FAMILIES
Below, you will find details and information of plenty of Help and Emergency Agencies that we have become aware of so far, including Government departments, other Charities, Organisations and Support Agencies that offer help to Families. You can also get help using the:
We have also put hyperlinks for you to download documents and application forms that will assist all families and hopefully with our experience, we can make life much easier for everyone. If there is something that you need, but can not find it, please let us know straight away and we will do our hardest to find the information for you. We are always looking for individuals or groups to help others, so if you feel that you would like to help & assist others, especially the bereaved, please get in touch.
WAR WIDOW'S PENSIONS
IMPORTANT NEW'S UPDATE
War widows who were forced to give up their pensions after their spouse died will receive a lump sum compensation payment of nearly £90,000 after a long-running campaign. The compensation scheme will benefit the widows of military personnel who died as part of their service but later remarried or moved in with a partner. Between 1973 and 2015, this group of people were forced to give up their "lifelong" War Widow pension when they began a new relationship.
Since 2015, and they no longer needed to do this - however, the rule was not backdated and a few hundred people were not set to be reimbursed the money they lost. The Government confirmed last week that those affected by this would receive a one off lump sum payment of £87,500 to make up for the lost income. The payments will come through a joint initiative from the Ministry of Defence and the Treasury.
Emergency Accommodation
There are very few Charities & Organisations in the United Kingdom that will provide funding for Emergency Accommodation including a meal, especially if Veterans and Families find themselves homeless late in the day or evening. The Government have just announced an £8.5M package called "Op-Fortitude" to help veterans with all issues, especially homelessness. Op Fortitude aims to stamp out homelessness amongst Veterans and can be accessed by calling the following number:
Hopefully, what we are trying to achieve
will come to fruition & the numbers of homeless will come down in the future. There are links to fantastic websites who may be able to help you locate Emergency Accommodation on the Housing page.
Channel 4 Today - announces they are spending 60 Days on the Streets with ex-soldier and adventurer Ed Stafford. Ed served his country as an Army captain and homelessness is an issue close to his heart given that around 13,000 ex-military personnel are currently homeless and on our streets.
(North West / East Area)
0300 1111 238
0151 425 3886
0191 265 7039
Email:
SSAFA Forcesline team
Free on
0800 731 4880
Use our live Chat at the link below.
We are open
09:00-17:30,
Monday to Friday.
HOUSING
About
The Defence Transition Services (DTS) team is the MOD’s tri-service focal point to provide service personnel and their dependants with civilian housing information for those wishing to move to civilian accommodation at any time in their career, and for those during resettlement to assist with the transition to civilian life.
DTS, together with colleagues in the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) can provide advice and guidance to help you make informed choices on your civilian housing options as you transition out of the forces.
A referral will include consideration of your housing needs as well as issues affecting other aspects of your life. You can approach your respective welfare teams to make a referral via a DTRP 1 form or make a self referral on a DTRP 2 form.
In line with the Government’ Strategy for Our Veterans, the Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) and its outputs were reviewed. A revised set of these outputs is now delivered by Defence Transition Services (DTS), part of Defence Business Services (DBS) and the JSHAO brand no longer exists. This brings efficiency to the co-ordination and delivery of the through-career transition information and support services, meeting the needs of the Service community now and in the future. As part of this merger we have now incorporated the MOD Referral Scheme into existing Defence Transition Services/Veterans Welfare Service support mechanisms.
Service family accommodation (SFA)
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), on behalf of MOD manages a comprehensive SFA maintenance service; the allocation of properties; SFA furniture; conducting move in and move out appointments; and the provision of improvements. Contact details available on the Service Family Accommodation website.
For enquiries about loss of entitlement to SFA resulting from retirement, redundancy, discharge or estrangement, please contact the DIO Loss of Entitlement Team by telephoning 01904 418000 or 94510 8000. Alternatively, you can contact them by email: diosdaccn-loeteam@mod.gov.uk
Civilian housing briefs
DTS delivers an annual programme of civilian housing briefings to help inform and guide Service personnel and their families about the choices available to them and the need to plan ahead. Briefings are open to all Service personnel and their families, at any stage of their Service career.
These briefs are designed to give you the information to help you make informed choices on your civilian housing, the briefings cover the following areas:
- house purchase (including Forces Help to Buy), private rental
- independent financial advice (provided by the Service Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel members), social housing
- affordable home ownership schemes.
Brief dates for 2025
To register for the Civilian housing briefs please the click the link in the table for the date you wish to attend and provide your details.
Date Start Time End TimeType of Brief 16/10/2514:0015:30Civilian Housing Brief13/11/2514:0015:30Civilian Housing Brief 11/12/2514:0015:30Civilian Housing Brief
Brief dates for 2026
To register for the Civilian housing briefs please the click the link in the table for the date you wish to attend and provide your details.
Date Start End Type of Brief
15/01/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
12/02/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
12/03/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
23/04/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
14/05/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
11/06/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
16/07/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
10/09/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
15/10/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
12/11/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
10/12/26 14:00 15:30 Civilian Housing Brief
Please be aware that DTS are unable to assist directly with Forces Help to Buy (FHTB) or Loss of Entitlement (LOE) queries. Service personnel with FHTB enquiries or applications, please contact the FHTB team at E-Mail-dbsjpacforceshelptobuy@afpaa.r.mil.uk or 0141 224 3600 (Option 4).
Service personnel with enquiries regarding Notice to Vacate (NTV) letters or retention of SFA, please contact the LOE team via E-Mail-DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk.
If you require transitional housing advice and guidance please see details of the help we can offer and how to refer to us at the following link - Help for service leavers from Defence Transition Services - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Services Cotswol Centre
The Services Cotswold Centre (SCC) is a tri-Service facility that provides short term transit accommodation for service personnel, their spouses, civil partners and families. Find out more information about the service they can provide in the link below.
More Help & Information
Veterans Gateway has closed down now, but you may find further support with these links:
- Service personnel housing: other organisations that can help
- Service Family Accommodation
- Forces Help to Buy: help to get on the property ladder
- Service leavers’ guide
- Tri-service accommodation regulations (TSARs) (JSP 464)
Contact DTS
Email: DBSVets-DTS-Central@mod.gov.uk
Papyrus:
0800 068 4141
Survivors of Bereavement:
0300 111 5065
Child Bereavement UK:
Tel:+44-800-028-8840
The Compassionate Friends:
Tel:+44-345-123-2304
Cruse Bereavement:
Tel:+44-808-808-1677
Samaritans:
Tel:+44-116-123
Sands:
Tel:+44-808-164-3332
Sudden:
Tel:+44-800-2600-400
SOBS:
Tel:+44-300-111-5065
SSAFA:
Tel:08002606767
TEXT:
SHOUT to 85258
Emergency Suicide Help
If you think you or someone you know is suffering from a Mental Health issue, please speak with someone as soon as possible, your GP or Medical Officer is the best starting point. It's Ok, Not to be Ok.
It is common for Veterans & Families with PTSD to experience Suicidal thoughts and suffer Depression. Feeling Suicidal is not a character defect, and it doesn’t mean that you are crazy, weak, or flawed. If you are thinking about taking your own life, seek help immediately. Please read Suicide Help on the website, talk to someone you trust, or call a suicide helpline.
In the UK, call 08457 90 90 90
Text: SHOUT to 85258
Or visit
IASP to find a helpline in your country.
PTSD Help & Information
Get PTSD help and therapy by getting in touch with Combat Stress, who offer fantastic help, up and down the country, the NHS are also providing Treatment Centres & are another recognised provider by the MOD but it will take longer for treatment. We have listed as many help providers as possible and we will keep adding more to the website as we become aware of them, including some Adventure Training Charities. Access the details for Op-Courage by pressing the button below.
PTSD Help In The UK
Everyone's experience of sexual abuse is different. The Maggie Oliver Foundation helps survivors transform their own 'pain into power', so each can move forward on their journey.
Scotty's Little Soldiers
Scotty's Little Soldiers are dedicated to helping young children and families who have suffered bereavement. You can get in touch with them via the link on the website or call:
Tel: 0800 0928 571
Application & Help Forms
For Downloading
All Of The Images Are Direct Links
To Help & Assistance
If you are Black, Asian or belong to a minority ethnic group, your decision to become an organ donor could increase the chances of someone from the same ethnic background finding a suitable match.
You could even save someone's life, please click on the image...
Warm Remedy
makes the most amazing range of Candles & Wax Melts, raising funds to support
Mental Health charities. They are made with the maximum permitted amount of Natural Oils, Soy Wax and a choice of Braided or Wooden Wicks...
See the fantastic range in the Warm Remedy Shop:...
www.WarmRemedy.co.uk/shop
Adam Palmer and his family tragically lost their foster son, Juke, to suicide in May 2023. In honour of Juke and many others who did not receive the help they needed, Adam is fundraising for a year. All funds raised will be donated to the
Legend On The Bench charity, of which Adam is a trustee.
Someone is always listening, so please reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling...
Veterans Crisis Hotline
United Kingdom:
0800 731 4880
Global number:
+44 (0)207 463 9292
Depression 24 Hour Line:
0300 123 3393
National Suicide Prevention:
0800 273 8255
Minds At War:
0800 031 4368
Help Via Twitter App
116 123 (24 hrs)
0800 023 2642
(Football Hotline)
0808 801 0331
0800 585858
0808 800 5005
CHILDLINE (Website)
Tel: FREE
0800 1111
Veterans - Families - Children
Anxious Minds Tel:
After leaving the Armed Forces, it is essential for you & your family to register with your GP's Medical Practice. Ensure that you are given the code 13JY on your medical documents, this will ensure that you receive the correct priority of medical treatment.
Visit the following website to get the biggest discount vouchers in the United Kingdom, you can save loads of money...
Some of the discounts are over 50% off...
Mental Health Issues
Tel Number - 24 / 7
Please Call
0800 - 323 - 4444
Service Person or Veteran Dies
Dementia Help
Recreation Facilities
For Family's & Children
Culture - Art & Leisure Breaks
Martins House - Children's Hospice
David Thomas Private Piano Tuition in London, Surrey, Hampshire, Hertfordshire.
Please Click On The Image Above.
MOD CONTACT DETAILS
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT
State Pension Forecast - Gov UK
Universal Credit & You ( Info )
Department For Work & Pensions
Armed Forces Veterans Badge Application
Military Provost Guard Service - Army
DRUG & ALCOHOL
SUPPORT SERVICES
Talk To Frank, Drug Abuse Support
We Are With You Support Services
(Drugs - Alcohol & Mental Health)
Able Futures Mental Health Support
Homestart Mental Health Support
Help Guide Information Website
(Substance Abuse & Mental Health)
I - Access, Drug & Alcohol Service
IMAGE ABOVE IS A LINK
At Rehab 4 Addiction, we pride ourselves on the quality and depth of advice we provide to those seeking recovery from addiction.
Our Admissions team offer a referral service for people seeking treatment for alcoholism, drug addiction, behavioural addiction, and eating disorders.
After Addiction Programme
You’ve reached the end of your rehabilitation programme: well done & congratulations. This milestone in your life only been accomplished through your own determination and hard work. Leaving our rehab facility does not mean the end of the road for you. Our aftercare programmes are as important as the treatment itself.
Each aftercare plan is specifically tailored to the individual, drawing on the most important concepts from the treatment programme to take further into the recovery process. This can include relapse prevention techniques, how to avoid triggers, how to rebuild relationships, and how to stay grounded in your sobriety.
CHARITIES AND OTHER
SERVICES THAT OFFER HELP
Operation Veteran - North East
Wiltshire Veterans Directory Charity
Blesma - Limbless Veterans Charity
Veterans Response UK - Support
Trafford Veterans Support Group
Allied Veterans Support Network
Troubled Minds - Staffordshire
Living Well Essex - Health, Wellbeing
Broughton House Veteran Care Village
Battle Cry PTSD Webpage + Messenger
Veterans NHS Mental Health Info
RECREATIONAL &
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
EMERGENCY
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Medical Assistance for Families, Veterans
of all Uniformed
Services:
Call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999
Emergency, or contact NHS
Scotland: Scotland’s Health
on the Web - or call 111
Wales: NHS Direct Wales
or call - 0845 46 47
Northern Ireland:
PUBLICATIONS & MAGAZINES
FOR FAMILIES
FANTASTIC WEBSITES
TO OFFER HELP AND INFORMATION
Our aim is to support people suffering from mental health issues and thus prevent loss of a life due to suicide. To do this, we aspire to place informative benches in every local park in the UK. These benches have plaques with QR codes, which will take anyone requiring support, directly to this website’s help page.
There is also contact telephone numbers on the bench to 24 hour support services with real people at the other end, ready to listen and offer the support so clearly needed to someone struggling with the impact of depression, bereavement, loneliness, anxiety and the many more reasons for the feelings of despair.
The benches have also been built with integral lighting, so they are a beam of light for those in crisis at night, drawing them to the much-needed help on the bench.
SOUTH EAST
