WELFARE INFORMATION
WELFARE INFORMATION
Various organisations that give advice, aid and support of various kinds to veterans.
Not all members/veterans are online, nor may not be able to complete forms, so the Welfare Officer stated that he is happy to visit any member and give assistance where necessary in completing forms.
Please contact Chris Lamb on 01253 811252 (Ans phone) or email [email protected]
The information highlighted at meeting included:
Combat Stress. Works with Veterans of the British Armed Forces, and members of the Reserve Forces, through effective treatment and support for mental health problems.
Symptoms of trauma
People react to traumatic experiences in different ways. Here are some symptoms you may recognise:
- Feeling isolated
- Frequent periods of withdrawal into oneself
- Anger or aggressive behaviour
- Feeling distrustful and suspicious/blaming others
- Misuse of alcohol/drugs/gambling and/or food
- Seeking out high-risk/dangerous pursuits
- Work-related or relationship problems
- Feeling numb and empty
- Feeling suicidal
- Self harm and self-destructive tendencies
- Being easily moved to tears
- Avoidance of people and places
- Panic attacks/anxiety/depression/mood swings.
The Helpline is for the military community (Serving or Veterans) and their families, as well as for medical professionals and can advise on various issues from mental health to practical support. Call us on 0800 138 1619, text: 07537 404 719 (standard charges may apply for texts), or email: [email protected]
Haig Housing Trust. A new charity set up to provide housing and accommodation related assistance to the ex-Service community.
Haig Housing Trust, known as Haig Housing, was formed in 2008 as a 'sister' charity to Douglas Haig Memorial Homes, known as Haig Homes. The two Trusts were amalgamated on 1st October 2013. Detail on the history of Douglas Haig Memorial Homes is at the bottom of the page.
The object of Haig Housing is to provide housing assistance to ex-Service people and/or their dependants. Currently this object is achieved by letting general needs homes at affordable rents to the ex-Service community and providing tailored housing solutions to suit specific and individual needs of severely wounded and disabled Service and ex-Service people. Haig Housing also offers a wide range of housing advice to the Service community and is the Strategic Housing Partner of Help for Heroes.
To be considered for housing, applicants must have a British Armed Forces connection and be in housing need. Applicants for the Trust's Shared Ownership Scheme and the Special Needs Housing are considered on a case by case basis.
The Trust has over 1,300 properties throughout the UK which are a mix of family-sized houses, flats, maisonettes and bungalows; built mostly in the 1930’s, 1950’s and 1990’s. Some are subject to the nomination rights of the original service or regimental organisation which donated the funds for the building. The properties in Jersey are subject to residential qualification for the States of Jersey. The properties are generally on small well managed estates ranging in size from about six houses up to the largest estate in Morden of over 270 homes and are located in 47 different local authorities. The properties are mainly for rental only unless they are under the Shared Ownership Scheme. Haig Housing does not have any sheltered, residential or nursing homes. The majority of homes are suitable for families and only a small number of properties are suitable for a single occupancy at Bristol, Haslemere (Hampshire), Morden and Woolwich (London). Some properties are suitable for the frail, elderly and people with disabilities.
Applicants for housing by the Trust are normally assessed using a points system which combines Service Points and Need Points. Allocation of accommodation priority is normally given to those with greatest need except where this would lead to unsustainable tenancies, inappropriate use of the housing stock or unstable communities.
Douglas Haig Memorial Homes, known as Haig Homes, was established as a Charitable Trust in 1929 as a memorial to Field Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde KT GCB OM GCVO KCIE in recognition of his work to highlight and solve many problems facing ex-Service people and their families. He was particularly concerned with the plight of those disabled during their service in theatres of War and the difficulties created by this in their civilian lives. The Trust had two main periods of expansion in the 1930s and 1950s with further housing added during the 1990s and 2000s
How to Apply
Before applying to Haig Housing for consideration to be accepted on to the waiting list please make sure you are eligible to apply to us for housing. Also, you must apply for local authority housing before applying to us and will need to tell us the outcome.
YOU MUST HAVE AN EX-SERVICE CONNECTION AND BE IN HOUSING NEED.
If, having read the guide, you think you are eligible to apply to us, please complete EITHER the online application form OR download a form and send it to the address at the bottom of the first page and make sure you have referred to or downloaded the following two documents:
Fill in the application form as directed. The "Save & Resume" feature at the end of each page allows you to save a partially completed Form and come back at a later date/time within 30 days to complete and submit.
Questions marked with a * are mandatory. You do not have to send in any supporting information at this stage however if you are accepted onto our shortlist, you will be sent a further form which will ask for details of your income, any benefits you receive and for two separate referees (ideally your current, or most recent, employer and current landlord). Copies of the relevant documents to support your application will also have to be provided. Please start making sure you have all the information ready to avoid delaying your application. Throughout the form you will see notes about what further information will need to be supplied.
Haig Housing
Alban Dobson House
Green Lane
Morden
Surrey
SM4 5NS
Email: enquiries @ haighousing.org.uk
Tel: 020 8685 5777
Fax: 020 8685 5778
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00pm
Out of Office Hours: answerphone
For enquiries concerning housing services, please phone 020 8685 5777
Naval Families Federation. The independent voice of Royal Navy and Royal Marines families.
The Naval Families Federation (NFF) was established in 2003. We offer Royal Naval and Royal Marines' families an independent voice and representation. We also provide support and guidance on the issues affecting daily life that occur due to being part of a Naval Service family.
Representation
The impact of separation and mobility on Naval Service families can present challenges not commonly experienced by Civvy Street. The NFF represents the views of families at the highest level, ensuring that the unique challenges they face are considered in the tri-Service arena and when policies are reviewed.
We receive feedback from families worldwide and engage with the community through briefings and family events. We talk directly to the Government, Chain of Command, MOD and service providers, ensuring that the concerns of families are voiced in a constructive manner. We provide independent evidence to inform stakeholder discussions, such as the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, to make them aware of the consequences their recommendations make on the whole Naval Service family.
Support
The NFF can provide support and guidance on many issues, including: accommodation, pay & allowances, education & childcare, access to healthcare, community/family support and more. As an independent organisation, we can work both inside and outside of the system to source answers quickly. We can pick up on complex issues that have reached a dead-end through the normal channels. If the system lets you down or you have an issue you are struggling to resolve, the NFF can help.
We can demystify the system and assist with mediation between you and other parties to try and secure a resolution.
Armed Forces Covenant
The NFF was awarded funding from the LIBOR Fund in 2013. The sum has provided three Armed Forces Covenant Co-ordinators. Their aim is to determine how the Armed Forces Covenant, the Community Covenant and the Corporate Covenant are working, at a national and local level.
The money from the LIBOR Fund has also allowed us to recruit a Data Processor, enabling us to really drill into the data we capture, and to present up-to-the minute information and trends at meetings and to policy makers.
Homeport
Complete the contact form to join the mailing list for our free, quarterly magazine.
NFF e-update
Complete the online contact form to join the mailing list for our monthly e-mail update.
Contact the NFF
We are based in Castaway House in Portsmouth, alongside principal Royal Navy charities.
Address: NFF, Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8RN.
Tel: 023 9265 4374 E-mail: [email protected]
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Join us on LinkedIn
Regular Forces Employment Association. Part of the Career Transition Partnership. To help men and women of all ranks leaving the Armed Forces to find and remain in employment throughout their working lives.
The support we offer
We are the leading provider of employment services and jobs to ex-military and service leavers. Our vision is to assist them in finding a job and remaining in employment for the rest of their working lives. We have an unparalleled understanding of the skills and ambition that ex-military and service leavers bring to the employment market. We have a proven track record of helping all ranks, trades, backgrounds and services to find and remain in high-quality employment from the moment they leave the Armed Forces.
We provide a high-quality, no-cost recruiting service to thousands of employers across the UK and overseas, giving them ready access to high-calibre skilled and talented service leavers and ex-military candidates. We work with employers from the largest multi-national to local organisations and regional subject matter experts (SMEs) across a diverse range of industries including construction, marketing, telecommunications, IT, Logistics, Oil and Gas, Human Resources and Project Management.
Our expertise across both ex-military and service leaver communities and employers enables us to provide a constant flow of high-quality job opportunities, tailored to meet the needs of both parties. Our services
We deliver innovative, integrated employability programmes which include:
- The employment arm of the successful Career Transition Partnership (CTP);
- Veterans Employment Service; Recovery Career Services to help wounded, injured and sick service leavers;
- Future Horizons Programme to meet the needs of early service leavers;
- Vulnerable veterans support service.
Are you ex-military or a service leaver and seeking employment? - We can provide you with expert, up-to-date advice and guidance including:
- Support and advice around career choices;
- Researching the employment market;
- Job matching;
- Training advice;
- Helping you to develop your CV and interview techniques;
- And expert industry knowledge.
Employment support is available wherever you live with our nationwide network of offices and telephone helpdesk. - Our team and their expertise
Our Employment Consultants have previous military service and successful civilian careers. As such, through their unique combination of qualifications, knowledge and experience they effectively translate military skills into a language that employers understand. The vast majority of job opportunities we identify are specially selected and are above the UK average annual salary.
Our role within the Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
Working with Right Management to deliver the employment arm of the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), we provide employers with access to CTP’s online job-finding database, RightJob. Employers can post jobs here and they will be seen by a client base of over 20,000 ex-military and service leaver individuals
The Royal Navy Benevolent Trust/Fund. The RNBT exists to serve men and women in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and their families, by supporting them at times of need, throughout their lives
Who we help
The RNBT gives help, in cases of need, to serving and former Royal Naval ratings and Royal Marines other ranks; they are known as Primary Beneficiaries. We also help their partners, children and some others connected with them. Our beneficiaries are known collectively as The RNBT Family.
The RNBT Family history
We will consider applications for assistance from any member of The RNBT Family. If you fit one of the following descriptions then, apart from a few exceptions, you are almost certainly part of The RNBT Family.
Serving and ex-serving men and women
You are a past or present RN rating or RM other rank - a Primary Beneficiary.
Wives, husbands and partners
You are the dependent partner of a Primary Beneficiary with whom you live.
Children
You are the child, under the age of 18, of a Primary Beneficiary (living or deceased). This may include: a dependent child who is not the natural child of a Primary Beneficiary, a child who has continued in full time education on reaching the age of 18 and a child over the age of 18 who is unable to support themselves because of mental or physical disability.
Widows and widowers
You are the widow or widower of a deceased Primary Beneficiary with whom you were living at the time of death and are not living with a new partner.
Separated or divorced wives and husbands
You are the separated or divorced wife or husband of a Primary Beneficiary and are not living with a new partner.
This is not an exhaustive list and individual circumstances can be complicated. If you have any doubts or queries, we are always ready to listen and tell you whether or not you are eligible.
Who we help
Every year we assist thousands of people in The RNBT Family who are in need. Our aim is to help them enjoy a reasonable quality of life mainly by providing wide ranging financial assistance and caring for older people in our own care home.
Grants to individuals
We make grants to assist in a very wide variety of circumstances. For example, if there is a need, we will give help towards living expenses, house repairs, disability aids, job training, all sorts of financial difficulties and much more. Every year we respond to about four thousand applications with grants totalling about £1.5 million. See Financial help/Grants to individuals.
Regular Charitable Payments (RCP)
Our RCPs provide some older members of The RNBT Family on very low incomes with a small but regular financial supplement. We currently fund over 1200 RCPs at £195 per quarter – a total of over £930,000 each year. See Financial help/RCPs.
Supporting The RNBT Family through other organisations
We give limited financial assistance via a few organisations which support members of The RNBT Family – for example hospices in Portsmouth and Plymouth. This is a modest part of our budget. See Financial help/Organisations.
Care Home - Pembroke House
Pembroke House is our home near Chatham in Kent, where we look after about 50 older members of The RNBT Family who need nursing or personal care. See Care home and housing/Pembroke House.
Housing - John Cornwell V.C. National Memorial (JCVCNM)
The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust is the sole trustee for the John Cornwell V.C. National Memorial, 6 semi-detached cottages for disabled and infirm sailors and their families, located in Hornchurch, Essex. See Housing/JCVCNM.
Advice
We receive a constant stream of requests for advice about welfare and naval matters. Often we can provide the answer ourselves, but if not, we are usually able to direct the enquirer to someone who can.
Care Home & housing
As well as running Pembroke House, a beautiful care home in rural Kent, the RNBT also runs a community of six cottages in Hornchurch. The house and the cottages are home to older or disabled members of The RNBT Family.
Pembroke House
Pembroke House is an outstanding care home, owned and managed by the RNBT; located in Gillingham, Kent - not far from the historic dockyard in Chatham - it is home to some 55 older members of The RNBT Family.
Early days and the millennium redevelopment
Built as an orphanage in the 1920s, Pembroke House was taken over by the RNBT as a residential home in 1952. It changed little from then until the turn of the millennium, when it was substantially extended and modernised to become the fine care home that it is today.
The south facing home is situated in a quiet residential area with a pleasant outlook across a park. The original handsome facade has been retained and the recent extensions, projecting into the gardens at the back are built in a similar style.
Spacious rooms for residents
The residents each enjoy a good sized, well furnished room; they are welcome to provide their own furniture if they wish. All the rooms have en-suite facilities and points for television and telephone. If needed, special beds and other equipment are available.
Multiple day rooms and dining rooms
The home is extremely well provided with day rooms and dining rooms - there are 12 separate areas. Pride of place goes to the Bridge, the large lounge on the top floor, from which the residents enjoy panoramic views to the north across the River Medway to the Thames estuary and beyond.
A large day room on the ground floor is normally separated into two lounge areas and a bar, but it is opened up for the many functions which are a big part of life at Pembroke House.
