Veterans

Combat Stress 24-hour helpline

Combat Stress – here for every veteran that needs us

We provide clinical treatment and support for veterans from the British Armed Forces, with a focus on those with complex mental health issues. When some military personnel leave service, their experiences can’t easily be left behind. Without treatment, psychological trauma can eventually tear lives apart.

We believe military trauma shouldn’t destroy the lives of veterans and their families. For over a century, we’ve helped former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Families Association (SSAFA Forces Help)

Need to talk?

We are here to support you.

Contact Forces line – it’s free & confidential.

We are open 09:00 – 17:00, Monday to Friday.

NHS Choices, Veterans: Mental Health

Find mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.

Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone, including veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families. It’s important to get help and support if you or someone you know has mental health problems.

Veterans Healthcare Tool

Whilst there is often an emphasis on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the actual rates are not high (around 6.2%), which is broadly equivalent to the incidence amongst civilians.

More common issues include other mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression, as well as problems related to alcohol. However, for those veterans who deployed when serving, rates of PTSD are higher at 9% and up to 17% for those who deployed in a front-line, infantry combat role.

For more information, please visit:

Reserve Forces Act 1996

Reserve Forces Act 1996, Section 2 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 06 March 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.

5 Top Tips for Veterans

Please see below poster for guidance and tips on how to make the most of your GP Practice as an Armed Forces Veteran.

British Army. Welfare and support

The Army Welfare Service (AWS) is the Army’s professional welfare provider; it delivers a comprehensive and confidential welfare service responsive to the needs of individuals, families and the Chain of Command in order to maximise the operational effectiveness of Service Personnel.

Personal Support and Community Support.

Website: www.army.mod.uk/people/health-wellbeing-welfare-support

The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. And we’re not going anywhere.

We support serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week.

Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over.

Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk

Big White Wall

Whatever’s on your mind, we’re here.

We’re a community of real people who understand.

Ministry of Defence. Veterans UK

The Ministry of Defence has introduced an updated process for actioning War Pension and Armed Forces Scheme complaints.

We provide free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.

Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence.