Audience Support

If you or someone you know needs support at this time, you can find more information by visiting:

• The British Army website
• The RAF website
• The Royal Navy website
• The Government's website

Op Courage (NHS England) - Mental health information and support for veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.

Veterans NHS Wales - Specialised, priority service for veterans at any time of life who are experiencing mental health difficulties related specifically to their military service.

Veterans First Point (NHS Scotland) - access to veteran-led mental health and welfare support.

Northern Ireland Veterans' Support Office - the lead support and signposting service linking veterans to a range of organisations throughout Northern Ireland, that can help to support mental health.

Veterans’ Gateway - from healthcare and housing to employability, and more they offer support 24/7 and can refer you directly to their expert, vetted partners.
Helpline - 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12
Text service – 81212

Combat Stress - provides specialist treatment and support for veterans, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.
Helpline: 0800 138 1619

HeadFIT - provide the tools and advice for the management of mental health for defence people.

The Ripple Pond - provide confidential peer support to Armed Forces families, alongside a community where you can feel a sense of belonging and connection.

H4H Hidden Wounds - provide confidential advice and support and offers a clinical assessment to help identify the most appropriate treatment plan, followed by a range of evidence-based psychological therapies.

Defence Medical Welfare Service - offer support to serving personnel and reservists of all three services, their dependent relatives and other entitled civilians when they need help during times of ill health.

Samaritans - works with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Helpline: 116 123
Email: [email protected]

Shout - free 24/7 crisis text support service for people who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis.
Text CONTACT to 85258

CALM - offers free, anonymous and confidential support via their helpline and webchat for anyone who is in crisis.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58

Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) - the armed forces, veterans and the wider military community with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Payprus - support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you are concerned about someone you know.
Hopeline: 0800 068 41 41

Inspire (Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health) - provides local services to support the mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland. For immediate support call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and for support and information about mental health, call the Advocacy for All team on 0808 189 0036.

SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) - provides general mental health information and can signpost you to your local services.
Helpline: 0344 800 0550 (Mon – Fri: 9am - 6pm UKT)

Community Advice & Listening Line - emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.
Helpline: 0800 132 737 (available 24/7) or text "help" to 81066

Mind - advice and support on a range of topics including types of mental health problems, self-harm, legislation and details of local help and support in England and Wales.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Weekdays: 9am - 6pm UKT)

Childline - a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you.
Helpline: 0800 1111

NHS Alcohol Support - Information regarding concerns about alcohol and details of how to access support.

Al-anon Family Groups - there for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking.
Helpline: 0800 0086 811 (10am - 10pm UKT)

Drinkline – The national alcohol helpline.  If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence.
Helpline: Call 0300 123 1110 (Weekdays: 9am – 8pm UKT | Weekends 11am – 4pm UKT). 

Samaritans - work with the Ministry of Defence and other charities to support serving personnel in the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
Helpline: 116 123 (available 24/7)

Narcotics Anonymous - a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. They have found a way to live without using drugs, and we are happy to share it with anyone for whom drugs are a problem.
Helpline: 0300 999 1212 (10am - 12am UKT)

The National Gambling Helpline - operated by GamCare, the National Gambling Helpline offers confidential support, advice and free counselling to people concerned about their gambling, or the gambling of friends or family.
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7)

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) - they help relieve suffering and distress among the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity.
Helpline: 0800 260 6767

Gamblers Anonymous - provides a list of support meetings for problem gamblers.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland - click here
Scotland - click here

Cruse Bereavement Care - provides support after the death of someone close including face to face, telephone, group support, as well as bereavement support for children.
Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) 0808 802 6161 (Scotland)

Child Bereavement UK - supports families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Helpline: 0800 02 888 40

Royal British Legion - provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (Daily: 8am - 8pm UKT)

SSAFA - if you lose someone who has previously served in our Armed Forces, or you are ex-Forces and you lose someone, then SSAFA is committed to supporting you during your bereavement.
Helpline: 0800 260 6767 (Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm UKT)

Veterans’ Gateway - from healthcare and housing to employability, and more they offer support 24/7 and can refer you directly to their expert, vetted partners.
Helpline - 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12
Text service – 81212

National Bullying Helpline - offers free, confidential help and support for anyone being bullied at work, at home, in the community or in education.
Helpline: 0300 323 0169 (Daily: 9am - 5pm UKT)

Childline - provides a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you.
Helpline: 0800 1111

Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) - offers a safe, online community, providing support for the armed forces, veterans and the wider military community with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Little Troopers - provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.

Defence Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline helpline - offer impartial advice and a ‘safe space’ to explore concerns from their experienced, non-judgmental and supportive advisors. Their fair, transparent and consistent approach is available 24/7, 365 days a year so your call will never go unanswered.
UK Mainland call: 0800 014 2381
For overseas call: +44 33000 85942

Army Speak Out Helpline

Helpline: 0306 770 4656 | mil 96770 4656

Childline - a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. There is also a 1-2-1 online chat with a counsellor available here for whatever is worrying you.
Helpline: 0800 1111

Young Minds - offers specific support for mental health issues experienced by children and young people. If you need urgent help text SHOUT to 85258.

The Mix - offers and provides non-judgmental support and information for young people 11 to 25 on a variety of issues including mental wellbeing, sex & relationships, exam stress, money, drugs and self-harm.
Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (4pm – 11pm Monday to Friday. This service is closed at weekends.)

Forces Children’s Trust - helps children in need whose parent or guardian has died or has sustained life-changing injuries while serving as a member of the British Armed Forces.

Home-Start - offers help for families with young children through their challenging times - such as deployment or rebasing.

Little Troopers - provides support to service children who face unique challenges such as repeated separation and frequent moves due to service requirements.

Scotty's Little Soldiers - dedicated to supporting children who have lost a parent serving in the British Armed Forces.

Moneyhelper - an independent service, originally set up by the government, that provides free and impartial money advice. Helpline: 0800 138 7777 (Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm UKT) or use 0800 138 0555 (Welsh language number)

National Debtline - gives free and independent debt advice over the phone or online.
Helpline: 0808 808 4000 (Mon - Fri: 9am – 8pm UKT | Saturday: 930am - 1pm UKT)

Royal British Legion - provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (from the UK) | +44 203 376 8080 (from overseas) - Daily: 8am - 8pm UKT)

Veterans’ Gateway - from healthcare and housing to employability, and more they offer support 24/7 and can refer you directly to their expert, vetted partners.
Helpline - 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12
Text service – 81212

StepChange Debt Charity - The UK’s leading debt charity offering free, confidential advice
Contact: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm UKT | Saturday 9am to 2pm UKT)

Dementia UK - provides a helpline staffed by specialist Admiral Nurses who can advise on all aspects of caring for someone with dementia.
Helpline: 0800 888 6678 (Mon - Fri: 9am - 9pm | Weekends: 9am - 5pm UKT)

Alzheimer’s Society - provides information and support to people with any form of dementia and their carers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 0333 150 3456 (Mon to Weds: 9am – 8pm, Thurs and Fri: 9am – 5pm | Weekends, 10am – 4pm UKT - Christmas hours may vary)

Alzheimer Scotland - provide information, advice and personalised support services across Scotland.
Helpline: 0808 808 3000 (available 24/7)

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) - helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though their focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.
Live chat facility online or call 0800 260 6767

Royal British Legion - provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (from the UK) | +44 203 376 8080 (from overseas) - Daily: 8am - 8pm UKT

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline - provide 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge is for women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and others calling on their behalf.
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (available 24/7)

Men's Advice Line - offers confidential advice for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner
Helpline: 0808 801 0327 (Weekdays: 10am - 5pm UKT)

National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence Helpline - helpline run by Galop which provides support to LGBTQ+ people suffering domestic abuse.
Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Monday – Thursday 10am – 8.30pm UKT | Friday 10am – 4.30pm UKT)

Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline (Northern Ireland) - offers referral to a range of services to all women, men and children affected by domestic and sexual violence.
Helpline: 0808 802 1414 (available 24/7)
Email: [email protected]

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline - offers telephone information and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse or forced marriage.
Helpline: 0800 027 1234 (available 24/7)

Live Fear Free Helpline - confidential, signposting and information service for anyone experiencing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence in Wales.
Helpline: 0808 80 10 800 (available 24/7)

Royal Navy - Naval Service Family and People Support (NS FPS)
Telephone: 02392 728777 or Freephone 0800 145 6088

Army - Army Welfare Service (AWS) - contact the Intake and Assessment Team on 01904 882053 or email  [email protected]

Royal Air Force - SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) - SSAFA provides a welfare support service for serving RAF personnel and their dependents. They can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year if the caller is away from their normal station.
Contact: 03000 111 723 (available 24/7) or email [email protected]

NHS - provide a variety of support, advice and services for anyone you needs it.

The Terence Higgins Trust - provide information about HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and how to maintain good sexual health. They also provide resources for people living with HIV and those newly diagnosed.
Helpline -  0808 802 1221 (Monday – Friday: 1000 – 1800 UKT)

Switchboard - offers information, support and referral service for anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality. Helpline: 0800 0119 100 (Daily: 10am - 10pm UKT)

LGBT Foundation - offers a range of services, support and information to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
Helpline: 0345 330 3030 (Daily: 10am – 10pm UKT)

Stonewall - offers help and advice for people who may be LGBTQ+ on a range of subjects, including coming out and hate crime.

Trans Unite - provides a network for people in the UK searching for support in the transgender community and help connect you to an established network of trans support groups near you.

Army LGBT+ Network - offers support for any lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender soldier and LGBT people thinking of joining the Army.

RAF LGBT+ Network - this network works to ensure that the Royal Air Force LGBT community are supported, valued and empowered to benefit the individual and the RAF as they operate across the globe.

Royal Navy Compass - the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Network of the Royal Navy, including the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Maritime Reserves.

MOD LGBT+ Network - employee Staff Network representing all sexual orientation and gender identities across the civilian workforce.

Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs - bringing together veterans and Armed Forces personnel in a relaxed, safe, social environment to enjoy breakfast and banter, to combat loneliness and allow veterans to ‘return to the tribe’
Find your nearest breakfast club at www.afvbc.world

Samaritans - available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Helpline: 116 123
Email: [email protected]

Royal British Legion - provides help to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families.
Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (8am-8pm UKT | every day)

SSAFA - offer support if you’re lonely and has recently launched a new initiative – Community Connection Champions – specifically to help service people and their families, wherever they’re posted, to feel less alone.
SSAFA Forcesline: 0800 260 6767 (9am - 5pm UKT | Monday-Friday)

Association for Post-Natal Illness - offer support to anyone suffering from or affected by Post Natal Illness.

Maternal Mental Health Alliance - ensures all women across the UK get consistent, accessible and quality care and support for their mental health during pregnancy and postnatally.

Mothers for Mothers - offer peer support to mothers experiencing isolation, anxiety, depression or distress during pregnancy until the youngest child of the family starts school.
Helpline: 0117 935 9366 (Mon – Fri: 10am – 9pm UKT)

Fertility Network UK - offers information, advice and support for anyone suffering from infertility related problems.
Info Line: 01424 732 361

PANDAS (Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support) - offers advice and support to individuals and their families across the UK suffering pre and postnatal illnesses.
Helpline: 0808 1961 776

Bliss - provides care and support for all babies born too soon, too small and too sick and their families.

Sands - supports anyone affected by the death of a baby that has died before, during, or shortly after birth and offer telephone support and online message boards.
Helpline: 0808 164 3332 (10am – 3pm UKT Monday – Friday | 6pm – 9pm UKT Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - note, not open during bank holidays unless otherwise stated on the website)
Email [email protected]

Equality and Advisory Support Service - advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales.
Helpline: 0808 800 0082 (Mon – Fri: 9am – 7pm UKT | Saturday: 10am – 2pm UKT)

The National Bullying Helpline - provides free, confidential help and support if you are being bullied at work, at home, in the community or in education.
Helpline: 0300 323 0169 (Mon - Fri: 9am – 5pm UKT)

Victim Support - provides emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
Helpline: 0808 16 89 111 (available 24/7)

Victim Support NI - offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 028 9024 3133 | 028 7137 0086 (Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm UKT)

Victim Support Scotland - offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.
Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (Mon – Fri: 8am – 8pm UKT)

Rape Crisis England & Wales - provides specialist information and support to all those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse in England and Wales.
Helpline: 0808 500 2222 (available 24/7)

Rape Crisis Scotland - provides confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres.
Helpline: 0808 801 03 02

The Rowan - provide a range of support and services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to people of all ages who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, whether this happened in the past or more recently.
Helpline: 0800 389 4424 (available 24/7)

Childline - a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.
Helpline: 0800 1111

Samaritans - available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.
Helpline: 116 123
Email: [email protected]

Victim Support - provide emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
Helpline: 0808 16 89 111 (available 24/7)

Victim Support NI - offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.
Helpline: 028 9024 3133 | 028 7137 0086 (Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm UKT)

Victim Support Scotland - offers emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland. Helpline: 0800 160 1985 (Mon – Fri: 0800 – 2000 UKT)