Veteran information
Forces Connect
Forces Connect is a free UK-wide mobile app that signposts members of our armed forces community to support and advice.
The Forces Connect app links users to local and national organisations, offering immediate help and support across a wide range of services. From crisis support to searching for an NHS dentist, starting a business to advice on housing, the app supports the entire armed forces community – serving, former servicemen and women and their families.
You can download the app by searching ‘Forces Connect’ in the Apple app or Google Play Store.
Op RESTORE
Provides care and treatment to those with a Service-attributable physical health condition or injury sustained as a result of service.
Who Op RESTORE can support:
- if they have a physical health problem of any type or severity
- if their physical health problem is a result of your time in service
- if they live and are registered with a GP practice in England
- no matter when their physical health problem first appeared
- no matter when their left the armed forces
Accessing Op RESTORE:
A GP can refer you to Op RESTORE by emailing.
Op COURAGE
Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.
Who Op COURAGE can help
To receive help and support from Op COURAGE, you must:
- be a resident in England and have served in the UK armed forces for a full day
- be registered with a GP surgery in England, or be willing and eligible to register with a GP
- provide your military service number
It does not matter how long ago you left the armed forces or how long you served for. You can contact Op COURAGE even if you left many years ago.
You can also contact Op COURAGE if you’re still serving but have a discharge date.
Call 0300 034 9986 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net
www.awp.nhs.uk/our-services/community-services/veterans
Op NOVA
Op NOVA, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system, enabling them to access the services they need.
Op NOVA may be contacted on:
Freephone 0800 917 7299
or by email at opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk
Referral form: Op NOVA partner referral form | Forces Employment Charity
Op NOVA | Forces Employment Charity
Armed Forces Covenant
All Government Departments have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, as have all Local Authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. There are separate arrangements for Northern Ireland. In addition, over 4,000 commercial organisations have signed the AFC, as a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.
Special consideration is given in certain circumstances to particular groups, such as those who have been injured in the course of their service and families of the bereaved.
Who does it apply to?
If they are a member of the Armed Forces (regular or reserve), a veteran, or a family member, the Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are treated fairly.
The Armed Forces Covenant has seen a number of measures introduced to help Service personnel and families,
Gloucestershire Armed Forces Veterans Connect: The Armed Forces Covenant (glosafv.blogspot.com)
Forces Employment Charity
The Forces Employment Charity stands by ex-Forces personnel through an unrivalled range of programmes and practical support. We support anyone who has served at least one day in His Majesty’s Regular Armed Forces, or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.
The support they provide.
- Advice on career choices
- Researching the job market
- Job matching
- Advice on training
- Recommendations for courses and education
- Support for writing a CV
- Advice on interview techniques
- Expert industry knowledge and updates
- Events and employment fairs
Contact the Forces Employment Charity on:
- 01212623058
- info@forcesemployment.org.uk
- Register Register | Forces Employment Charity
- www.forcesemployment.org.uk
Veterans Gateway
The Veterans’ Gateway service is the first point of contact for all Tri-Service veterans, and their families. Its expert content covers welfare areas: housing, employment, finances, living independently, mental wellbeing, families and communities, and physical health.
Veterans Gateway provides wellbeing support and advice on their website and with their 24/7 Live Chat, text messaging and helpline.
Advice and support for veterans & ex-forces | Veterans’ Gateway (veteransgateway.org.uk)
- 08088021212
- Text: 81212
- Submit a request on their website Ask a Question (veteransgateway.org.uk)
Fighting with Pride
Fighting With Pride supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families – in particular those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces prior to January 2000.
Charities and Support group
To find information about charities and support groups who help the armed forces community please visit: Charities and support groups – NHS (www.nhs.uk)