At first floor level there are two conservatories with balconies, providing easy access to fresh air for residents who might have difficulty getting into the gardens; also on this level are the library and another lounge.
Each floor of the home has its own dining room, providing convenience for the residents and a more informal and intimate atmosphere than would be the case with a single large dining room. The modern kitchen is linked by a lift to the dining rooms on the upper floors.
Landscaped gardens
The attractive gardens surrounding Pembroke House are an important part of the home. They offer the residents the opportunity to relax in various sitting out areas and to enjoy gardening if they wish.
Caring for our residents
Our highest priority at Pembroke House is the care of our residents. To look after them we have a very well qualified, conscientious and friendly staff, who maintain excellent standards which are consistently noted at regular inspections of the home.
Our residents
At Pembroke House we currently care for about half the residents needing personal care and the balance requiring full nursing care. Usually the residents are over the age of 65 and the balance of men and women tends to be slightly in favour of the men.
A capable and caring staff
The very experienced Home Manager is supported by a Deputy who is also the Head of Care and the Admissions and Management Support Officer. They lead a staff of about 60 and together they make a strong and dedicated team. Training is given a high priority; as well as ensuring that staff are fully qualified for their roles, it is important for individual development and job satisfaction. Our policies are successful in maintaining a capable and caring staff with a low turnover, thus minimising disruption to residents.
Healthcare
There is always at least one fully qualified nurse on duty assisted by several healthcare attendants. We retain the services of a local GP who visits the home every week, although residents may, of course, select their own doctor. We have excellent links with the local hospital and any medical needs are met swiftly.
Wholesome food and a shipshape home
Food is a vital ingredient in our residents health and well-being. Our Cooks prepare wholesome, home cooked meals providing a balanced diet and catering for special needs as necessary. The Housekeeper and her team take great pride in keeping the home shipshape and there is a very efficient in-house laundry to meet the requirements of the residents and the home.
Promoting independence
We take care to respect the privacy and dignity of our residents and encourage them to exercise their independence where possible. Visits by family and friends are always very welcome and make an important contribution to the well-being of our residents.
Thank you Pembroke House
"I am writing on behalf of all the family to thank everybody at Pembroke House for the kindness and loving care that Mum received, particularly in the last few months when she needed constant attention.
She could not have been in a better or safer environment to live out her last few years and it was such a relief to all of us that she was able to join you in Pembroke House ...
I would also like to thank you all, especially the nursing staff for the kindness that was extended to me on my constant visits during the last month ...
Best wishes to you all."
The family of a late resident
Leisure activities
At Pembroke House we want our residents to enjoy the comfort and security of being in their own home, enhanced by our care. At the same time we offer them a wide programme of activities, outings and social events with something for all tastes.
Home from home
All our residents have their own room where they can relax, read, watch television and entertain visitors. In the many day rooms they can enjoy the company of other residents and join in various activities and social events if they wish.
In-house activities for everyone
We have our own Activities Coordinator who arranges a comprehensive programme of in-house activities, including handicrafts, music and movement, bingo and a very popular weekly quiz. Concerts, parties and visits from ex-service organisations are some of the other features of the social calendar in the home.
Gardens for gardeners, spectators and snoozers
The gardens are very accessible and provide plenty of opportunities for keen gardeners as well as for those who simply want to relax in a peaceful, outdoor environment. The landscaped walled garden provides a tranquil haven as well as an ideal location for summer barbeques.
Hospitality from shipmates of the Royal Naval Association
For events away from the home we have our own 14-seater minibus with a wheelchair hoist. The minibus was very kindly donated to us by the Royal Naval Association whose branches often invite our residents to their social events, for example Trafalgar Night dinners and even weekends away.
Annual highlights
We receive tremendous support from other sources; some of the annual highlights are a garden party at Buckingham Palace, a Christmas Party at St James's Palace, Centre Court seats at Wimbledon, a cruise on the Solent, the Second Sea Lord's garden party, and the RNBT Annual Presentation and luncheon. Also we have frequent outings from the home to visit places of interest and local events.
Housing: John Cornwell Victoria Cross National Memorial
A Community of six cottage homes in Hornchurch, for occupation by needy disabled or infirm former sailors, administered by The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust.
Background
The John Cornwell Victoria Cross National Memorial (JCVCNM) was established in 1928 to remember the valour of Boy Seaman John Cornwell who died in June 1916 following wounds received in the Battle of Jutland whilst serving onboard HMS CHESTER. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, posthumously, in September 1916. As a lasting memorial to his name, a plot of land was purchased from the money raised by the Mayor of East Ham, on which was built a community of Cottages for occupation by needy disabled and/or infirm former sailors. The Community comprises six semi-detached properties situated in their own grounds at Hornchurch, Essex. The layout of the houses and pathways form a symbolic 'Victoria Cross'.
The accommodation
The accommodation is spread over ground and first floor and consists of lounge, dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms (one on each floor) and two bedrooms. There is full central heating, double-glazing and a small garden to rear. The accommodation is carpeted throughout but unfurnished. The cottages are located within a short walk of local amenities, shops and BR underground to London. The properties are subject to a Weekly Maintenance Charge (reviewed annually) plus utilities.
Eligibility to occupy
Eligibility is open to all needy disabled and/or infirm former sailors and Royal Marines up to and including the rate or rank of Warrant Officer, and their families.
For further information please contact:
The John Cornwell VC National Memorial
Pembroke House
11 Oxford Road
GILLINGHAM
Kent ME7 4BS
Tel: 01634 852431
Fax: 01634 281709
Email: [email protected]
Find us
The RNBT Headquarters
Castaway House,
311 Twyford Avenue,
PORTSMOUTH PO2 8RN
T: 02392 690112
F: 02392 660852
E: [email protected]
The Trust's offices in Portsmouth are normally manned Monday to Friday from 0900 to 1600.
The RNBT Care Home
Pembroke House,
11 Oxford Road,
GILLINGHAM ME7 4BS
T: 01634 852431
F: 01634 281709
E: [email protected]
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Children's. Fund. Dedicated to supporting children in need whose parents work or have worked, for the Naval Service
About Us
HISTORY
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund has supported children whose parents work, or have worked, for the Naval Service for over a hundred years.
At the outset, the Children’s Fund primarily supported the children of ex-servicemen, although over the years, the evolution of society and war has turned the tide and, at present, around 80% of its beneficiaries’ parents are still serving.
This is, however, not the only aspect of The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund to change and develop since it was established. The areas the Children’s Fund provides support for have expanded and now include childcare, special needs education, days out and in-home support in times of crisis.
An area of particular growth has been the Charity’s focus on assisting children within its remit who have special needs. This work now accounts for nearly half of its awards to beneficiaries.
In the last year alone, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund has supported over 1,500 children, but with over 40,000 servicemen currently in the Naval Service, it is keen to ensure that naval families know where to find us.
TRUSTEES
The Trustees are made up of serving officers or other naval personnel together with civilian Trustees who bring experience in other fields to the many problems encountered. Consideration of every circumstance is therefore given swift and sympathetic attention by people who understand the difficulties of service and seafaring life.
Patron
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
President
Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB CBE
Vice Presidents
Lieutenant General Ed Davis CB CBE
Major General FHR Howes CB OBE
Major General G S Robison CB
Major General Martin Smith MBE CGRM
Sharron Davies MBE
Director
Monique Bateman MBE
Assistant Director
Clare Scherer
Caseworker
Laurene Smith
Contact Us
For any further information please do not hesitate to contact us either by:
Mrs M Bateman MBE or Mrs L Smith
RN & RM Children’s Fund
311 Twyford Avenue
Portsmouth
PO2 8RN
E: [email protected]
T: 02392 639534
F: 02392 677574
Get Directions from Google
Fundraising and Press Enquiries:
Clare Scherer
Castaway House
311 Twyford Avenue
Portsmouth
PO2 8RN
E: [email protected]
T: 023 9263 9536
M: 07947 691 950
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
To give a better quality of life for serving and former naval personnel.
About us
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity improves the lives of all who serve – past and present – and their families.
We focus on those who wear uniform today – ships, squadrons, submarines and commandos – and do all we can to boost morale, improve facilities and ease the pressure that life in the Service can bring.
We are a grant making charity and provide valuable funds for naval and military charities that work with families and veterans, especially those experiencing difficulty with child support, ill-health, old age or hard times.
As the principal charity of the Royal Navy we strive to improve the quality of life for the entire Naval family and are proud to say that we do.
Watch this video to find out more about us.
- Dependants - In the event of death-in-service we provide immediate relief in form of a grant of £12,000 within 48 hours to the dependant identified with the most need.
- Benevolence - The needs of individuals are met through the funding we give to specific Naval and military charities.
- Amenities - We support the serving community through our:
- Operational grants - Every six months all operational units receive a grant, used to boost the morale and well-being of the serving men and women.
- Minor and major grants - We award substantial grants for equipment, facilities, team building events and celebrations such as homecomings and families' days.
- Sport - Our sports charity funds 39 different sporting associations and enables our Olympic and Paralympic athletes to receive world-class coaching.
- Prizes and Awards - We recognise professional excellence and achievement by providing funds to Commanding Officers so they can reward success.
Your first step:
You can go directly to one of the charities we work closely with (below) and they will talk you through how they can help - or contact your local SSAFA branch who will arrange a caseworker to discuss your needs.
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows Association. A Special group of Volunteers, recently formed to try and offer a much needed service of friendship, support and comfort.
We formed in 2008 when a small group of widows decided to set up an association to support other widows with the aim of bringing friendship, support, guidance and comfort to those who have experienced the trauma of bereavement.
Each one of the volunteers found that after a period of time we were searching for other Royal Navy and Royal Marines Widows' who we could relate to. We have members who range in age from their 20's through to their 80's, each with a different story to tell, but bound by a common bond of support and friendship.
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to the grief bereavement brings, there is no time scale, each of us will take a different path on the journey. However, we have all been helped along by friendships we have made in the association and we would like to offer our support to you too.
We have created this website, both as a place to bring together information which we hope you will find useful and to offer our services to you at this difficult time.
The Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows' Association was formed in 2008 by a group of volunteers most of whom are widowed.
They felt that there was a need for an organisation which could represent and support widows and widowers and recognised partners of service personnel serving in today's Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Aims of the Association:
- To offer support and friendship to the bereaved whose spouse/recognised partner was serving in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines at the time of their death.
- To help the bereaved and their children to address issues with Royal Navy and Royal Marine organisations.
- To work with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and Ministry of Defence to improve their approach to the bereaved widows/widowers/recognised partners.
- To ensure representation in relevant forums such as the Defence Bereaved Families Working Party meetings.
The Association will receive and accept financial contributions by way of donations to enable the Association to carry out its aims. The Association is run by a team of volunteers most of whom are themselves widows.
The Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows' Association is open to all widows and widowers and recognised partners in receipt of financial support by way of pension or other by the Ministry of Defence.
All who are widowed are eligible, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the death. We offer three kinds of membership:
Full membership:
Open to all persons who's deceased spouse/ recognised partner was a serving commissioned or non-commissioned member of the Royal Navy/ Royal Marines at the time of their death.
Associate membership:
Offered to any person who's deceased spouse/ recognised partner had served in the Royal Navy/ Royal Marines and who's death occurred since leaving the service
Honorary membership:
Offered to such persons as the Committee may from time to time determine as having contributed to the work of the Association or if indeed the Committee feels would benefit the association.
Facebook Page and Facebook Group
We have a Facebook page where you can update, like us and get an update about our news. We also have a private Facebook group where you can talk to other widows and make friends and support each other. Our administrator of the page and group Janice, welcomes you to join. For further information and joining instructions please contact us on our e-mail address [email protected]
Telephone Support
We offer a telephone support service for support and friendship you are very welcome to phone us for a chat, to have someone to talk to about how you are feeling and to also help with any practical issues.
Signposting
If we don't know the answer to your question we will do our best to find out who can help you. We have a wealth of information and resources that we can share with you.
Be-friending Service
We send all new members a list of other members so that you can choose who to contact for support. We can also suggest people we feel you would get on with and benefit from contacting so give us a ring, we are always happy to help.
Social and Leisure Activities
We meet together as a group and organise away days. We recently had a weekend away at Amport House which was a wonderful chance to relax and chat with people who understand how you feel.
News and Updates
We send out a newsletter by post 3 times a year and we update the news on our website every month to make sure that you are well informed.
Representation
We are here to make sure our Navy and Marines Widows still have a voice in the relevant forums with the MOD and other organisations.
Address
Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows Association
c/o Naval Families Federation
Castaway House
311 Twyford Avenue
Portsmouth
Hampshire
P02 8RN 023 92654374 - Our telephone number will get you through to the offices of the Naval Families Federation who will take your details and pass them on to our team who will get back to you as soon as possible.
Seafarers Support. Referral service for all serving and retired seafarers and their dependent families from Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and Fishing fleets.
Who is Seafarer Support for?
Serving and former seafarers (Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and fishermen) and their families as well as people who work to improve the lives of seafarers and their families.
What happens when I contact Seafarer Support?
- We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day and 3 working days if contacted via the Maritime Charities Welfare Guide
- Our friendly staff will ask you a few questions about the help you are looking for
- We will work with you to see if there are suitable sources of help from seafaring charities, or elsewhere, to meet your needs
- If required we can arrange for a trained caseworker to visit you in your home
Where do I find a maritime charity to help me?
How can seafaring charities help?
Sometimes we need a little help in steering a course through life’s problems. Seafarer Support will guide you and your family to some of the services available. This might include advice, or finding financial support, depending upon your circumstances.
These are some of the ways in which seafaring or other charities might be able to help:
Advice
We will put you in touch with an organisation that can advise on:
Debt and money management
- Entitlement to state benefits
- Bringing up young families
- Residential or nursing care, sheltered and independent housing in a number of locations in the UK
Health
- Help with the costs of disability aids and home adaptations
- Access to priority treatment for working and retired
- UK merchant seafarers and fishermen
Financial help
- Grants to help with everyday essentials such as furniture, cookers, washing machines etc
- Regular grants for those whose income and savings are below certain levels
- Grants towards the costs of raising children for those who have lost a parent or are experiencing hardship.
- These can include day-to-day needs, disabilities, educational costs, or seaside holidays
Self Search for a maritime charity
- Use the award-wining online Maritime Charities Welfare Guide to search for the maritime charity (or charities) best suited to help.
- Refers to over 130 maritime charities
- Search for either yourself or the person you represent.
- Links to contact charities directly
- Contact us (FREEPHONE 0800 121 4765)
SSAFA Forces Help. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help provides practical support to those that serve, those who used to serve and the families of both.
Committed
Our lifelong support for our Forces and their families is reflected in everything we do. So if you need help, we’ll be here for you, through thick and thin, until the job is done.
Practical
SSAFA is a charity that does whatever it takes to get things done. We provide practical support and assistance to servicemen and women, veterans, and their families, every day of the year.
Understanding
We understand that your time in the Forces can have an impact, now and in the future. But the challenges everyone faces are different, so whatever the problem, we’ll find a way to solve it.
Over 125 years of support
The history of SSAFA is the history of the men and women of Britain’s Forces and their families.
The vision and drive of one man stands at the heart of the UK's oldest Armed Forces charity. In February 1885, as the Second Expeditionary Force set sail for Egypt, Major James Gildea wrote to The Times appealing for funds and volunteers to look after families left behind. Within three months, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association was born. Since then, we've supported millions of people, and millions more are eligible for help.
Through two World Wars and every subsequent conflict involving Britain, SSAFA has been here for our servicemen and women and their families. The ability to adapt quickly to their needs is still at the heart of everything we do. We never stand still, so our new services provide vital support wherever and whenever it is most needed.
Contact us
There are a number of ways to contact SSAFA. The information below should help you find the best way to get in touch with us.
Volunteer for us Fundraise for us Work for us Media enquiries
Visit our Media Centre
Other ways to get in touch
By telephone
To find out more about getting help and support from SSAFA call 0845 241 7141. We will available to answer your call from 9.00 to 17.30 every weekday. At other times please leave a message and someone will get back to you soon.
You can also contact our confidential Forcesline telephone helpline.
For general enquiries call our Central Office on 020 7403 8783
If you want to know more about volunteering call our Volunteer Team on 0845 658 1167.
By post
Write to us: SSAFA Central Office, 4 St Dunstan's Hill, London, EC3R 8AD
You can also find your local SSAFA team for advice from our volunteers in your area.
Lancashire
Lancashire
01772 260 462
[email protected]
The Royal British Legion. A UK charity providing help and welfare to the serving and ex-Service community and their families.
Helpline
Our telephone helpline is open to everyone, 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week.
Call 0808 802 8080 (free from UK landlines and main mobile networks) or if you are in the Republic of Ireland, you can call 1800 992 294 for free.
From overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080 (full rate)
You can also email us or use our online knowledge base to find the information you need.
We can offer advice and support about a wide range of topics, including:
- War pensions and compensation claims
- Inquest advice
- Benevolent / welfare help
- Benefits and money advice
- Independent living
- Care homes
- Poppy Breaks, Family Holiday Breaks and Adventure Breaks
- Remembrance travel (pilgrimages, school & group tours)
- Legion membership
- Poppy Appeal
- Fundraising events
- Tracing advice*
- For Handy van services please call 0800 032 0306
- For Civvy Street queries please call 0800 169 4073
* Please note the Legion doesn't hold any official records or have access to them. However, we can advise where to get hold of information for tracing purposes.
All enquiries are treated in confidence. If we are unable to answer your query we will do our best to redirect you to a department or organisation who will be able to advise.
Other ways to contact us
Use the links at the top of our website pages to:
- Search our online knowledge base. It contains detailed information and allows you to find the help you need, when you need it, 24/7.
- Use our Live Chat service, available 8am-10pm, 7 days per week
- Call our FREE helpline on 0808 802 8080, 8am to 8pm, 7 days per week
- Email us via our online contact form
The Royal British Legion
199 Borough High Street
London SE1 1AA
The Royal Naval Association. An organization for Former and Serving members of the RN, RM, WRNS and QARNNS.
About the RNA
With over 20,000 members across 370 branches in the UK and overseas, we are a family of current and former Naval Service personnel, relatives and supporters of our country's Royal Navy.
Whether we are catching up with friends at our regular social events; fundraising; advising on welfare and employment matters, or just providing an arm around the shoulder, our natural willingness to help others stems from the tradition and camaraderie that only Naval Service life can instil. Everything we do is inextricably linked to our core values:
Our core values:
Unity
Shared backgrounds and equality in rank. We share the same bonds, the same mindset, and even the same language (Jackspeak!). We are all equal. We are the heart and soul of the RNA.
Loyalty
To each other and our dependants. We will always support and look out for each other. Our loyalty is to all our shipmates, our local communities, the personnel and dependants of the Naval Service, along with other charities or organisations with naval connections.
Patriotism
We are proud to serve and proud to represent our country and the Naval Service. Our pride in serving our country never leaves us. Nor do we forget those who have fallen for our country or who fight now. We are deeply honoured to represent them on both a national and international level.
Comradeship
Friends in fun, fellowship and need. Your shipmates will always be here for you, whether it's about a job, ideas for a fun day out or just an arm around the shoulder. We will never leave you or your dependents in despair.
Contact RNA HQ
RNA HQ
Room 209
Semaphore Tower
PP70
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
PO1 3LT
E [email protected]
T 023 9272 3747
F 023 9272 3371
Fleetwood
Secretary
Mrs Angela Patchett
Phone
01253 878747
Address
RNA Fleetwood Branch
Conservative Club
FY7 7AS
Meetings
We meet on the first Sunday of every month. 1100hrs
Branch Secs address; 11 Pharos Grove Fleetwood FY7 6BH
Veterans Aid. Caring for homeless veterans
Veterans Aid at Glance – from Welfare to Well-being
What we do
Veterans Aid is a charity that operates by addressing an individual’s most immediate needs as rapidly as possible. It understands that ‘big picture’ problems like homelessness or addiction don’t happen overnight or as a result of military service; they are the consequence of incremental misfortunes that chip away at confidence, self-esteem and ability to cope with life’s everyday pressures.
Our mission
Our mission is to transform the quality of care and support received by Veterans across the UK, by developing and sharing the best models of open and non-judgmental care. Building on these models will allow us to improve service provision to the whole group.
We will
- Continue to provide dedicated caseworkers to explore basic details of Veterans’ problems.
- Continue to develop our well-being approach that enables to respond to crisis immediately and appropriately.
- Help Veterans to get back to the point where they can sustain independent lifestyles.
- Help to generate a mutually supportive, safe and empathetic network of friends and members of staff.
- Share our ethos with all those committed to our vision.
Our members of staff provide persistent, openly-caring and non-judgmental approach to all Veterans in crisis, which leads to substantial improvement in their well-being and contribute to their return to society.
Addictions
Alcohol is the third largest cause of avoidable ill health in the UK. Between 2003 and 2012 we saw a 51% rise in the UK hospital admissions as a result of excess drinking. Alcohol-related crime costs the UK £7.3 billion per annum in terms of policing, prevention services and processing offenders. Of the 60,000 sentenced prisoners in the UK, just over 40,000 are hazardous alcohol users. Alcohol-related deaths in British women in their 30s and 40s continue to steadily rise.
Nothing illustrates the effectiveness of our work in the addiction field better than the Activity Week that we held in summer 2013. During a brief respite from the scorching August heatwave a group of clients, all of whom had completed detox and rehab, scaled a climbing wall in Bermondsey, kayaked through Little Venice, boxed/keeled over at Islington Boxing Club, took on a formidable Chelsea Pensioners bowls team, and camped out in Epping Forest. The message was simple but crucial one – that a life without drugs or alcohol can be exciting, challenging, but most importantly tremendous fun. To have seen this group of happy and healthy men enjoying the benefits of recovery was a privilege. Their dedication and hard work in reclaiming their lives remains deeply inspirational.
As the leading charity for veterans wishing to access treatment we are regularly contacted for comment on the plight of ex-Servicemen struggling to cop with an alcohol problem. Our reply continues to point the context in which Veterans are living in this country – in short, Britain is in the midst of an alcohol crisis.
Quite why some people can drink and use drugs socially, whilst others cannot, remains a matter of enormous conjecture and discourse for researchers and practitioners within the field. It is hugely complex issue for all concerned, yet the rhetoric of a simple leap from taking the Queen’s shilling to alcohol dependency is something we passionately dispute.
The general make-up of the average Veteran this service meets has remained largely unchanged for some years now (the vast majority being ex-Army – 83% – as opposed to Royal Navy / Royal Marines ? RAF, 43 years old, and having left the Armed Forces around 15 years ago). Though most still present with an alcohol problem (43%), we have seen a rise in the number of clients using drugs (heroin and cocaine 17%), or combining their alcohol misuse with drugs (34%). This change appears to have been reflected in wider society as drugs such as cocaine, cannabis,
ketamine and the new ‘legal highs’ have become increasingly socially acceptable, particularly for the under 30s. The remaining 6% present with a gambling issue.
Much of our success lies in building strong relationships with services which, notably, are not Veteran-specific. Agencies such as RAPt, The Kairos Community Trust, The Providence Projects, Salvation Army Greig House, Street Scene, and City Lit have all provided their enormous expertise and experience to a huge number of our men and women. Though accessing addiction treatment from local authorities for the average ‘civvy’ is proving to be increasingly difficult, for those fortunate enough to have a service number our door continues to represent a place of immeasurable transformation and change.
Mental Health
Stereotypes and urban myths about the mental health of serving and ex-serving personnel abound. Research, predominately on serving members of Her Majesty’s Forces, appears to have had the unfortunate consequence of erroneously linking military service, in the public’s mind, with the entire range of difficulties Veterans encounter on leaving service.
Another less reported consequence is the creation of a group of individuals who falsify or exaggerate their military service in order to access veteran specific services.
The mental health of serving and ex-serving personnel has become politicised. This has occurred against a background of an increasing tendency within society to ‘explain’ what many would see as normal human emotions and behaviours in psychiatric terms. Many Veterans become naturally distressed by poverty, debt, unemployment, lack of education or skills including literacy and homelessness the treatment of which is action not self or prescribed medication.
Time is money. The current preoccupation with auditing and rationing time through the use of questionnaires, rather than face-to-face contact time, can cost more in the long run. There seems to be a focus on the process of providing care rather than listening in order to identify what is actually needed.
Making time to listen shows the respect so vital in helping anyone connect with support and begin to regain his or her self-respect. Self-respect is an essential step in rehabilitation and restoration of normality to shattered lives.
It is wrong to inappropriately ‘label’ naturally distressed individuals as mentally ill as this can undermine self-respect. Equally, it is wrong to ignore active mental health problems and substance misuse issues, which should be pursued aggressively and
managed appropriately. No two Veterans are the same; neither are their needs. Veterans Aid understands this — which is why it is successful.
Call us now on Freephone
0800 012 68 67
or our landline 020 7828 2468
or email us on
[email protected]
Drop-in Centre
The Veterans Aid Drop-in Centre is located at:
40 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0RE.
It doesn’t matter when you served, or for how long. We will try our best to help you!
Opening Times
Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 3.30pm
Friday 8.30am – 1.30pm
Seafarers' Advice and Information Line
Fast, free and confidential
Sailine
SAIL is an advice service dedicated to all seafarers and their families across the UK. It’s run by Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureaux on behalf of the Seafarers Hospital Society and funded in partnership with Seafarers UK and Greenwich Hospital.
Who we help:
If you’ve ever worked in the Merchant Navy, as a fisherman or in the RFA, then SAIL can help you and your family. SAIL has now expanded, so we can also help if you've ever served in the Royal Navy. And SAIL supports organisations that help seafarers.
Our History:
We were established in 1996 as part of Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureaux with funding from the Seamen’s Hospital Society. Originally known as the Seafarers’ Benefits Advice Line (or SBal for short), we quickly built up our profile, attracting clients from all over the UK and developing relationships with the seafaring community. We now deal with around 1,000 clients every year.
Since 2007 we have received additional funding from a range of sources, including the Maritime Charities Funding Group, Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Seafarers UK. This has enabled us to extend our opening hours, expand our service, and develop expertise in debt advice. Seafarers UK has continued to support us on an ongoing basis and their contribution now covers approximately half of our running costs
Contact us
Phone 08457 413 318 or email [email protected]
Links
Listed here are a selection of other ex-Service benevolent sector organisations who may help with housing and housing advice.
For more detail on Shared Ownership and mortgages for ex-Service people, please see below under 'Other Organisations'
SSAFA FORCES HELP
Provides welfare support, financial assistance, training, residential care and short term accommodation for separated families. They have a specialist housing and advice office. Tel: 020 7403 8783
JSHAO - JOINT SERVICE HOUSING ADVICE OFFICE
Provides housing information and advice and can help place Service personnel and their dependants in suitable civilian accommodation.
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Provides advice with housing, welfare grants, convalescence and residential nursing homes and general advice on support available to ex-Service personnel. Tel: 020 3207 2100
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SCOTLAND, THE EARLY HAIG FUND SCOTLAND AND THE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND
Helping all ex-Service personal, their widows and widowers and their dependants living in Scotland. They provide help with pensions, welfare advice and friendship. Tel: 0131 557 2782
VETERANS AID
Offers advice on housing, advocacy, food and clothing and some financial assistance.
