If you support veterans professionally, understanding their experiences - and the support available to them - can help you provide more effective care. This page offers insights into working with veterans and their families, details of our services, helpful resources, and information about referring to us.

10 things to know about veterans and their families

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be tough. While sometimes coping with physical health challenges or mental trauma, veterans may need to find somewhere to live, meaningful employment, a purpose, and a place in society. It can feel overwhelming. 

This short video produced by the Office for Veteran Affairs is a useful introduction to veteran families, to help you understand their experiences a little better.

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How to better support veterans and their families

An introduction to our services

We provide carefully tailored and holistic support for physical and mental health, welfare and social needs. We also facilitate opportunities for sports and social connections in local communities to combat isolation and loneliness.

Our clinical services team

Who we support

We support anyone who served in the UK Armed Forces. 

  • It doesn’t matter where or when they served, or how long for
  • They don’t have to have served in a conflict or war
  • Their injury, condition or challenges don’t have to be a result of their Armed Forces service
  • We support their families
  • We also help those who served under UK Command (such as people who worked as translators during the war in Afghanistan, and embedded journalists).

The support we offer

Group of people in a carers support session

We offer comprehensive support for veterans and their families. Our services include - 

  • Mental health support - Our Hidden Wounds service is a team of mental health professionals who provide carefully tailored support to each veteran or family member who needs it.
  • Clinical support - Our community-based nurses and occupational therapists support veterans as they navigate and understand their healthcare pathways, including their families and support network when appropriate. The clinical team are resourceful in finding ways, using a 'Coaching for Health' approach, to enable and empower veterans to set their healthcare goals and access treatment they may need to support their physical health.
  • Financial & welfare support - We help veterans who are struggling with their finances and living arrangements, and provide one-off grants for home modifications and meeting the cost of food and energy bills. 
  • Social, Sports and Community - Our team of Community Builders work across the UK, connecting veterans with their local communities. They collaborate with local partners, volunteers, and veteran-led groups to create long-term opportunities for social engagement and sports.
  • Recovery College - Our free courses help participants develop the knowledge and skills they need to make lasting improvements to key areas of their lives. Topics include physical and mental wellbeing, taking control of your finances, goal setting, and many more.

Referring and signposting

hand holding a pen with a notebook

Referring to our services

Your client or patient is encouraged to self-refer, but as a professional involved in supporting a veteran or family member, you can also submit a referral on their behalf with their permission.

  • Please make your referral using our standard online form.  
  • Select NO to questions 1 & 2  
  • Select YES to question 3
  • You will then be prompted to complete the information we need
  • If you are unable to complete the online form, you can call our helpline on 0300 303 9888 

Signposting to our services

  • We have a range of digital resources below that you can download to introduce your client or patient to our services 
  • You can also request posters and leaflets to display in your clinic or office. To enquire about hard copies please email fundraise@helpforheroes.org.uk
  • There is lots of information on our public webpages designed for those who may be seeking help
  • They may want to browse our Recovery College courses and self-help guides
  • They can request help directly, using the online form or by calling our helpline on 0300 303 9888. 

Useful resources

a laptop on a desk with pens

Downloads

Leaflets and posters designed for people seeking help

Leaflets and posters designed to support you in your professional capacity

Training and guidance

The Armed Forces Covenant. This is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. There is a legal obligation on certain public bodies to have due regard to the Covenant principles when carrying out certain functions in healthcare, education, and housing. Find out more about how to implement the principles.

MOD Defence Transition Services may be able to provide support if a veteran or family member is facing challenges leaving the armed forces and adjusting to civilian life. Professionals can refer on a veteran’s behalf.

    Useful links

    • This Get Help page is a good starting point for anyone thinking of seeking help.
    • Open access events. These drop-in sessions are held at venues around the UK so that veterans and families can find out more about our services, or just enjoy some time together.
    • Veteran Equip is our free online tool that offers personalised, impartial advice about equipment to help make daily living easier.
    • Our Resource Hub provides practical guidance and support on a wide range of topics that affect veterans and their families.
    • Current and previous members of the Armed Forces can request a copy of their service records on the UK Government website.
    • Veterans UK is a UK Government department providing free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments
    • Defence Transition Services can help veterans and their families get additional support when leaving the Armed Forces.

    Contact information

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    Call us

    You can call our friendly Helpline team on 0300 303 9888.

    Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Calls to this number are charged at your standard network rate.

    Email us

    You can email us at getsupport@helpforheroes.org.uk or you can complete the enquiry form at the bottom of our main Contact Us webpage.

    Write to us

    Help for Heroes

    Downton Business Centre

    Salisbury

    Wiltshire

    SP5 3RB

    FAQs

    You should be able to find the answer to most questions about us in the general FAQ section on our FAQs webpage.