Have you served in the Armed Forces? Has your emotional wellbeing been affected by your time in service? Are you related to someone, who has?

Veterans might be living with both physical and emotional impact of their time in service. These impacts might be due to traumatic experiences but also could be related to the difficulties adjusting to civilian life. There are many organisations that are providing support, including following:

 

National Resources, which might help

Veterans NHS Wales

Veterans’ NHS Wales is a specialised, priority service for individuals who have served in the armed forces at any time in their lives and are experiencing mental health difficulties related specifically to their military service. Call 0800 132 737

TGP Cymru

TGP Cymru is a leading independent Welsh children’s charity working with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised children, young people and families in Wales.

Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes believe anyone affected by their military experience. While it takes strength to serve in the Armed Forces, it takes a different kind of strength to live life beyond injury. We believe anyone affected by their military service deserves to live a secure and healthy life with purpose. We help our wounded veterans overcome their daily battles and thrive.

SSAFA

SSAFA support covers both regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service. They are all entitled to lifelong support from SSAFA, no matter how long they have served. Call: 0800 260 6767

Royal British Legion

We’re here through thick and thin – ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten. You can also use our online self-help knowledge base to find the information you need. Call free helpline 0808 802 8080

ALABARE

We are a charity supporting vulnerable, homeless, and marginalised people. We help them transform their lives, providing accommodation and helping them gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to live a fulfilled life. Call 01722 322 882.

RAF Benevolent Fund

We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving RAF personnel and their families. We’ll consider any request for assistance, however big or small, providing a tailor-made approach to each individual situation. From mobility aids and confidential counselling to financial grants, we offer a range of support tailored to the individual’s needs. Call helpline: 0300 10 21 919

BLESMA

BLESMA enables limbless veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives. BLESMA aims to be relevant to every limbless veteran and their family, be a strong advocate on behalf of members, and ensure members needs are met. Call 020 8590 1124

Blind Veterans

We help blind ex-Service men and women lead independent and fulfilling lives by supporting them with our in-depth expertise, experience and full range of services. We give veterans much-needed support to adjust to sight loss, overcome the challenges of blindness and enjoy daily life. Our charity has been offering physical and emotional support to vision-impaired veterans since 1915. Call  0300 111 22 33

Combat Stress

Charity providing free services for ex-service men and women with conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders. Support can be residential, community-based or financial. Call helpline 0800 138 1619

PTSD Resolution

Helps Veterans, TA and Reservists who are struggling to reintegrate into a normal work & family life because of military trauma suffered during service in the armed forces. For more information call 0300 302 0551

Samaritans Veterans app

Samaritans Veterans is a free app that can provide you with emotional support after your career in the Armed Forces. This app can be accessed on a desktop, tablet or mobile device.

Register or sign in to Samaritans Veterans via your desktop here. 

Local Help and Advice Resources

Bulldogs

The Bulldogs has been formed to give the people of Port Talbot and its surrounding area a fighting chance in life by supporting positive life choices. We adopt a holistic approach – working with community members to support them with their health and wellbeing by providing an array of fitness services as well as educational programmes. The Bulldogs also use the power of non-contact Boxing to involve, educate and inspire young people and their families.

Armed Forces Community Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. To those who proudly protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Community Covenant is the nation’s commitment to you.

Ospreys Rugby

The project uses the power of sport and their brands to engage with veterans and ex-service personnel of all ages across the community, with the aim of supporting their wellbeing and combating social isolation. For more information contact: katie.ruddock:ospreysrugby.com / caroline@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk