If you or someone you know needs support at this time, you can find more information by:
- Visiting the British Army website
- Visiting the RAF website
- Visiting the Royal Navy website
- Visiting the Government's website
Find support
Emotional distress, suicide and PTSD
Op Courage (NHS England)
Mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.
Veterans NHS Wales
Specialised, priority service for veterans at any time of life who are experiencing mental health difficulties related specifically to their military service.
Visit the Veterans NHS Wales website
Veterans First Point (NHS Scotland)
Access to veteran-led mental health and welfare support.
Visit the Veterans First Point website
Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO) is dedicated to supporting veterans across Northern Ireland by acting as a crucial link between veterans and the various support services available to them.
Visit the NI Veterans Commissioner's Office
Veterans’ Gateway
From healthcare and housing to employability, and more they offer support 24/7 and can refer you directly to their expert, vetted partners.
Helpline: 0808 802 1212 (Monday - Sunday 0800 – 2000 UKT)
Combat Stress
Provides specialist treatment and support for veterans, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.
24 hour Helpline for support for yourself or if you’re worried about the mental health of a loved one – 0800 138 1619 (serving personnel and their families can call 0800 323 4444)
Text: 07537 173 683
Email: [email protected]
Visit the Combat Stress website
HeadFIT
Provide the tools and advice for the management of mental health for defence people.
The Ripple Pond
Supporting adult family members of physically or psychologically injured British Armed Forces personnel and veterans
Help 4 Heroes
Mental Health care for veterans and families.
Helpline: 0300 303 9888 (Monday – Friday 0900 – 1700 UKT)
Visit the Help 4 Heroes website
Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)
An independent charity providing medical welfare to those who have, or continue to, serve on the frontline.
Referrals Helpline: 0800 999 3697
Samaritans
Borks with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7)
Veterans’ Emotional Support Helpline: 0808 175 3075
Email: [email protected]
Shout
Free 24/7 crisis text support service for people who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis.
Text SHOUT to 85258
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Offers free, anonymous and confidential support via their helpline and webchat for anyone who is in crisis.
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (Daily 1700 - 0000 UKT)
Togetherall
A diverse and safe online community where people can feel safe to share their feelings, support each other and start to feel better. Active day and night, monitored and moderated 24/7 by licensed mental health practitioners.
Papyrus
Support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you are concerned about someone you know.
Hopeline247: 0800 068 41 41
Email: [email protected]
Text: 88247
Inspire (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health)
Provides local services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland. For immediate support call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and for support and information about mental health, call our Infoline team on 0808 189 0036.
SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health)
Provides general mental health information and can signpost you to your local services.
Information Service: 0344 800 0550 (Monday – Friday 0900 - 1800 UKT)
Community Advice & Listening Line Wales
Emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.
Helpline: 0800 132 737 (available 24/7)
Mind
Advice and support on a range of topics including types of mental health problems, self-harm, legislation and details of local help and support in England and Wales.
Support line: 0300 102 1234 (Monday – Friday* 0900 – 1800 UKT)
Welfare Benefits Line: 0300 222 5782 (0900 – 1700 UKT)
Infoline – 0300 123 3393 (0900 – 1800 UKT)
*Except Bank Holidays
Childline
A free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you.
Helpline: 0800 1111
PTSD Resolution
A charity assisting forces veterans and family members over the age of 12, to access free mental health therapy for Post Traumatic Stress. This includes those issues with addiction, veterans in prison or who are now living outside the UK. We also offer support to partners and families who are also affected by their loved ones’ trauma.
Helpline: 0300 302 0551 (Monday - Friday 0900 – 1700 UKT)
Addiction
NHS Alcohol Support
Information regarding concerns about alcohol and details of how to access support.
Visit the NHS Alcohol Support website
Al-anon Family Groups
There for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking.
Helpline: 0800 0086 811 (1000 - 2000 UKT - open to all UK residents)
Email – [email protected]
Drink Aware
An independent charity which aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking.
Drinkline: Call 0300 123 1110 (Weekdays 0900 – 2000 UKT | Weekends 1100 – 1600 UKT)
Drinkline Scotland: Call 0800 7314 314 (Monday - Friday 0900 - 2100 UKT | Saturday - Sunday 1000 - 1600 UKT)
Drinkchat: web chat support between 0900 and 1400 UKT on weekdays through the website
Samaritans
Work with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
Helpline: 116 123 (available 24/7)
Narcotics Anonymous
A community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life.
Helpline: 0300 999 1212 (1000 - 0000 UKT)
Visit the Narcotics Anonymous website
The National Gambling Helpline
Operated by GamCare, the National Gambling Helpline offers confidential support, advice and free counselling to people concerned about their gambling, or the gambling of friends or family.
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7)
Visit the Gambling Helpline website
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)
Welfare, health and support services for the UK military’s serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 (Monday - Thursday 0900 – 1700 UKT | Friday 0900 - 1600 UKT)
Gamblers Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland - Visit the website
Scotland - Visit the website
PTSD Resolution
A charity assisting forces veterans and family members over the age of 12, to access free mental health therapy for Post Traumatic Stress. This includes those issues with addiction, veterans in prison or who are now living outside the UK. We also offer support to partners and families who are also affected by their loved ones’ trauma.
Helpline: 0300 302 0551 (Monday - Friday 0900 – 1700 UKT)
Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Care
Provides support after the death of someone close including face to face, telephone, group support, as well as bereavement support for children.
Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Opening times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 0930 – 1700 UKT | Tuesday 1300 - 2000 UKT (Closed Saturday & Sunday)
Scotland Helpline: 0808 802 6161
Opening times: Monday – Friday 0900 – 2000 UKT | Weekends 1000 – 1400 UKT
Visit the Cruse Bereavement website
Visit the Cruse Scotland website
Child Bereavement UK
Helps children and young people (up to the age of 25) and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.
Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 (Monday – Friday 0900 – 1630 UKT)
Visit the Child Bereavement website
Royal British Legion
Provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (Daily 0800 - 2000 UKT)
Visit the Royal British Legion website
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)
If you lose someone who has previously served in our Armed Forces, or you are ex-Forces and you lose someone, then SSAFA is committed to supporting you during your bereavement.
Helpline: 0800 260 6780 (Monday – Thursday 0900 – 1700 UKT | Friday 0900 – 1600 UKT)
Veterans’ Gateway
From healthcare and housing to employability, and more they offer support 24/7 and can refer you directly to their expert, vetted partners.
Helpline - 0808 802 1212 (Monday to Sunday 0800 – 2000 UKT)
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS)
Peer-led support to adults impacted by suicide loss
Support Line – 0300 111 5065 (0900 - 1900 UKT daily)
Compassionate Friends
Offering support, understanding and comfort to bereaved siblings and parents after the death of a child, of any age, from any cause.
Helpline: 0345 123 2304 (1000 – 1600 and 1900 – 2200 UKT, every day of the year)
Bullying
National Bullying Helpline
Offers free, confidential help and support for anyone being bullied at work, at home, in the community or in education.
Helpline: 0300 323 0169 (Weekdays 0900 - 1700 UKT | Saturdays 1000 - 1200 UKT)
Visit the National Bullying Helpline website
Childline
Provides a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you.
Helpline: 0800 1111
Togetherall
A diverse and safe online community where people can feel safe to share their feelings, support each other and start to feel better. Active day and night, monitored and moderated 24/7 by licensed mental health practitioners.
Little Troopers
Provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.
Visit the Little Troopers website
Defence Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline helpline
Offer impartial advice and a ‘safe space’ to explore concerns from their experienced, non-judgmental and supportive advisors. Their fair, transparent and consistent approach is available 24/7, 365 days a year so your call will never go unanswered.
UK Mainland call: 0800 014 2381
For overseas call: +44 33000 85942
Army Speak Out Helpline
Helpline: 0306 770 4656 | mil 96770 4656
Children and young people
Childline
A free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you.
Helpline: 0800 1111
Young Minds
Practical advice and help for young people and their parents to find support.
The Mix
The UK’s leading digital charity for under 25s, connecting young people to experts and their peers about everything from money to mental health, homelessness to jobs, break-ups to drugs and more. No topic is out of bounds and there’s no judgement. Non-urgent support is available via online support groups and short-term counselling.
24/7 Crisis Messenger: Text THEMIX to 85258
Forces Children’s Trust
Helps children in need whose parent or guardian has died or has sustained life-changing injuries while serving as a member of the British Armed Forces.
Visit the Forces Children’s Trust website
Home-Start
Offers help for families with young children through their challenging times - such as deployment or rebasing.
Little Troopers
Provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.
Visit the Little Troopers website
Scotty's Little Soldiers
Dedicated to supporting children who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces.
Debt
Moneyhelper
A website to help you make your money and pension choices clearer. Free, impartial guidance that’s backed by government..
Helpline: 0800 138 7777 (UK) or use 0800 138 0555 (Welsh language number) or +44 20 3553 2279 (Overseas) - Monday - Friday* 0800 - 1800 UKT
*Closed Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
National Debtline
Gives free and independent debt advice over the phone or online.
Helpline: 0808 808 4000 (Monday - Friday 0900 – 2000 UKT | Saturday 0930 - 1300 UKT)
Visit the National Debtline website
Royal British Legion
Provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (from the UK), +44 203 376 8080 (from overseas) - Daily: 0800 - 2000 UKT
Visit the Royal British Legion website
Veterans’ Gateway
From healthcare and housing to employability, and more they offer support 24/7 and can refer you directly to their expert, vetted partners.
Helpline - 0808 802 1212 (Monday to Sunday 0800 – 2000 UKT)
StepChange Debt Charity
The UK’s leading debt charity offering free, confidential advice
Contact: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 0800 to 2000 UKT | Saturday 0900 to 1400 UKT)
Dementia
Dementia UK
Provides a helpline staffed by specialist Admiral Nurses who can advise on all aspects of caring for someone with dementia.
Helpline: 0800 888 6678 (Monday - Friday 0900 - 2100 UKT | Saturday - Sunday 0900 - 1700 UKT | Bank Holidays* 0900 - 1700 UKT)
*Except Christmas Day
Alzheimer’s Society
Provides information and support to people with any form of dementia and their carers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 0333 150 3456 (Monday - Wednesday 0900 – 2000 UKT | Thursday and Friday 0900 – 1700 UKT | Weekends 1000 – 1600 UKT - Christmas hours may vary)
Visit the Alzheimer’s Society website
Alzheimer Scotland
Provide information, advice and personalised support services across Scotland.
Helpline: 0808 808 3000 (available 24/7)
Visit the Alzheimer Scotland website
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)
Helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though their focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.
Live chat facility online
Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 (Monday - Thursday 0900 – 1700 UKT | Friday 0900 - 1600 UKT)
Royal British Legion
Provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (from the UK) | +44 203 376 8080 (from overseas) - Daily: 0800 - 2000 UKT
Domestic abuse
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Provide 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge is for women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and others calling on their behalf.
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (available 24/7)
Visit the National Domestic Abuse website
Respect Men’s Advice Line
Offers confidential advice for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner
Helpline: 0808 801 0327 (Weekdays 1000 - 1700 UKT)
Visit the Respect Men’s Advice Line website
Galop
National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence.
Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Monday – Thursday 0915 – 2000 UKT | Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 0915 – 1630 UKT*)
*The helpline is closed between 1300 and 1400 UKT Monday – Friday.
Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline (Northern Ireland)
Offers referral to a range of services to all women, men and children affected by domestic and sexual violence.
Helpline: 0808 802 1414 (available 24/7)
Email: [email protected]
Visit the Domestic & Sexual Violence website
Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Offers telephone information and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse or forced marriage.
Helpline: 0800 027 1234 (available 24/7)
Text / WhatsApp: 07401 288 595
Email: [email protected]
Visit the Abuse & Forced Marriage website
Live Fear Free Helpline
Confidential, signposting and information service for anyone experiencing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence in Wales.
Helpline: 0808 80 10 800 (available 24/7)
Text: 07860 077333 (available 24/7)
Email: [email protected] (24/7)
Naval Service Family and People Support (NS FPS)
Telephone: 02392 728777 or Freephone 0800 145 6088
Army Welfare Service (AWS)
Contact the Intake and Assessment Team on 01904 882053
Opening hours: Monday - Thursday 0830 - 1630 UKT | Friday 0830 - 1600 UKT
Email: [email protected]
SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)
SSAFA provides a welfare support service for serving RAF personnel and their dependents. They can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year if the caller is away from their normal station.
Contact: 03000 111 723 (available 24/7)
Email: [email protected]
Families Federations
Army Families Federation
The AFF work hard to improve the quality of life for British Army families around the world – on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.
Visit the Army Families Federation website
Naval Families Federation
The NFF give you a chance to air your views, feel valued and be treated with fairness and respect so you can thrive in your community.
Visit the Naval Families Federation website
RAF Families Federation
The RAF-FF work to improve the quality of life for the Royal Air Force family around the world – at work or at home.
HIV & Sexual Health
NHS
Provide a variety of support, advice and services for anyone you needs it.
Visit the NHS Sexual Health website
Visit the NHS HIV & Aids Support website
The Terence Higgins Trust
Provide information about HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and how to maintain good sexual health. They also provide resources for people living with HIV and those newly diagnosed.
Helpline - 0808 802 1221 (Monday – Friday 1000 – 1800 UKT)
LGBTQ+ support
Switchboard
Discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity, whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling.
National LGBTQIA+ support line: 0800 0119 100 (Daily 1000 - 2200 UKT)
LGBT Foundation
Offers a range of services, support and information to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. The LGBT Foundation also offers a tailored befriending service, wellbeing sessions and networking opportunities for Armed Forces personnel and veterans who identify as LGBTQ+
Helpline: 0345 330 3030 (Monday – Friday 0900 - 2100 UKT | Saturday and Sunday 1000 – 1800 UKT - excluding bank holidays and religious festivals)
Visit the LGBT Foundation website
Stonewall
Offers help and advice for people who may be LGBTQ+ on a range of subjects, including coming out and hate crime.
Trans Unite
Provides a network for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community and help connect you to an established network of trans support groups near you.
Army LGBT+ Network
The official British Army LGBT+ Network group for current serving soldiers. The group exists to connect soldiers across the British Army and to provide a platform for discussion and support.
Visit the Army LGBT+ Network Facebook page
RAF LGBT+ Network
This network works to ensure that the Royal Air Force LGBT community are supported, valued and empowered to benefit the individual and the RAF as they operate across the globe.
Visit the RAF LGBT+ Network Facebook page
Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network
The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Network of the Royal Navy, including the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Maritime Reserves.
Visit the Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network Facebook page
ShOUT
Employee MoD Staff Network representing all sexual orientation and gender identities across the civilian workforce.
Loneliness
Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs
Bringing together veterans and Armed Forces personnel in a relaxed, safe, social environment to enjoy breakfast and banter, to combat loneliness and allow veterans to ‘return to the tribe’.
Visit the Breakfast Clubs website
The Marmalade Trust
A charity for all ages, raising awareness of loneliness. Their mission is to create a society where we recognise loneliness exists and support each other to make new connections. This website has practical advice for ways to feel better connected and access support.
Visit the Marmalade Trust website
Samaritans
Available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Helpline: 116 123
Veterans’ Emotional Support Helpline – 0808 175 3075
Email: [email protected]
Royal British Legion
Provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (Daily 0800 - 2000 UKT)
Visit the Royal British Legion website
SSAFA
Offer support if you’re lonely and their Community Connection Champions help service people and their families, wherever they’re posted, to feel less alone.
SSAFA Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 (Monday - Thursday 0900 – 1700 UKT | Friday 0900 - 1600 UKT)
Pregnancy related issues
Association for Post-Natal Illness
Offer support to anyone suffering from or affected by Post Natal Illness.
Visit the Post-Natal Illness website
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
A UK wide charity and network of over 130 organisations dedicated to ensuring all women and families impacted by perinatal mental health problems have access to high-quality, compassionate care and support.
Visit the Maternal Mental Health Alliance website
Fertility Network UK
Offers information, advice and support for anyone suffering from infertility related problems.
Support & Information Helpline,: 01424 732 361 (1000 – 1600 UKT)
Visit the Fertility Network UK website
PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Awareness and Support)
Offers advice and support to individuals and their families across the UK suffering pre and postnatal illnesses.
WhatsApp support – message 07903 508334 (Daily 0800 - 2200 UKT*)
Free bookable call back service (via website)
*Closed on English & Scottish Bank Holidays
Bliss
Provides care and support for all babies born too soon, too small and too sick and their families.
Sands
Supports anyone affected by the death of a baby that has died before, during, or shortly after birth and offer telephone support and online message boards.
Helpline: 0808 164 3332 (Monday – Friday 1000 – 1500 UKT | Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1800 – 2100 UKT)
Email [email protected]
Racism
Equality and Advisory Support Service
Advises and assists on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales.
Advice Line: 0808 800 0082 (Monday – Friday 0900 – 1900 UKT | Saturday 1000 – 1400 UKT)
Visit the Equality Support Service website
The National Bullying Helpline
Provides free, confidential help and support if you are being bullied at work, at home, in the community or in education.
Helpline: 0300 323 0169 (Monday - Friday 0900 – 1700 UKT | Saturday 1000 - 1200 UKT)
Visit the National Bullying Helpline website
Victim Support
Provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
Supportline: 0808 16 89 111 (available 24/7)
Visit the Victim Support website
Victim Support (Northern Ireland)
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 028 9024 3133 | 028 7137 0086 (Monday - Friday 0900 - 1700 UKT)
Visit the Victim Support (Northern Ireland) website
Victim Support Scotland
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.
Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (Monday - Friday 0800 – 2000 UKT | Saturday 1000 – 1600 UKT)
Sexual abuse & violence
Rape Crisis (England & Wales)
Provides specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.
Helpline: 0808 500 2222 (available 24/7)
Visit the Rape Crisis (England & Wales) website
Rape Crisis Scotland
Provides confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres.
Helpline: 0808 801 03 02
Visit the Rape Crisis Scotland website
The Rowan
The regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Northern Ireland. They provide a range of support and services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to people of all ages who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, whether this happened in the past or more recently.
Advice and Information line: 0800 389 4424 (available 24/7)
Childline
A free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.
Helpline: 0800 1111
Samaritans
Available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Veterans’ Emotional Support Helpline – 0808 175 3075
Helpline: 116 123
Email: [email protected]
Victim Support
Provide emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
Helpline: 0808 16 89 111 (available 24/7)
Visit the Victim Support website
Victim Support (Northern Ireland)
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 028 9024 3133 | 028 7137 0086 (Monday - Friday 0900 - 1700 UKT)
Visit the Victim Support (Northern Ireland) website
Victim Support (Scotland)
Offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.
Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (Monday – Friday 0800 – 2000 UKT | Saturday 1000 – 1600 UKT)