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.

Life in the Armed Forces community can be challenging and demanding, making it difficult to take time to pause and focus on wellbeing. A Wellness Action Plan (WAP) provides an opportunity to reflect and develop a better understanding of what supports your wellbeing.

We can help you identify what gives you energy, consider your strengths, and use reflection to create a personalised plan for your wellbeing and mental health.

A WAP is a practical tool that can grow and adapt with you, helping you maintain focus on the support and actions that matter most.


Three things you could try today

Notice what energises and what drains you

Spend a few days paying attention to the people, activities, places and routines that leave you feeling more energised, alongside those that leave you feeling drained. Understanding these patterns can help you decide where to focus your time and energy.

Build your own wellbeing toolkit

Create a list of simple things that help you stay well. This might include going for a walk, spending time outdoors, reading, connecting with friends, listening to music, cooking, resting or anything else that supports your wellbeing. Having these written down can make them easier to remember when you need them.

Identify your support network

Take a moment to think about who you can turn to when life feels more challenging. This could include family, friends, colleagues, professionals, support organisations, community groups or even the companionship of a pet. Support can look different for everyone.


What Wellness Action Plan support does The Recovery College Offer?

A Group Course

Wellness Action Plan

  • A free, group course run online via Microsoft Teams.
  • Co-delivered by those with lived experience and experts from our Hidden Wounds service.
  • These sessions give you an opportunity to learn with others in the Armed Forces Community about what a Wellness Action Plan is, how it can help and tools and strategies you could include to boost your wellbeing.

Apply for Course

A Self-Help Guide

Wellness Action Plan

  • A free, interactive, online guide.
  • Designed to work through at your own pace, any time, anywhere.
  • With no need to sign up, you can learn more about what a Wellness Action Plan is, how to create one and how it can help you in your recovery journey.

Self-Help Guide

More about the Group Course

What will I learn on the 'Wellness Action Plan' group course?

  • What a wellness action plan is.
  • How things around you can affect your wellbeing.
  • Tools and strategies to manage and boost your wellbeing.
  • How to create your own wellness action plan.
  • How to check in with your progress and make the changes you need.

How long is the course?

  • 1 x meet and greet session.
  • 3 x 2.5-hour modules. One module per week over two consecutive weeks, the final module runs two weeks after module two.

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

More about the Self-Help Guide

What will I learn on the 'Wellness Action Plan' self-help guide?

  • More about wellness and what it might mean to you.
  • The purpose of a Wellness Action Plan.
  • How to create and maintain a Wellness Action Plan.

How do I access it?

With no need to book or sign up to anything, you can work through this online self-help guide at your own pace, any time.

    Self-Help Guide

    I love Help for Heroes’ courses. The camaraderie is phenomenal.”

    Veteran

    Wellness Action Plan Course

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