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
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
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
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
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