Veterans Strategy
The UK-wide intent for delivery of public services to Veterans is outlined in the Strategy for our Veterans, published in November 2018. It sets the principles and aims to continue to support older veterans and establishes the right conditions that will empower and support the newer generation and their wider community.
Veterans UK
Veterans UK administers the Armed Forces Pension Schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service. They also provide welfare support for veterans of any age, and their families through the Veterans Welfare Service and the Veterans UK helpline: 0808 1914 218.
Veterans Welfare Service (VWS)
The VWS is committed to enhancing the quality of life for veterans and beneficiaries of Veterans UK pensions and compensation schemes, and all their dependants.
Veterans Gateway
The Veterans Gateway provides a single point of contact for veterans and their families, putting them in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the advice and support they need.
Support and Advice
As an Armed Forces veteran, you continue to be a part of the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces Covenant can help you, or your family, in your life as a veteran. The Covenant website contains a wealth of support and advice on areas such as:
- Financial advice (including the Defence Discount Service).
- Access to healthcare.
- Help with your career.
- Having a home.
- Wider Veterans support groups
- It is also worth checking the Armed Forces Covenant link on your Local Authority’s website to see what they are doing for veterans in the area.
Transition to civilian life
Transition includes the support, advice and education that will increase personal knowledge and awareness and supports soldiers' personal development and long-term planning. It is mandated through the MoD's Veterans' Strategy and directed in Army Command Standing Order 3221. Transition should be undertaken throughout your military career in order to enhance your professional portfolio and career prospects as well as prepare you for your inevitable transition to civilian live.
Veterans Contacts
Veterans UK
Tomlinson House, Norcross, Thornton, Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 3WP
Call: 0808 1914 218
Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) UK Helpline
Call: 0808 1914 218
Armed Forces Pension Office
Contactable through Veterans Welfare Services Manager
Free Travel in London - veterans' concessionary travel in London
Call: 08453 319872 for application pack or to confirm your entitlement
NHS Mental Healthcare
The NHS has dedicated services for those who have served in the UK Armed Forces.
The NHS is available to everyone in the UK, including the Armed Forces Community, however these dedicated services offer care and treatment for a range or mental and physical health conditions.
This range of services is provided by military and civilian experts to help ensure the very best care is given by people who understand the experience of Armed Service and the resulting health needs.
Working closely with a range of organisations and charities, including military charities, the services on offer can support wider health and wellbeing needs.
For more information click the link or download documents at the bottom of the page.
