Information and support for the armed forces community

If you are a:

• Serving member of the Armed Forces due to be discharged (for any reason)
• Family member of serving personnel
• Veteran and need help to source accommodation or have other issues, such as health, debt or unemployment

You can get more support and extra help from Defence Transition Services.

Defence Transition Services provide holistic support to service leavers who will face challenges before, through, and beyond transition. They will support individuals or their families from two years before, through to two years after transition, as necessary.

Visit support for veterans and their families on GOV.UK.

You can speak to an advisor by calling 0808 802 1212. Open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm.

The Forces Families Federations for each service are available at:

• Naval Families Federation 
• Army Families Federation 
• RAF Families Federation

These can provide signposting to relevant departments and assist with any personal concerns via their casework teams:

Naval Service Family and People Support

Visit the Navy Welfare Service or:

• Telephone: 0800 145 6088
• Email: navynps-peoplesptnsfpsptl@mod.gov.uk

Army Welfare Service

Visit the Army Welfare Service or call 0190 488 2053.

SSAFA (for RAF personnel)

Visit serving families or SSAFA - The Armed Forces charity. You can also:

• Telephone: 03000 111 723
• Email: psswsRAF@ssafa.org.uk

There are drop in centres across the region offering advice and information to Armed Forces veterans and their families. They provide social support and access to a range of welfare and mental health services.

They are open to former members of the British Armed Forces and Reserves. They are also open to their direct family members, including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy.

Southampton

Visit Southampton Veterans Trust.

Isle of Wight and Portsmouth

Visit Veterans Outreach Support.

SSAFA provides practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their families. They can support you in a wide range of areas, including housing.

Call 023 8077 0640 or visit SSAFA.

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) supports the Armed Forces community and those affected by disability, health conditions, or social welfare needs. Help includes the provision of welfare, healthcare, housing, employment, and development opportunities.

Call 0162 279 5900 or visit RBLI.

Veterans UK runs a helpline that provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing, and welfare.

Call 0808 191 4218 or visit Veterans UK.

Veterans Aid helps veterans who are in crisis with:

• Accommodation
• Addictions
• Mental health problems
• Access to training and education
• Foreign and Commonwealth issues

Call 0800 012 6867 or visit Veterans Aid.

The Citizens Advice Bureau offers online and telephone advice.

Call 03444 111 444 or visit the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Blind Veterans UK helps visually impaired Armed Forces and National Service veterans to relearn vital life skills. It also provides them with the tools they need to be independent in their own homes.

It offers new learning, training, and recreation opportunities. It also provided long-term nursing, residential and respite care.

Call 0800 389 7979 or visit Blind Veterans UK.