Support for Veterans

There is a variety of support available for Veterans:

Op Fortitude

Op FORTITUDE - the pathway for homeless veterans - launched nationally by Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer to end veteran homelessness in 2023 The hotline is part of £8.55 million fund, which will also bring wraparound support services to support 1,300 veterans across more than 900 housing units.

NHS Support: Op Courage.

Armed forces veterans suffering a mental health crisis will receive specialist care as part of a new Op Courage service. Doctors, nurses and other NHS staff will work with military charities to provide therapy, rehab services and, in extreme cases, inpatient care to hundreds of former soldiers, sailors and RAF personnel each year. Those needing urgent help will receive a same-day referral.

The Government has announced extra support, including extra mental health services, thanks to a further £2.7 million funding. Dedicated care co-ordinators will be appointed to act as a single point of contact to better support veterans with complex mental and physical trauma. They will help them to navigate the health and care system and consult with health and care professionals, with the aim of reducing suicide rates within the veteran community.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund:

The Ministry of Defence provides £10 million a year to be distributed by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust in the form of grants for programmes that support the armed forces community. For 2020-21, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has a further £10 million to specifically deliver charitable projects and initiatives that support veterans with mental health needs.

Organisations that can apply include registered charities, local authorities, schools, or other statutory organisations, community interest companies, or an armed forces unit with a UIN reference number. There is a single stage application process for organisations applying to this programme published on Covenant Fund Trust at https://covenantfund.org.uk/your-application/. There is no deadline for applications, which can be submitted online on a rolling basis.

Government Support:

Veterans UK: 0808 1914 2 18 / [email protected]

Veterans Gateway: The Veterans’ Gateway is for any ex-service personnel and their families looking for advice or support – whatever they’re dealing with. They provide the first point of contact to a network of military and non-military partner organisations to help you find exactly what you need, when you need it - whether you’re in the UK or overseas. For 24-hour support go to Veterans’ Gateway or call 0808 802 1212.

The Government's range of support schemes designed specifically to help veterans and their loved ones includes:

  • Helping veterans into work through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
  • Supporting service families with childcare - The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Scheme will provide up to 20 hours per week of free childcare before and after school during term time for eligible military parents with children aged 4 to 11 years.
  • Providing personnel with more choice of accommodation.
  • Enhancing mobility with veterans railcards.
  • Enabling employers to claim National Insurance contributions relief for veterans they have hired during their first year of civilian employment after leaving the armed forces.

Education:

The Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher Education Scheme provides service leavers access to a first full level 3 (GCE A Level or vocational equivalent), or a first HE qualification (a foundation degree or first undergraduate degree or equivalent) with tuition fees funded to a maximum of £9,250 per year of study. Full details of this scheme can be found at the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service website: www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.

Other Support: