There are a variety of organisations that provide support and assistance to serving members of the Armed Forces as well as Veterans and their dependents. Finding the relevant support unfortunately on occasions can be a minefield,
so to assist with this there are a number of key organisations that can help way finding. There is a Veteran’s Support Helpline which was formerly known as the Veterans Gateway, which should be the first port of call so
details of the request can be recorded on their system and they will then provide guidance on what support is potentially available. They will also engage with the relevant agencies regarding the case. Their contact number
is shown below followed by a link to MoD recognised organisations that can provide the necessary support. Other key support links are also included.
Royal Military Police Central Benevolent Fund (RMP CBF)
The RMP CBF was established by Charitable Trust Deed on 31 January 1944, under the provisions of the War Charities Act 1940. The object of the Fund is:
To maintain and increase the military efficiency and esprit de corps of the RMP and;
To relieve the need hardship or distress of beneficiaries. The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Trust should undertake.
The RMP CBF is, therefore, there to provide support for those experiencing hardship, but like everything, there is a process. The advice of the RMP CBF, in the first instance, is to contact your local SSAFA or RBL office who will
assign a caseworker to complete the Form A which is an Application for Assistance. The caseworker will then add the paperwork to the Central Casework Management system, known as MOSAIC and forwarded to the RMP
CBF for it to be assessed, determine the level of need and if it is able to assist. This way the RMP CBF can approach other agencies for additional support if required.
In the year 2023-2024, 61, of the 74 received at RMP CBF were approved, 13 were refused. In general, refusals were made on the basis that the applicants were not entitled to support i.e., no connection with the RMP, the request for
support was out-of-scope of the Fund’s grant giving policy, or the need had been met already. In total £57,315 was paid out in individual grants.
VETERAN’s HELPLINE
Veterans’ Gateway helpline can provide information and referral support by telephone.
Phone: 0808 802 1212
Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm
Find support for veterans and their families
Lists of organisations that provide support to veterans of the UK armed forces and their families.
SSAFA
SSAFA offer welfare advice and support for serving personnel, veterans and their families through a worldwide network of volunteers.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
The RBL provides a variety of support services for Veterans and families
OP FORTITUDE
Op FORTITUDE is the government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
FIRST DEFENCE FINANCE
First Defence Finance is a credit union that provides serving armed forces personnel veterans and their families with simple savings and affordable loan
OP ASCEND
Op ASCEND is a free veteran employment service open to UK armed forces veterans and employers.
OP NOVA
Op NOVA provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system in England, enabling them to access the services they need.
OP RESTORE
Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service is an NHS service that supports individuals who have served in, or are leaving, the UK Armed Forces and have continuing, physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the Armed Forces
SAMARITANS
The Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout its telephone hotline
OP COURAGE
Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help veterans and their families in England.
COMBAT STRESS
Combat Stress is a mental health charity that provides support for veterans of the UK armed forces, focusing on complex mental health issues resulting from service.
VETERAN’S NHS WALES
Veterans’ NHS Wales is a specialist mental health service for veterans living in Wales who are experiencing mental health difficulties relating to their military service.
Change Step
Change Step is a veteran-focused organisation delivering peer-led support services across Wales. Staffed by veterans for veterans, they provide tailored help for those dealing with mental health issues, substance misuse and the often-complex transition from military to civilian life.
HOUSING INFORMATION
Find out about how to find a civilian home if you’re a veteran of the UK armed forces
BLESMA
National Service charity that supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives, offering financial and emotional support to them and their families.
Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service
The Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service is open to those who have served with the UK military, including National Service, and treats arthritic lower limb problems, especially those requiring hip and knee replacements.
VETERANS BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Provide bereavement support for families of those who have served and who struggle with the passing Veterans who have passed away. Including advice and information on funeral etiquette, the loan of regimental or general service drapes for the coffin.
RMP Welfare SUPPORT SERVICES
