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.

Many people in the Armed Forces community support a partner, child, parent, family member or friend through illness, disability, injury, mental health challenges or life changes. Caring can be rewarding, but it can also affect our routines, relationships, responsibilities and wellbeing.

When we're focused on supporting others, it's easy to overlook our own needs. Recognising how caring affects us can help us feel more balanced and better equipped to care for ourselves and others. We can help you explore ways to nurture your wellbeing, manage everyday pressures, build supportive connections and adapt to change.

Whether you're caring full or part time, you are not alone. Recognising your strengths and connecting with support can help you care for others while also caring for yourself.

Three things you could try today

Take a small break

It's important to look after yourself. Enjoy a cup of tea, short walk, book or quiet moment.

Focus on today

Caring can bring uncertainty and “what ifs”. Focus on what needs your energy today rather than trying to solve everything at once

You don't have to do it alone

Talk to a friend, connect with other carers or explore available support. Reaching out is a strength, not a weakness.

What Carers Support does Help for Heroes offer?

A Group Course

Care for the Carer

  • A free, group course run online via Microsoft Teams.
  • Co-delivered by those with lived experience and experts from our Case Management Team.
  • Throughout these sessions you will be learning alongside other carers, exploring strategies to help you to recharge your batteries and understand that you are not alone.

Apply for Course

Other ways we can help

You aren't alone, we're here for you and so are the rest of the Armed Forces community.

  • If you'd like to talk to us please phone us on 0300 303 9888  -  Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Calls to this number are charged at your standard network rate.
  • All our group courses and self-help guides are available for family members as well as veterans.

More about the Group Course

What will I learn on the Care for the Carer group course?

  • Together we will explore how you might define yourself as a carer.
  • Look at methods of how to manage your time and the changes to your life brought about by caring for others.
  • Discover how to focus on your own wellness and the things you do for your own health and wellbeing.
  • Discuss how to link into sources of support that are available to you.

How long is the course?

  • 1 x meet and greet session.
  • 2 x 2.5-hour modules. Module two runs two weeks after module one.

How do I apply?

If you are already engaged with us, please speak to your point of contact within the Charity. They will be able to help book you onto our courses.

If you are not yet engaged with us, we’d love to welcome you.

    Apply for Course

    Following this course, I'll ask for support when I need it rather than struggling and telling people that I'm fine! ”

    Student

    Care for the Carer course

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