VETERANS UK
Is the first stop for any Veteran looking for advice on any subject. Working closely with many organisations and agencies Veterans UK is a good place to start.
SHELTERLINE
Emergency advice 24 hours a day for anyone in housing difficulty is provided by shelterline.
NATIONAL HOMELESSNESS ADVICE SERVICE
At your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)
SPACES
Is an accommodation placement center designed specifically to provide help to single Service leavers seeking appropriate civilian housing.
STOLL
Provides supported housing for disabled ex-Service personnel and to former homeless ex-Service personnel with mental health and/or alcohol abuse problems.
HOME BASE
Is a project operated by Community Housing and Therapy (CHT) offering supported housing accommodation for single ex-Service personnel looking for a home and a job in London.
EX-SERVICE HOMES REFERRAL AGENCY (ESHRA)
Aims to help older ex-Service personnel looking for a care home or sheltered accommodation
OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION
Supporting Officers, Retired Officers and their families seeking Employment, Advice, Financial Assistance and Accommodation. Tel (Benevolence): 020 7808 4175/6 (Accommodation) 020 7808 4166. Or, if resident in Scotland Tel: 0131 550 1581
THE ROYAL HOSPITAL
Provides a home for old soldiers who are getting an army long-service pension or war pension. It is not a hospital. Tel: 020 7881 5200
SEAFARERS UK
Provides ‘a lifeline in troubled waters’ for veterans and serving members of the Naval Services, the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, their families and dependants.
THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION
Offer friendship, comradeship and personal support to their members. 35,000 members 'welfare is not only money' Tel: 02392 723823
ROYAL ALFRED SEAFARERS’ SOCIETY
Provides residential and nursing care in Surrey and Sussex for retired or disabled former seamen and their dependants. Tel: 01737 253763
ROYAL NAVY OFFICERS' CHARITY
The RNOC provides financial support and benevolence to both serving and retired officers of the Naval Service, as well as their spouses, former spouses and dependents during times of financial distress. The charity also assists with education fees via scholarships.
THE ROYAL NAVAL BENEVOLENT TRUST
All ratings and ranks and family members can be provided with help from financial grants, regular payments to supplements older people's income, care for older people at Pembroke House and advice on welfare matters. Tel: 02392 690112
Useful Contacts
We have a list issued by 'Cruse' of useful books for bereaved Children and Carers, please get in touch with us if you feel this maybe of some help.
We hope that the following organisations may be of use to you:
Counselling Directory
Connecting you with professional support.
Web: www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Veterans World
Ex SPVA Veterans UK, "Supporting Services Through Life". Offer a helpline for Armed Forces Veterans. Helpline phone number 0808 19142180.
Tel: 0141 2245212
Web: www.veterans-uk.info/veteransworld.htm
E-mail: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Post: Service Personnel & Veterans Agency (SPVA), 2nd Floor, MP 600, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow G2 8EX
Care for the Family
A charity offering Activity Breaks for single parents with children.
Web: www.careforthefamily.org.uk
Tel: 0292 0810800
Families of the Fallen
A new charity to help families who have lost the main breadwinner in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Web: www.familiesofthefallen.
E-mail: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Post: FOTF, 2 Eaton Gate, London SW1W 9BJ
Greenwich Hospital
Greenwich Hospital, the Crown Naval Charity, offers a limited number of bursaries for boarding places at the Royal Hospital School, for the children and grandchildren of RN and RM personnel and a limited number of bursaries at the University of Greenwich for retired RN and RM personnel and their children. It also offers sheltered housing for the widows of RN and RM personnel in Greenwich, Portsmouth and Plymouth. For further details please see the contact details below.
Tel: 020 7396 0140/0141
Email: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.greenwichhospital.org.uk
The Big White Wall
The Big White Wall is a safe self-management digital social media tool, for Mental Health and Wellbeing issues anonymously assessed from the home, and soon to be used by the NHS as a Stress and Counselling tool. The site is staffed by professional counsellors who can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For further information and details on how to join, go to: www.bigwhitewall.com
Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA)
The association's aim is finding employment for Service Leavers. Help can be given if your spouse died after they had registered with the association for assistance. For further information please see the RFEA Web Site. Web: www.rfea.org.uk
Sailors Families Society
Provides assistance to the children of seafarers. Tel: 01482 342331
Email: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The DWP is offering a new DWP Bereavement Service. When reporting bereavement in a single call you will be able to notify DWP when duplicate benefits have been received. During 2011 this service will also be offered as a cross-government service known as “Tell Us Once”.
Tel: 0845 6060265
Web: www.dwp.gov.uk
Forcesline
Forcesline is a free and confidential helpline for you to talk to one of their experienced civilian staff about any personal concerns, worries or problems. Forcesline is run by SSAFA Forces Help. Therefore is totally independent of the military chain of command and 100% confidential.
Tel: 0800 731 4880
Web: www.forcesline.org.uk
The Veterans Council
The Veterans Council can provide advice and guidance for veterans (all military widows come under the banner of veterans), of all ages, backgrounds and military service. Platt Bridge Community Zone, 81 Ribble Road, Wigan WN2 5EG.
Tel: 01942 861019
Web: www.veteranscouncil.org.uk
White Ensign
Provides confidential guidance on the Armed Forces Pension Scheme and MOD benefits for bereaved families, together with a full range of investment and personal financial advice.
HMS Belfast, Tooley Street, London SE1 2AH
Tel: 0207 407 8658
Web: www.whiteensign.co.uk
Naval Families Federation
Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN
Tel: 02392 654374
Web: www.nff.org.uk
Royal Navy, Royal Marines Children's Fund
Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN
Tel: 02392 639534
Web: www.rnrmchildrensfund.org.uk
RAF Widows' Association
For all inquiries and contact details please click on the link below.
Web: www.rafwidowsassociation.org.uk
Way Foundation
"Providing a way forward for the widowed and young"
The Way Foundation, PO BOX 6767, Brackley NN13 6YW
Tel: 0870 0113450
Web: www.wayfoundation.org.uk
Cruse
Offers personal and confidential help to bereaved people. A specialist counselling service for bereaved children
Helpline: 0844 4779400
Web: www.cruse.org.uk
Web: www.rd4u.org.uk
War Widows Association of Great Britain
c/o Haig House, 199 Borough High Street, London SE1 1AA
Tel: 08452 412 189
Web: www.warwidows.org.uk
National Council for One Parent Families
Lobby Group taking forward issues on behalf of anyone living in a one parent family
Web: www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Forces Children's Trust
Provides help and support for Children.
Founder and Chairman Mr Denny Wise.
Tel: 0173 7361077
E-mail: [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.forceschildrenstrust.org
The Child Bereavement Charity
Is the UK's leading charity that educates professionals and supports families both when a child dies and when a child is bereaved.
Web: www.childbereavement.org.uk
SSAFA - The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association
Support Group for Bereaved families and much more.
Tel: 0207 4038783
Web: www.ssafa.org.uk
Royal British Legion
Provides help and support to serving, former serving personnel, their widows, widowers and children.
Tel: 0203 2072100
Web: www.britishlegion.org.uk
LOCAL COUNCILS
Blackpool Council
Whether you are a veteran, currently serving or are in the process of leaving the armed forces, you and your family may need advice and information on issues like housing, education, employment, training and welfare.
Housing and homelessness
For advice and support on housing and homelessness issues please contact housing options.
Address: Housing options. Chapel Street, Blackpool, FY1 5AW
Telephone: 01253 477760
Email: [email protected]
Employment, skills and welfare benefits
For help finding work and advice on claiming benefits, please contact Blackpool Jobcentre who have a specially trained armed forces support staff member.
Address: Blackpool Jobcentre, Municipal Buildings, Corporation Street, Blackpool, FY1 1EJ
Website: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Your-Council/The-Council/Armed-forces-champion.aspx
Wyre Council
Website: https://www.wyre.gov.uk/council/support-advice-veterans-serving-members-majestys-forces/5
Lancashire County Council
Website: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/armed-forces/the-covenant/
JSNA Blackpool Joint Strategic Needs Assessment
When servicemen and women leave the armed forces, their healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS. All veterans are entitled to priority access to NHS hospital care for any condition, as long as it's related to their service2, whether or not they receive a war pension. Blackpool was the first council in the North West to show its commitment to the armed forces by signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant which is the town's way of formally acknowledging that relationship and building on it for the benefit of the whole community.
Blackpool's Armed Forces Champion, together with support from a council officer, works to promote and deliver a local action plan.
Website: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Your-Council/The-Council/Armed-forces-champion.aspx
As part of the covenant, local authorities across the country are offering veterans a range of prioritised services and support. In Blackpool there is a range of organisations supporting the armed forces community, and services for veterans can be found via The Veteran's Gateway.
Website: https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/
Twitter: @VeteransGateway Website: https://twitter.com/VeteransGateway
NHS - Lancashire Military Veterans service
The NHS support British ex-serving personnel who are experiencing mental health difficulties, related to their time and experiences in the armed forces.
Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service provides specialist care and support for those due to leave the armed forces, reservists (when not mobilised), ex service personnel, families/carers.
To contact Op COURAGE call 0300 373 33 32 or email [email protected] (open 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week).
If you're already receiving support from the Op COURAGE Northwest team, call 0300 323 0707 or email [email protected] (open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday).
The Military Veterans Service is a community-based psychological therapy service for veterans who live in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
To contact the Military Veterans' Service call 0300 323 0707 or email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/militaryvets
Naval Families Federation
Website: https://nff.org.uk/
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion can offer advice and one to one support 7 days a week. Telephone: 0808 802 8080 from 8.00am to 8.00pm
Website: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
SSAFA
Website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/
The Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo)
Website: https://www.cobseo.org.uk/about-us/
The Veterans Mental Health Charity – Combat Stress
24/7 HELP –
FREE HELPLINE: 0800 1381619
TEXT: 07537 173683
EMAIL: [email protected]
Website: https://combatstress.org.uk/
Veterans In Communities (VIC)
Veterans in Communities (VIC) is an East Lancashire based Armed Forces charity working across Rossendale, Pendle, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale areas. VIC supports former ex-service men and women who have served in any of the branches of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, the emergency services (Blue Light) and their families who have or are having difficulties with returning to ‘Civvy Street’ or just want to socialise with likeminded people.
Website: https://veteransincommunities.org/index.html#
Veterans UK
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk
Veterans for Fylde
Website: http://www.v4f.co.uk/ (warning this is NOT a secure site, please take care)
Information:
The NAAFI Cafe in St Annes is named after the famed institute known by generations of those who have served, it is situated in the heart of the cafe quarter. It aims to support veterans throughout Lancashire and the UK, by acting as a hub to enable Veterans 4 Fylde to direct those who have served to sources of help locally.
They offer low-cost accommodation for three veterans above as volunteers to assist. One room will be reserved for anyone needing emergency accommodation or rough sleepers. It will make the Armed Forces Covenants of the Fylde Coast, including Blackpool and Wyre, self-sustaining as a not-for-profit community interest company. For those wanting to renew the comradeship of the services, indulge in some banter and fancy the grub you got in the NAAFI, a free cuppa awaits. For the general public looking for a cafe with a difference, all are welcome. We will have a range of food as enjoyed by generations of service men and women, served by volunteers and professionals including some from nearby Weeton Camp.
Another area to help with bills and services can be found at the following
Money Savers Website
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/
YouTube
Energy Price Cap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOXorpT7MSA&ab_channel=MoneySavingExpert.com
Citizens Advice Bureau
Address: 6-10 Whitegate Dr, Blackpool FY3 9AQ
Phone: 01253 308405
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Foodbanks
I want to say to each member, do NOT feel ashamed or embarrassed by attending a food bank. They are there for you and your family to survive.
Blackpool Food Bank
Phone: 01253 358842
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.blackpoolfoodbank.co.uk/contact-8
Blackpool – Amazing Grace
Address: 44 Bolton St, Blackpool FY1 6AE
Website: https://amazinggraze.org/
Cleveleys Foodbank
Address: Cumberland Chapel, Cumberland Ave, Cleveleys, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 2DR
Phone: 07368 251697
Fleetwood Trust
Address: Hospital, Pharos St, Fleetwood FY7 6BE
Phone: 01253 376200
Fylde Foodbank
Address: St Annes United Reformed Church, St George's Rd, Lytham St Annes FY8 2AE
Phone: 01253 727455
Website: https://fylde.foodbank.org.uk/
SHARE It - Ingol & Tanterton
Address: Redcar Ave, Ingol, Preston PR2 3YY
Phone: 07545 277779
Website: https://shareitpreston.org.uk/
Morecambe
Address: Anchor Building, 86 Westgate Morecambe LA3 3DD
Phone: 01524 932 001
Website: https://morecambebay.foodbank.org.uk/
Noor Foodbank
Address: Noor Hall, Noor St, Preston PR1 1QS
Website: https://noorfoodbank.co.uk/
Preston Community HUB
Address: Samuel St, Preston PR1 4YE
Phone: 07517 339887
Website: https://prestoncommunity.co.uk/
Ribble Valley Foodbank
Address: Wesleyan Row, Trinity Methodist Church, Parson Ln, Clitheroe BB7 2JY
Phone: 07849 534431
Website: https://ribblevalley.foodbank.org.uk/
St Annes - Trussell Fund
https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/fylde/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnMWkBhDLARIsAHBOftr4d4F10a9aa4H2HI059j88CoL0i26WBYiKzl1b39r3cv7Gm9BfbTcaAl0KEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds