families, providing information on services and support available.
- Royal British Legion – Charity offering support to veterans and their families.
- Fighting with Pride – Charity supporting LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families
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