If you are in danger or immediate risk, ring
999
If you’re not in need of immediate assistance, and you need
to talk to someone, there are several organisations that can
help you. They are available day and night to provide free,
confidential advice and support. If you’re a family member
worried about the mental health of a loved one, or need to
talk to someone yourself, these organisations can help you
too.
Medical assistance (NHS)
Medical assistance for veterans in:
Veterans Welfare Service
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.
Veterans UK helpline
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.
Help and support for service leavers and their families
Defence Transition
Services (DTS) is run by Veterans UK. It exists to
provide information and support for those service leavers and
their families who are most likely to face challenges as they
leave the armed forces and adjust to civilian life.
Other organisations who may be able to provide advice and
support
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 us on 0800 138 1619, text us on 07537
404 719 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
The Veterans’
Gateway is for any ex-service personnel and their
families looking for advice or support – whatever they’re
dealing with. They provide the first point of contact to a
network of military and non-military partner organisations to
help you find exactly what you need, when you need it -
whether you’re in the UK or overseas. For 24-hour support go
to Veterans’
Gateway or call 0808 802 1212.
Big White
Wall offers online mental wellbeing support 24/7
where you can share your concerns with others who feel like
you. It’s safe, anonymous and has Wall Guides (counsellors)
available 24/7. This service is free to veterans.
The Confederation of Service
Charities (Cobseo) represents the whole serving
and veterans community and promotes the welfare and general
interests of the armed forces community.
