Member Directory

5 Towns Veterans Support Hub CIC

Friendly Society Register No: 11952906

We are a group of volunteers from an armed forces and similar background, who have set up the Veterans Centre in Featherstone to provide mental health and wellbeing support to veterans and their families. We provide camaraderie, drop-in services and wellbeing sessions. We signpost to support services including CAB, DWP, GASPED and Turning Point. We work with a PTSD specialist at Pinderfields Hospital and work to raise veteran awareness among key stakeholders in the care and health industries.

Contact Information

https://5townsveterans.co.uk/
contactus@5townsveterans.co.uk
The Veterans Centre
32A Ackworth Road
Featherstone
WF7 5LU
01977 798998

Support Offered

We specialise in support for mental health. We have consulted with key stakeholders in the health industry on the transition from service to civilian life and its impact on mental health.

We are experts at working with and signposting to partner organisations. We work with CAB, NHS, DWP, and mental health counselling organisations such as GASPED and Turning Point.

We specialise in getting the right support for veterans and their families, be it through the veteran’s regiment or through contacts within the Armed Forces Covenant.

Addiction Family Support (Forces Family Support)

Charity Number: 1123316

Forces Family Support provides specialist support to members of the Armed Forces Community, including serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families, carers, colleagues and friends, who are affected or bereaved by a loved one’s harmful use of alcohol, drugs, other substances or gambling.

Having a loved one harmfully using (or addicted to) substances or gambling causes anxiety, stress, fear, shame, helplessness, and isolation. The stigma of addiction often results in being marginalised, especially within Armed Forces communities. When added to the challenges of active military deployment or transitioning to civilian life, the situation can become unmanageable.

The services provided by Forces Family Support are designed to help affected others, in their
own right. Outside the Chain of Command, service users are given a safe, confidential and non judgemental space to speak openly, receive information, receive encouragement and explore coping strategies. This support enables service users to reduce their stress and anxiety, strengthen relationships and gain the confidence to focus on their own health and wellbeing.

Wider benefits for the Armed Forces might include improved retention of serving personnel or a reduced burden on military health and welfare services.

Forces Family Support operates under the auspices of Addiction Family Support, the leading UK registered charity supporting people affected or bereaved by a loved one’s addiction, bringing specialist military understanding and tailored support to those connected to the Armed Forces.

For more information visit https://forcesfamilysupport.org.uk or email us at info@forcesfamilysupport.org.uk

Contact Information

https://addictionfamilysupport.org.uk/support-for-armed-forces-communities/
office@addictionfamilysupport.org.uk
86-90 Paul Street
EC2A 4NE
0843 122 5434

Support Offered

Our dedicated Helpline (0300 222 5747) is available 365 days a year and is staffed by trained volunteers and Family Support Workers.

Individuals can access support by calling the Helpline, after which they are referred to our specialist Forces Family Support service for one-to-one counselling, couples or group support. All therapeutic support is delivered and overseen by a
qualified and registered psychotherapist with extensive experience working with serving personnel, Army Welfare Officers, DCMH, and across military bases.

Service users can self-refer into Forces Family Support or be signposted by family, friends, colleagues, Welfare Units, Defence Medical Welfare, the NHS, or their GP. One to one and group support is provided remotely, using telephone, email, and video, allowing access for those based overseas as well as in the UK.

Age UK Waltham Forest

Charity Number: 1048212
Company Number: 02334459

Age UK Waltham Forest, established in 1982, stands as an independent, self-funded, user-led charity. Our mission is rooted in creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive society, where each older person enjoys a high-quality, fulfilling life, supported to live independently at home for as long as they desire.

Vision:
Our vision revolves around fostering a society where every older person is empowered to lead a life filled with quality, enjoyment, and fulfilment. We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals can age with dignity, supported by our commitment to facilitating independent living for as long as they wish.

Contact Information

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/walthamforest/
info@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk
Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North)
58 Hall Lane
Chingford
E4 8EU

Support Offered

Age UK Waltham Forest, with its experienced staff and volunteers, annually supports over 6,000 older people in the local area through a diverse range of services including Information and Advice Service, Befriending, Independent Living Services, Veterans Group and 30 weekly activities that include Digital support, coffee Mornings, Zumba, Table Tennis, Walking football. Our work is shaped by the priorities identified by older people themselves, with a focus on money, wellbeing, and inclusion.

Aims:
Reduced Social Isolation: We actively work to diminish social isolation by assisting older individuals in reconnecting with the community. This involves helping them find places to go, engaging in activities, and facilitating connections with new people.

Improved Mental and Physical Health: Our services contribute to improved mental and physical health by enhancing understanding and
self-management of health conditions. We provide information and assist in accessing local health and support services, prioritising the overall wellbeing of our beneficiaries.

Improved Finances and Reduction in Poverty: With expert assistance, we aim to advise and support older people in maximising their incomes, thereby contributing to improved financial stability and a reduction in poverty.

Support for Independent Living: We offer comprehensive support for independent living, including assistance at home, handyperson services, and gardening services, recognising the importance of a safe and comfortable living environment.

Our Veteran support services cover a broad spectrum, including accommodation, health support, addressing social isolation, and organising various events.

Our Joint Coordinators work directly with veterans, providing information and advice services for rehoming, referrals to specialists, and assistance with mental health issues.

They also play a crucial role in facilitating social events, monthly lunches, breakfast clubs, coffee club meetings, and annual Christmas lunches, contributing to building a strong sense of community among veterans. Actively engaging with other veteran organisations, our coordinators have forged partnerships with SSAFA, The Royal British Legion, Veterans Aid, and more. This collaboration ensures veterans are directed to specialised services when needed. Our involvement with Leyton Orient Football Foundation, resulting in monthly lunches and match tickets, exemplifies the positive impact of these collaborations.

Aggie Weston’s

Charity Number: 1176596

Dedicated to supporting the serving men and women of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and their families.

Contact Information

http://aggies.org.uk/
finance@aggies.org.uk
Castaway House
311 Twyford Avenue
Portsmouth
PO2 8RN
02392 650505

Support Offered

Pastoral support to serving personnel and their families centred on Chaplaincy based ‘Havens’ situated on bases and Families Centres in SFA areas around the UK.

Storybook Waves provides the opportunity for service personnel who are deploying to record bedtime stories for their children.

Anglia Ruskin University (Veterans&Families Inst)

Academic Institution

Contact Information

http://anglia.ac.uk/vfi
Matt.fossey@anglia.ac.uk
Veterans & Families Institute
Anglia Ruskin University
Chelmsford Campus, Bishop Hall Lane,Chelmsford
CM1 1SQ

Support Offered

The Veteran & Families Institute Director, Matt Fossey has extensive expertise in the UK voluntary sector, including working with the mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness as National Stakeholder Manager on the national anti-stigma campaign “Time to Change”. Matt is chair of the National Veterans Offender Working Group and is also a member of the DWP Veterans Working Group. Matt is a Senior Associate with the Centre for Mental Health and is also vice-chair of Healthwatch Essex. Matt has written widely including publications on veterans’ health and wellbeing, mental health and liaison psychiatry, including a number of key publications with economist Michael Parsonage.
Matt is supported by a host of academics researching issues related to veterans and their families including, Post Operational Stress Management, the effects of limb loss, Sexual Violence, Veterans in the Criminal Justice System, Spousal Employment and , Mental Health.

The Veterans Research Hub provides an accessible, contemporary and authoritative repository of UK and international research-related resources and literature on military veterans and their families, including transitions to civilian lives, that informs and stimulates research, policy development, improved service delivery and journalistic enquiry.”Work on the project began in autumn 2015, hosted within the Veterans & Families Institute (VFI), and will run to autumn 2017, by which time the Hub itself will be established.

Armed Forces’ Christian Union

Charity Number: 249636

The Armed Forces Christian Union (AFCU) exists to enable, equip and encourage Christian members of the Armed Forces through discipleship, fellowship and prayer.
AFCU is a home for military Christians.

We know that life in the Armed Forces often means frequent moves, new units, and deployments to distant lands. We therefore know that at times it can feel like you don’t have a home, and that, as a result, you feel isolated and alone.

But you do have a home, the AFCU. We are much more than just an organisation; we are a welcoming family, a place to connect and share genuine fellowship with those who truly understand the unique military journey. United by our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we are here to support one another through every season of life.

Contact Information

https://www.afcu.org.uk/
office@afcu.org.uk
Unit 24
Shrivenham Hundred Business Park
Watchfield
SN6 8TZ
01793 783123

Support Offered

Discipleship – A cornerstone of our AFCU family.
Just as we nourish our bodies, our spirits also need consistent, intentional feeding to grow strong and resilient. Discipleship is about that journey of spiritual growth – becoming more like Jesus each day, rooted deeply in His Word and living out His love in the world.

Fellowship – Central to life in the AFCU family is the opportunity to build strong bonds.

It’s more than just gathering; it’s about sharing life, encouraging one another, praying together, and knowing you’re deeply connected to others who walk a similar path of faith, especially within the unique context of military life.

