Help for Heroes - Service Charities

For over sixty years the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) has worked tirelessly to provide support to serving soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need. The people we support include those with disabilities or mental illness, people experiencing homelessness or unemployment, and older people.

BLESMA is a National Charity, Registered Charity Number 1084189 for Limbless and Ex-Service Men and Women, their dependants and Widows. The objectives of the Association are to promote the welfare of all those of either sex who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or the use of limbs as a result of service in any branch of Her Majesty's Forces or Auxiliary Forces and to assist needy dependants of such service limbless. We will also help those who lose a limb after service.

The Society was founded in 1919, one year after the end of the First World War, since when it has helped over 85,000 veterans cope with their suffering. Currently, there are over 7000 veterans being helped, with many new referrals.

The Forces Pension Society stands foursquare behind our men and women at arms and advocates that they are entitled to expect pensions that reflect their commitment. Service pensions must, at the very least, be as good as those of other public sector workers.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is here to provide support to all members of the RAF family in need. If you have ever served in the Royal Air Force, or you are an immediate dependant of someone who served, then you may be eligible for assistance.

Seafarers UK are a national charity that fundraises and gives grants to over seventy charities that help people who have worked at sea. This includes helping people from the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets and their families.

SSAFA provide support for the serving men and women in today’s Armed Forces and for those who have served - even if it was only for a single day. We also care for the needs of their families and dependants.

Last year alone, our professional staff and trained volunteers gave assistance to more than 50,000 people. We helped to make a real difference to many lives.

At St Dunstan’s, we provide crucial assistance to ex-Service men and women with very significant loss of sight. Our specialist training and support helps them regain their independence and optimism and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants. Currently, nearly 10.5 million people are eligible for our support and we receive thousands of calls for help every year.

On 2 April 2007, the Ministry of Defence created a new brand for services to veterans – Veterans-UK.

Veterans-UK will be the single brand or banner covering a variety of different veterans services provided by a range of different organisations. It will form a single point for accessing information.

The War Widows Association is essentially a pressure group and exists to improve the conditions of War Widows and their dependants in Great Britain. Its work encompasses those who have suffered bereavement as a result of World War II and all conflicts since then including Iraq and Afghanistan. The WWA also represents those who have suffered the loss of their husband in peacetime, when his death was attributable to his service life.