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 Cymru Dyfed

Charity Number: 1155813

Age Cymru Dyfed promotes the health and well-being, primarily of older people, in and around west wales (ie the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire).

The charity provides a range of services including Information & Advice relating to financial and physical and emotional wellbeing; Byw Adref (home help); Befriending Life Links; Hospital Discharge; Digital Inclusion; nail cuttings; Covid-19 support; and information and support to older veterans of the British Armed Forces

Contact Information

http://www.agecymru.org.uk/ceredigion
reception@agecymrudyfed.org.uk
27 Pier Street
Aberystwyth
SY23 2LN

Support Offered

On-going information, advice and support to older military veterans including supporting access to welfare benefits and military pension/compensation claims, befriending, advocacy, housing adaptations, Covid-19 emergency support; help to establish digital connections etc

Coordinating the establishment of the West Wales Veterans Archive in the National Library of Wales:

https://www.peoplescollection.wales/users/44171

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.

Armed Forces Community HQ CIC

Company Number: 11246325

Armed Forces Community HQ (AFCHQ) was established in November 2018 in Wigan. Our main objective is to support all members of the Armed Forces community to: unite, becoming socially included; inspire, reducing stigma and improving access for those that need help and; achieve better life chances. Our approach is trauma-informed and delivered by people with lived experience; over 80% of our dedicated team of staff and volunteers are members of the Armed Forces community. Designing and developing interventions in co-production with our service users is paramount to the success in supporting them to live well. Our geographical footprint has expanded into Greater Manchester and across the wider North West

Contact Information

http://armedforceshq.org.uk/
info@armedforceshq.org.uk
Molyneux House
School Lane
Wigan
WN1 3SE
01942 821293

Support Offered

Our work spans health & wellbeing, housing & homelessness, skills & employment, relationships & family support, welfare & debt, substance use & addictions, justice system, and social inclusion.

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/

Bournemouth War Memorial Homes

Charity Number: 1162066

The charity object are as follows:
Providing assistance to beneficiaries with the provision of affordable accommodation, “beneficiaries” means;
Those who are in need or vulnerable , because of their physical or mental health or social or economic circumstances, to former members of the merchant navy, former service personal of armed forces of the crown and widow’s widowers and surviving dependants of men and woman who have served in the merchant navy, Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force.

Contact Information

http://bwmh.org.uk/
estatemanager@bwmh.org.uk
12a Memorial Homes
Bournemouth
BH8 9TP
01202 302881

Support Offered

Bowra Foundation

Charity Number: 1185395

Our PURPOSE is to promote and pursue the physical and psychological wellbeing, rehabilitation and recovery of those living with the effects of brain injury by leveraging the skills and experience of members of the armed forces community alongside other volunteers.

Contact Information

https://bowra-foundation.org/
info@bowra-foundation
Faulkner House
31 West Street
Wimbourne
BH21 1JS

Support Offered

While clinical care plays a vital role, recovery does not end when treatment does. Many individuals face a long and often isolating journey of rehabilitation.

BOWRA exists to bridge the gap between clinical intervention, community rehabilitation and recovery to a ‘new normal’.

The BOWRA Bag is a rucksack complete with a specially assembled toolkit of practical items designed to support survivors of stroke and brain injury in the early stages of rehabilitation, fostering independence, communication and recovery. The bag is often the introduction to the wider BOWRA community of support and access to activities across the UK.

We provide structured activities and a supportive community that helps people take meaningful steps forward in their recovery. By combining lived experience, volunteer support and a focus on wellbeing, we help individuals regain confidence, rebuild routines, and reconnect with life beyond injury.

BuildForce CIC

Company Number: 12874013

The BuildForce core activities centre around the 2 sectors we occupy:
– upskill service leavers and veterans with training which leads to careers in construction
– support service leavers and veterans to secure careers in construction.

The vision for BuildForce is to inspire and enable ex-Service personnel to pursue long-term careers in construction whilst supporting industry to attract, retain and grow this incredible talent pool.

Contact Information

http://www.buildforce.org.uk
info@buildforce.org.uk
66 Gloucester Terrace
London
W2 3HH
07815 755285

Support Offered

BuildForce is nationwide and offers a compliment of services focused on industry, training and well-being:
-Centred around a unique career programme with access to industry via mentoring, work placements, site visits, career chats and job roles.
-Our collaboration with University College of Estate Management created bespoke construction modules offering certification, a place on a degree course for onward learning and CPD.
-Mental health, wellbeing and stress management support is provided for all candidates by our psychologist.

Citizens Advice Solent East

Charity Number: 1039776

Citizens Advice Portsmouth has recently merged with Havant and Gosport branches to become Citizens Advice Solent East (CASE). We are a local charity dedicated to providing free, confidential, and impartial advice to residents of Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport. Our mission is to empower individuals by helping them navigate and overcome a wide variety of challenges, including debt, housing, benefits, employment, and consumer rights. We are part of the larger Citizens Advice network, committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and influencing social policy for positive change. We collaborate with local governments and other organisations to address the root causes of issues and enhance the overall well-being of our community. For 85 years, we have offered guidance to help people overcome their challenges and advocated on major issues when their voices need to be heard, working to create a fairer and more just society for everyone.

Contact Information

https://casolenteast.org.uk/
contactus@casolenteast.org.uk
Unit 2-3
Ark Royal House
Winston Churchill Avenue
PO1 2GF

Support Offered

Services offered include:

• Access to Justice – a service to help people challenge housing decisions and benefits appeals.
• Armed Forces Covenant – providing broad help and support to veterans, serving members of the armed forces and their families.
• Generalist advice – a limited service provided by volunteers offering a face to face drop in, email or phone based general advice and signposting.
• Help to Claim – a support service focussing on benefits with help and ongoing support to make a claim for Universal Credit.
• Home & Well – a referral only service for clients who have recently been discharged from hospital or at risk of hospitalisation, to ensure vulnerable clients can remain safe and well in their home. Funded by energy and utility companies. Help with financial, employment, benefits, and housing concerns.
• Macmillan – for those affected by cancer, offering help, advice and support with benefits, money matters, debts, pensions, insurance, employment, housing, charitable grants and more.
• Money and Pensions Service – a service providing specialist debt advice and casework for people seeking to resolve their known debt issues and formal / informal debt solutions.
• Work Out Your Money – focusing on money management, to help improve knowledge, skills, and confidence with budgeting, borrowing and debt.
• Older Persons Service – offering additional assistance to over 65s with debt, benefits, consumer, employment, housing and more.
• SAIAS – a social enterprise specialist immigration advice service offering low cost or free immigration advice and support.

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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