Prayer – The very foundation of all that the AFCU does.
It’s not just a practice; it’s our passion, underpinning every connection and every fellowship moment. Prayer is how AFCU began. For 175 years, since 1851, we’ve been faithfully praying for the military, and we’ve been blessed to witness countless answers to those prayers.

Please do visit our website – www.afcu.org.uk – to find out more about the AFCU and if you have any questions, please do email us at: office@afcu.org.uk

Army Benevolent Fund

Charity Number: 1146420
Scottish Charity Number: SC039189

The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity, here for soldiers, past and present, and their families for life.

We stand at the forefront of support for the Army family, last year supporting 65,000 people in 48 countries around the world. As one of the largest funders in the sector, we award grants to individuals and families, and fund leading organisations that support soldiers, former soldiers, and their families. When we hear of a person or family in need, we aim to respond within 48 hours.

Contact Information

http://www.armybenevolentfund.org
info@armybenevolentfund.org
Mountbarrow House
6-20 Elizabeth Street
London
SW1W 9RB
0207 901 8900

Support Offered

Financial assistance to relieve hardship:

Grants for living costs, emergency needs, debt relief

Provision of annuities and Educational Bursaries

Care home fees

Home adaptations

Furnishing and equipment

Mobility assistance

Funding Holiday breaks

Army Dependants’ Trust

Charity Number: 1064522

The Army Dependants’ Trust is a charity which provides discretionary cash awards to dependants of officers & soldiers who die in service, from whatever cause, on or off duty.

Contact Information

office@armydependantstrust.org
Building 183
Trenchard Lines
Upavon,Pewsey
SN9 6BE

Support Offered

For a small annual donation the Trust relieves financial hardship for the member’s family in the immediate period following their loss. The Trust also supports ABF – The Soldier’s Charity, in its work with dependants. All members of the Army – Regular, Reserve and MPGS – are eligible to be members. This includes FTRS and NRPS personnel.

Army Families Federation

Charity Number: 1176393
Scottish Charity Number: SC048282

AFF is the voice of the Army personnel and family. It empowers and acts as an advocate and an independent expert Witness to promote a quality of like which reflects the Armed Forces Covenant.

Contact Information

http://www.aff.org.uk
contact@aff.org.uk
IDL 414, Floor 1, Zone 6
Ramillies Buildings Marlborough Lines
Monxton Road ,Andover
SP11 8HJ
01264 382326

Support Offered

Highlights problems to chain of command and service providers.

Sign-posting service for assistance of every kind.

Beacon Counselling Trust

Charity Number: 1140011

Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT) is a North West England based education, treatment and support charity, which employs fully qualified therapists and practitioners who have extensive experience working in the area of mild to moderate mental health to support individuals on our Merseyside based suicide bereavement programme and our National Armed Forces Gambling Support Network programme.

Beacon Counselling Trust was awarded charitable status in 2010.

BCT works in a strictly confidential manner and adheres to strict professional guidelines that include a Code of Ethics as set out by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy (BACP). All our therapists and practitioners hold enhanced DBS certificates.

Contact Information

http://beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk/
support@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
263 Townsend Land
Clubmoor
L13 9DG
0151 226 0696

Support Offered

Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT) is a North West based mental health charity which was established in 2010 and offers a range of mild to moderate community-based mental health support programmes. BCT is one of the leading providers of gambling-related harms education and support within the UK, and leads the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network (AFGSN) UK wide programme.

A primary focus of the AFGSN is the ‘Battling the Odds’ programme, which is a tailored armed forces educational offer and a first aid approach in tackling gambling related harms. Members of the armed forces community and those who provide support can access either of the following training offers for free, which includes:

· Battling the Odds: Bet You Can Help Now! A 90-minute introductory session delivered online providing insight into gambling-related harms and how the Armed Forces Community are impacted.

· Battling the Odds: Bet You Can Help Level Two Award. Accredited by RSPH and Ofqual regulated, this full day programme delves deeper into the issue of gambling related harms through group discussion and exercises designed to increase confidence in supporting those who require support through the successful completion of a short assessment.

An integral aspect of the AFGSN is the provision of specialist treatment and support concerning gambling related harms. The AFGSN provides free and confidential specialist treatment and support for any member of the armed forces and veterans community
experiencing, or at risk of, gambling-related harms. This can be for the gambler themselves, or those affected by someone else’s gambling.

Services include:
· Gambling harms education and training
· 1-2-1 therapeutic support
· Recovery and aftercare provision
· Lived Experience Alliance
· Onward referral to appropriate support

You can reach us via 0151 226 0696 or by email at support@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
or our website – https://beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk/armed-forces-community-programme/

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Our Executive Members

By @Cobseo 57 years ago

Afghanistan support

In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here