Veterans
Support for the Armed Forces community including Veterans and their Families
Op COURAGE provides specialist care and support for Service-leavers, Reservists, Veterans and their families. Their experts understand the Armed Forces and military life and are either from the Armed Forces community or highly experienced in working with Serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans and their families. They will work with you to make sure you get the right type of specialist care, support, and treatment.
The service can be contacted directly for self-referral, a charity or by someone else, such as a family member or friend.
For more information, visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/opcourage
Combat Stress
For over a century Combat Stress have been helping former servicemen and women deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today they provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service.
Twitter: @CombatStress
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CombatStress
Telephone: 0800 323 4444
Website: combatstress.org.uk
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
NHS Veteran Mental Health Service
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, you can get expert help from NHS veterans mental health services.
Veterans UK
Veterans UK provides free support for Veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans’ Welfare service and injury / bereavement compensation scheme payments.
Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence.
Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 218
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Website: www.gov.uk/veterans-uk
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Forces Connect
Forces Connect is a free mobile app that signposts members of our armed forces community to support and advice.
Twitter: @SurreyMilitary
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SurreyMilitary
Website: www.surreycc.gov.uk/forces-connect-south-east
Download on the Google Play store: play.google.com/forcesconnect
Download on the Apple store: apps.apple.com/forces-connect
Local mental health support & Self-help techniques for Adults and Children
There’s a range of information, support and resources specifically for mental health and emotional wellbeing, which you do not have to speak with your GP about to access. Please visit the Healthy Surrey website to find out about self-help resources and a full list of support available in your local community including money management & debt, veteran support and places to contact in times of crisis. Support is listed for both for adults and children.
Website: Healthy Surrey Website- Mental Wellbeing Services for Adults and Children
Veterans Advisory and pensions Committees (VAPC)
VAPC serve and support ex-servicemen and women, their widows or widowers and their immediate family members. VAPC are an independent voice, here to help you whenever or wherever you served, whether in World War 2 or Afghanistan.
Formerly known as the War Pensions Committees, VAPC advise and liaise with veterans, their families and relevant organisations on their needs, issues and concerns. VAPC assist, raise awareness, act as advocates and provide governance to the veterans’ community, and champion the rights of veterans and their families where there is injustice, inequality or a lack of fairness.
Website: www.gov.uk/veterans-advisory-and-pensions-committees
Veterans and Families Listening Project
Veterans & Family-Listening Project (VF-LP) is an informal group that brings together veterans & families of all ages and circumstance, that have served in the British Armed Forces.
The group is well established, popular and also well attended, running for the morning on the second Tuesday of each month throughout the year. The VF-LP seeks to support veterans & families of all ages, with regular talks from both local and national charities who can offer information and support to veterans and their families or carers.
Website: vflp.org.uk