Help for heroes cafes
A Help for Heroes café is a great place to start. At these relaxed drop-in sessions you can meet other veterans and families in your area...
In crisis? Find out how you can get urgent support
If you need support urgently or outside of our working hours, please don’t hesitate to contact
SAMARITANS
Freephone their national helpline on 116 123 (24/7) to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts
SHOUT
A crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #TextCONTACT85258
NHS 111
To access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living, visit the NHS website.
COMBAT STRESS
For urgent psychological support, please call 0800 1381619.
SHELTER
For urgent housing support, please call 0808 800 4444.
Who we help
We help veterans, reservists, family members and people who worked under UK command to make a success of life in the civilian world. You don’t have to have served in a conflict, and it’s never too late to ask for support.
How we can help
If you’re and ex-serviceman, or ex-servicewoman finding things tough, or just need a bit of support, we’re here. Whether it’s your physical or mental health, feeling isolated, needing some welfare guidance or advice, or something else, you can reach out. We also host free sports and social activities across the UK so you can connect with other veterans and see what's available in your community.
If you're a family member of a veteran, find out how we can support you on our dedicated Family Support page.
Our services
Physical health
Does your injury or medical condition make everyday tasks a struggle? Is pain making sleep impossible? Has your mobility made you a prisoner in your own home? Does medical information make your head spin? If so, we can help.
Mental health and wellbeing
Life can be tough when you or a loved one leaves the Armed Forces. But you are not alone, we are here for you.
Sports and social activities
Suitable for all abilities, our wide variety of competitive and recreational sports help you maintain an active, independent, and healthy life.
Grants
Find out how we offer financial support to members of the Armed Forces community.
Recovery College
Find ways to live a healthy, purposeful and secure life with our free online group courses and self-help guides. Including tools, tips and strategies to help improve and manage your wellbeing.
Welfare services
Introducing what support you could recieve from our Welfare Services team.
Family support
When a parent or carer's life has been affected by military service, it can affect the whole family. Find out how our Case Managers can help.
Veterans' Mobility Fund
Eligible veterans can now apply for life-changing grants or equipment to help with their mobility needs through the Veterans’ Mobility Fund.
Where do I start?
Help for Heroes cafes
A Help for Heroes café is a great place to start. At these relaxed drop-in sessions you can meet other veterans and families in your area and chat to our team about the support, services and events we offer. No questions asked, no obligation to sign up for anything.
Find out moreRecovery college and Self-help guides
We provide free group courses and self-help guides with tools, tips and strategies to help improve and manage physical and mental well-being. For our self-help guides, you don't even need to give us your details, you can complete them in your own time, and at your own pace.
Find out moreResource Hub
Our resource hub is designed to provide you and your family with practical guidance and support on the topics that matter most - from health and mental wellbeing to skill development and finding your place in your community. You’ll also find valuable insights to help you manage everyday challenges.
Explore the recource hubAsk for help
Life isn’t always straightforward after you leave the Armed Forces. We get it. That’s why, every year, we support thousands of people on their journey to a better future. And we’re here for you, too. To get started, all you need do is submit an online form or call us on our helpline.
Phone our helpline
If you're a veteran or family member and would like to talk to our friendly team, please phone us on 0300 303 9888. We’re available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Calls to this number are charged at your standard network rate
Help for Heroes is committed to providing excellent service and support to our veteran community, everyone is entitled to be treated respectfully and courteously in a polite manner and we respond professionally and sympathetically to those seeking support. We do operate a zero tolerance policy whereby aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in certain restrictions.
Stories
Darren
Updated on
After serving for 20 years in the British Army, Darren was medically discharged and his world fell apart overnight.
Rob Shenton
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When Rob’s depression became too much, he thought his only option was to end his life. At his lowest, he remembered a note in his wallet with messages of support from friends, and it saved his life.
Victoria Ross
Updated on
Former Warrant Officer, Vicki, lives with chronic pain and PTSD. For her, the veterans war is real.
Jean M
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Jean was discharged from the Army for being gay, due to the cruel historic ban on homosexuality. The trauma this caused has derailed her life ever since. She's only now starting to find peace.
Corie's Story
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Corie joined the Household Cavalry in 2005 and was the first Barbadian to ride the ceremonial gate to escort the Queen. But his life changed when his armoured vehicle hit an IED.