Veteran support contacts
Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust signed the Military Covenant in October 2023 which commits the Trust to signposting or refer, where appropriate, to Armed Forces specific NHS, MOD or voluntary sector services in order to improve the care offered to the Armed Forces Community.
Please see the following organisations and services that support the Armed forces Community that includes Veterans.
Veterans Gateway
The Veterans Gateway provides a single point of contact for veterans seeking advice and support on a wide range of matters, from healthcare and housing to employment, finances, personal relationships and more.
Visit https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk.
SSAFA Essex
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Founded in 1885, we’re extremely proud of our long-standing heritage and of all the work we do with inspiring people from Essex, across the UK and around the world.
Visit https://www.ssafa.org.uk/essex
Royal British Legion
Recognising that LGBTQ+ personnel often did not have a positive experience within the military, the Royal British Legion created its first LGBT+ and the Allies branch in 2018. It aims to recognise the contribution of LGBT+ people who have served in the military and encourage them to seek the support they need.
Visit https://www.britishlegion.org.uk
Fighting with Pride
Founded in January 2020, Fighting with Pride is a military charity supporting the health and wellbeing of LGBQT+ Veterans, services personnel and their families.
Visit https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk
Salute her (UK)
SALUTE HER offers a bespoke service to all women who have served in the British Armed Forces and accept both professional and self referrals. Their services have been developed to address the growing needs of the increasing population of military women transitioning to civilian life.
Visit https://www.saluteher.co.uk
Forces Connect App
Aimed at connecting and supporting the entire Armed Forces Community and those who work with them, the app signposts users to help and support.
Visit the Play and Apple Stores or visit https://www.forcesconnect.co.uk
Op Courage
Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans and their families.
Visit https://eput.nhs.uk/our-services/op-courage-the-veterans-mental-health-and-wellbeing-service
Op Nova
Op NOVA, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system, enabling them to access the services they need.
Visit https://www.forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/op-nova
Op Restore
Find healthcare and welfare support dedicated to veterans, service leavers, non-mobilised reservists, and their families and carers.
All veterans, service leavers, non-mobilised reservists and their family members and carers can access a range of specialist healthcare and support created to provide treatment and care for many different problems.
Op Community
Op Community is a telephone line for the armed forces community (including veterans, reservists, serving personnel, families and the wider armed forces community) to offer support and guidance around navigating NHS services and advice regarding other services that can support with issues.
Visit https://dmws.org.uk/op-community-new-single-point-of-contact-for-armed-forces-communities-in-london
Op Fortitude
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and the organisations working with them are encouraged to contact the Op FORTITUDE hotline on 0800 952 0774 or through a secure web portal.
Visit www.riverside.org.uk/care-and-support/veterans
Essex County Council Armed Forces support information
For more information, visit https://www.essex.gov.uk/essex-armed-forces-community-covenant.