Veteran Mental Health UK — Support & Counselling
Military life leaves its mark. Veterans' Bridge UK connects UK veterans with trusted mental health support — from talking therapy and counselling to specialist trauma services and 24/7 crisis lines. It is free, confidential, and you do not need a diagnosis to ask for help.
NHS veteran mental health services
Op COURAGE is the NHS specialist mental health service for armed forces veterans in England, offering assessment, treatment and crisis care. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have equivalent veteran mental health pathways. Self-referral is available — you do not need to go through your GP.
Charity mental health support for UK veterans
Charities such as Combat Stress, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Help for Heroes and many local veteran drop-in centres offer counselling, peer support and wellbeing programmes. Many operate helplines available day and night.
Frequently asked questions
How do I access veteran mental health support in the UK?
You can self-refer to Op COURAGE (the NHS veteran mental health service) without seeing your GP. You can also call veteran mental health helplines such as the Combat Stress 24/7 helpline (0800 138 1619) or Veterans' Gateway (0808 802 1212).
Is veteran mental health support confidential?
Yes. NHS veteran mental health services and armed forces charities provide confidential support. Your information is not shared with the Ministry of Defence without your consent.
Veteran Mental Health UK — listed services
View directoryVeteran Walks
A walking group supporting veterans' mental health and wellbeing. Walking is a proven way to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and Veteran Walks provides a welcoming community for veterans to get outdoors together.
Eligibility: Veterans and ex-serving personnel
The Matthew Project – Next Steps for Veterans
Norfolk-based charity offering specialist support for veterans and family members affected by substance use and/or PTSD. Part of the Matthew Project's Next Steps hub in Norwich, providing one-to-one sessions, recovery support and mental health guidance.
70-80 Oak Street, Norwich, NR3 3AQ
Eligibility: Veterans and family members affected by substance use or PTSD, based in Norfolk / East of England
Coffee and Coping
A charity building community and tackling loneliness through free drop-in meetings and events. Providing a safe space to talk, with support for mental health and wellbeing. All meetings are free and open to all — just turn up.
Unit 60 The Maltings, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertford, SG12 8HG
Luke's Lads Veterans (TCD Charity)
A dedicated mental health and wellbeing group for male veterans of the armed forces. Peer-led sessions combining light physical activity with open conversations around mental health and life beyond the military. Meets every Thursday evening at 7:30pm at Jo Cox House, Batley. Led by veterans, for veterans — no pressure to talk, just a supportive brotherhood.
Jo Cox House, Batley
Eligibility: Male veterans of the armed forces
PTSD UK
The only charity in the UK dedicated to raising awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and C-PTSD), no matter the trauma that caused it. Provides information, resources, and guidance on symptoms, treatments (including EMDR and CBT), and next steps after diagnosis. Supports veterans, emergency services personnel and anyone affected by trauma.
Eligibility: Anyone affected by PTSD or C-PTSD in the UK
Operation Jackdaw
A monthly wild camping experience near Canterbury, Kent for military veterans and serving personnel. Offers camaraderie, outdoor skills, and a mental health check-in in a safe, non-threatening environment. All equipment and food provided.
Canterbury
Eligibility: Military veterans and serving personnel
Veterans Activities for Mental Health (VAFMH)
A North-based veterans Community Interest Company providing outdoor activities, endurance challenges, group walks, retreats and community gatherings to support veteran mental health and wellbeing. Built on camaraderie and the belief that no veteran should face life after service alone.
Eligibility: Veterans across the North of England
Togetherall
Togetherall is a safe, anonymous online community where people support each other's mental health and wellbeing 24/7, moderated by trained clinicians. Veterans can access the community to share experiences, find peer support and access self-help tools at any time of day or night.
Eligibility: Open to veterans and all adults seeking mental health peer support
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care helps people through one of the most painful times in life, offering bereavement support, information and counselling. Their helpline and online chat provide compassionate support for anyone dealing with loss, including veterans and their families.
Eligibility: Anyone experiencing bereavement, including veterans and families
Veterans First Point (Edinburgh)
NHS-funded veterans mental health and welfare drop-in in Edinburgh providing a full range of support services.
Edinburgh
Eligibility: Veterans in Scotland
Standing Tall Foundation
A charity based in St Helens, founded by Andy Reid MBE and John F Tabern MSc. Provides free professional mental health support, wellbeing services, housing and benefits guidance, and addiction support to all community groups including veterans.
St Helens
Here Together Community
A free, private online community for veterans and others seeking peer support and connection. A quiet, safe space to reflect and share without pressure or judgement — away from the noise of social media. Free to join, no strings attached.
Anxious Minds: Veterans & Families Recovery College (Wallsend)
Anxious Minds Veterans & Families Recovery College at Wallsend Memorial Hall. Provides welfare support, peer-led courses and wellbeing activities for veterans and their families.
Wallsend Memorial Hall, 10 Frank St, Wallsend, Wallsend, NE28 6RN
Eligibility: Veterans and Armed Forces community
Op COURAGE — South East England
Op COURAGE is the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for South East England, led by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. It provides specialist mental health care for serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans and their families — including transition support, treatment for mental health conditions and psychological trauma, substance misuse support, and signposting to wider services. Self-referral accepted.
Eligibility: Veterans and Armed Forces community
Project COMEDY
The UK's first military charity to use Stand Up Comedy for recovery and wellbeing. Enabling veterans and serving personnel to perform comedy for transition, recovery and self-confidence. Offers comedy training, networking, support and promotion — transferable skills including public speaking, confidence building and breaking isolation. Backed by Laughing Horse Comedy.
Eligibility: UK Military Veterans and Serving Personnel
Men Walking and Talking – Merthyr Tydfil
Every Tuesday 7:00pm – 8:00pm. A free, no-booking-required weekly walk for men to support mental health through walking and peer support. Meet outside the entrance to Merthyr Tydfil College. Non-judgemental, peer-led, and completely free.
Outside entrance to Merthyr Tydfil College, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1YE
Eligibility: Men of all ages
Men Walking and Talking – Aberdare
Every Tuesday 7:00pm – 8:00pm. A free, no-booking-required weekly walk for men to support mental health through walking and peer support. Meet at High Street Car Park, 1 Victoria Square, Aberdare. Non-judgemental, peer-led, and completely free.
High Street Car Park, 1 Victoria Square, Aberdare, CF44 7LA
Eligibility: Men of all ages
Let's Talk Men's Mental Health – Aberdare
Every Thursday 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Free peer support group for men at Aberdare Fire Station. Relaxed, welcoming meetups with free tea and coffee. No Pressure, No Judgement, No Stigma. No referral needed – just turn up.
Aberdare Fire Station, Cwmbach Rd, Aberdare, CF44 0NE
Eligibility: Men 18+
Concussion & CTE Foundation (UK)
Fighting for a world without CTE and concussion safety without compromise. Supports athletes, veterans and all affected by concussions and CTE. Offers a free personalised HelpLine, treatment and recovery resources, peer support, and research opportunities. Particularly relevant to veterans who have suffered head injuries during service.
A.M.B.U.S.H. Veteran Adventures
A not-for-profit organisation providing outdoor activities, adventure training, woodland management, bushcraft and mental health support for veterans, serving armed forces members and blue light services. Works with veterans' charities, regimental organisations and veterans' breakfast clubs. Founded by PWRR veterans — Stronger Together.
Browndown Training Camp, Gosport, PO13 9QF
Eligibility: Veterans, serving armed forces personnel and blue light services
Anxious Minds
Mental health charity in the North East offering free counselling, peer-led groups, outdoor therapy, drop-in events and a veterans kitchen. Veterans & Families Recovery Colleges in Wallsend and Seaham. Referral to the Veteran Recovery College required.
PTSD Resolution
Free therapy for veterans, reservists and their families suffering from PTSD and trauma-related conditions — no waiting lists.
Eligibility: Veterans, reservists and their families
Op COURAGE – North of England
NHS specialist mental health service for veterans, service leavers and reservists in the North of England (including North East, Yorkshire, North West). Staffed by professionals with armed forces experience.
Eligibility: Must have served in UK Armed Forces for at least one full day, be resident in England and registered with a GP.
Op COURAGE – The Midlands
NHS specialist mental health service for veterans, service leavers and reservists across the Midlands. Provides specialist care, support and treatment working alongside armed forces charities.
Eligibility: Must have served in UK Armed Forces for at least one full day, be resident in England and registered with a GP.
Op COURAGE – East of England
NHS specialist mental health service for veterans, service leavers and reservists in the East of England. Provides tailored mental health support alongside armed forces charities.
Eligibility: Must have served in UK Armed Forces for at least one full day, be resident in England and registered with a GP.
Op COURAGE – South East England
NHS specialist mental health service for veterans, service leavers and reservists in South East England. Covers areas including Berkshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Eligibility: Must have served in UK Armed Forces for at least one full day, be resident in England and registered with a GP.
Op COURAGE – London
NHS specialist mental health service for veterans, service leavers and reservists in London. Offers specialist care and treatment for mental health difficulties linked to military service.
Eligibility: Must have served in UK Armed Forces for at least one full day, be resident in England and registered with a GP.
Op COURAGE – South West England
NHS specialist mental health service for veterans, service leavers and reservists in the South West of England. Provides assessment, treatment and ongoing support for mental health needs.
Eligibility: Must have served in UK Armed Forces for at least one full day, be resident in England and registered with a GP.
Community Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services (CDARS)
South West London-based service providing counselling, peer mentorship, family support, benefits advice and employment support for vulnerable people including veterans and their families.
Bravehound
Scottish charity providing trained assistance dogs to veterans with mental health needs, primarily PTSD. Based in the central belt of Scotland. Referrals from a mental health professional or GP; self-referrals also accepted.
Eligibility: Veterans with mental health needs in central Scotland. Must be engaged with a mental health support service.
Trauma Regulation Board
UK regulatory body setting enforceable standards for trauma-informed care across health, justice, education and community sectors. Offers accredited training, CPD programmes and a public register of trauma-trained practitioners. Consultations available remotely.
Veterans' NHS Wales
Specialist NHS mental health service for veterans in Wales experiencing mental health difficulties related to military service. Six local health board areas, each with a veteran therapist. Accepts self-referrals.
Brooke House Health & Wellbeing Centre
Supports injured, psychologically impacted or bereaved military veterans and uniformed services personnel and their families in Northern Ireland. Evidence-based multi-disciplinary treatment and care packages.
Forward Assist
North East-based charity supporting veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life. Provides help with unemployment, homelessness, the criminal justice system and family breakdown, building confidence and motivation.
Change Step (Adferiad)
Veteran-led charity across Wales providing peer mentoring, crisis support, and practical help with housing, employment and accessing health services for veterans with mental health, substance misuse or transition challenges.
Veterans Outreach Support
Portsmouth and Isle of Wight charity offering drop-in welfare, wellbeing, mental health and addiction support to UK armed forces and Merchant Navy veterans and their families. Weekly therapy, peer activities and social groups. No referral needed.
Felix Fund – The Bomb Disposal Charity
Supports serving and veteran personnel from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and Search community across all British military services and SO15, and their families. Provides mental health, financial assistance and memorial support.
Eligibility: EOD and Search community across British Army, Royal Navy, RAF and SO15.
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust – Armed Forces Veterans Mental Health
Specialist NHS mental health support for armed forces veterans in East Lancashire, delivered by the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. Provides assessment and treatment for veterans experiencing mental health difficulties.
Blackburn, BB2
Healing Military Minds
A volunteer non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) founded by Hayley Court, raising funds and awareness for veterans' mental health. Supports veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel and their families living with PTSD, depression and anxiety through community fundraising events including the annual Gala Ball, Santa Splash and March In March. Main beneficiary is Combat Stress, the UK's leading veterans' mental health charity.
Eligibility: Veterans, serving Armed Forces personnel and their families
Op COURAGE — East of England
Op COURAGE is the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for the East of England, led by Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (EPUT). It provides specialist mental health care for serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans and their families — including transition support, treatment for mental health conditions and psychological trauma, substance misuse support, and signposting to wider services. Self-referral accepted.
Amparo — Mid and South Essex
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Chelmsford
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Amparo — Lincolnshire
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Lincoln
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Amparo — Lancashire
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Preston
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Amparo — Kent & Medway
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Maidstone
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Amparo — Coventry & Warwickshire
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Coventry
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Amparo — Cheshire & Merseyside
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Chester
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Be the One
Be the One is Rotherham's suicide prevention and mental health support campaign, created by NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. It works to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide in Rotherham by offering urgent help, real-life stories, wellbeing resources and free training. The platform signposts to local support services and crisis lines including Samaritans (116 123) and the 24/7 text service 'EYUP' to 85258.
Rotherham
Eligibility: Anyone in Rotherham and beyond affected by suicide or mental health concerns.
Op COURAGE — London
Op COURAGE is the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for London, led by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (London Veterans Service). It provides specialist mental health care for serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans and their families — including transition support, treatment for mental health conditions and psychological trauma, substance misuse support, and signposting to wider services. Self-referral accepted.
Op COURAGE — The Midlands
Op COURAGE is the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for the Midlands, led by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. It provides specialist mental health care for serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans and their families — including transition support, treatment for mental health conditions and psychological trauma, substance misuse support, and signposting to wider services. Self-referral accepted.
Anxious Minds: Veterans & Families Recovery College (Seaham)
Anxious Minds Veterans & Families Recovery College at Seaham Town Hall. Provides welfare support, peer-led courses and wellbeing activities for veterans and their families in County Durham.
Seaham Town Hall, Stockton Road, Seaham, Seaham, SR7 0HP
Eligibility: Veterans and Armed Forces community
Op COURAGE — South West England
Op COURAGE is the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for South West England, led by Avon and Wiltshire Partnership (AWP) NHS Foundation Trust. It provides specialist mental health care for serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans and their families — including transition support, treatment for mental health conditions and psychological trauma, substance misuse support, and signposting to wider services. Self-referral accepted.
Op COURAGE — North of England
Op COURAGE is the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for the North of England, led by Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust. It provides specialist mental health care for serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, veterans and their families — including transition support, treatment for mental health conditions and psychological trauma, substance misuse support, and signposting to wider services. Self-referral accepted.
Veterans Connect North
Veterans Connect North is a veteran-led community organisation supporting veterans and their families in the North of England. It offers free social and wellbeing activities that help reduce isolation, improve mental health, and rebuild a sense of purpose and belonging after military service. Veterans and their families can join the community to connect with others who understand the transition back to civilian life.
Open Minds (Inspire Wellbeing) — Veterans Mental Health Programme
Inspire Wellbeing's Open Minds programme supports veterans in Northern Ireland struggling with their mental health, with dedicated pathways for veterans, family members and carers, and professionals working with veterans. Includes practical guidance, lived-experience resources and confidential help. Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Inspire Infoline: 0808 189 003.
Belfast
Eligibility: Veterans, family members, carers and professionals working with veterans in Northern Ireland
A Guide to Veterans' Mental Health Provision in Northern Ireland (NIVSO)
A Guide to Veterans' Mental Health Provision in Northern Ireland, produced by the Northern Ireland Veterans' Support Office (NIVSO) with the Office of the Veterans' Commissioner NI. Outlines the Stepped Care Model, key referral partners, statutory and voluntary services, and local council-area mental health support across Northern Ireland. Includes guidance for veterans experiencing suicidal thoughts and emergency contact numbers (Lifeline NI 0808 808 8000, Samaritans 116 123).
Eligibility: Veterans and their families in Northern Ireland
Embers Woodcraft
Embers Woodcraft is a Community Interest Company supporting the mental health of military and blue-light families through the power of nature. Founded by Jason Reeves, a veteran and retired firefighter, it runs small-group 'A Day in the Wild' bushcraft experiences — foraging, spoon carving, deer preparation, map reading, air rifle shooting, catapults and campfire mental-health check-ins — to help people adjust to civilian life, manage trauma and build coping mechanisms. Not a counselling service, but signposts to further support. Endorsed by SAS veteran Billy Billingham.
Eligibility: Serving personnel, veterans and blue-light families
One Vision Uniformed Services (OVUS)
Community mental health support for serving and former blue light services, military personnel, reservists, veterans and their families. A CIC based in Kendal offering counselling and wellbeing support.
Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, LA9 4PU
Stand Easy Military Support
A Norwich-based PTSD charity serving military veterans and the public. Founded by Naji Malak, a practitioner with 40 years of experience, Stand Easy offers free specialised trauma and PTSD acupuncture treatment. Provides 3 free sessions for all who have served in H.M. Armed Forces. The approach places no demands on patients — talking about trauma is not required to heal.
Norwich
Eligibility: Military veterans suffering from PTSD symptoms (also treats the wider public)
Amparo — South Yorkshire
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Sheffield
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Veterans In Mind
Mental health support services for military veterans through Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH)
Manchester
Veterans Coastal Retreats
Providing restorative coastal retreats for veterans to support mental health recovery, wellbeing and healing in a peaceful seaside environment.
22 Trelawney Avenue, Poughill, Bude, EX23 9HB
The Bridge for Heroes
A small charity with a big heart supporting the Armed Forces Community in King's Lynn, West Norfolk and beyond. Offers free activities, one-to-one and group support sessions, a drop-in centre, and informal social engagement. Supporting veterans, family members, spouses, widows/widowers and dependants. Wounds are not always visible — talk to someone.
52a South Clough Lane, King's Lynn, PE30 1SE
Who Dares Cares
A dedicated UK Armed Forces and Blue Light Services charity supporting veterans, emergency service personnel and their families suffering from PTSD. Offers practical support, Walk Talk and Brew groups across the UK, Buddy Buddy peer support, and counselling from volunteers with military, health and social care backgrounds. Available 7 days a week for those needing support.
8 Douglas Street, Hamilton, ML3 0BP
Irreverent Warriors
Using humour and camaraderie to eliminate veteran isolation and suicide. Irreverent Warriors organise Silkies Hikes — group hikes in military-style short shorts — alongside retreats and community events designed to bring veterans together, have a laugh, and look out for one another. Their mission: improve the veteran outlook through connection, not clinical settings.
Eligibility: Veterans and serving personnel
Combat2Coffee
Award-winning volunteer-led CIC (King's Award for Voluntary Service 2025) that improves the mental health and wellbeing of the armed forces community and their families. Runs drop-in coffee mornings, veteran outreach, barista academy training and signposting to counselling, housing, employment and mental health services.
Unit 1, Handford Business Park, Handford Cut, Ipswich, IP1 2HD
Eligibility: Veterans, ex-uniformed services personnel and their families
The Resilient Soul Movement
A trauma-aware, animal-inclusive wellbeing initiative founded by Gosport practitioner Val Ross, supporting veterans, carers, SEN adults, families and individuals through stress, trauma and emotional overwhelm. Runs a wellbeing group at C2U Gosport and volunteers weekly with those who struggle to access traditional services.
C2U Gosport CIC, 41 High St, Gosport, PO12 1DF
Eligibility: Veterans, carers, SEN adults, families and individuals struggling to access traditional services
Veterans Response CIC
Veterans Response CIC provides mental health support for veterans and their families transitioning from military to civilian life. Also offers career training, a weekly food bank, social events, a drop-in centre and a bargain shop. Open Monday to Friday 10am–3pm.
41 Grange Road, Viking Shopping Centre, Jarrow, NE32 3JY
Mind
National mental health charity providing support, advice and information to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Offers a helpline, online resources, local Mind network and campaigning for better mental health. Support is open to veterans and the wider public.
15-19 Broadway, Stratford, London, E15 4BQ
Veterans First Point Fife (Lochore, Fife)
ASDIC member drop-in centre for veterans and the Armed Forces community. Opening: Every other Weds 1330-1500
Lochore Meadows Visitor Centre, Lochore, Lochgelly, Fife KY5 8BA, Lochgelly, KY5 8BA
Eligibility: Veterans and Armed Forces community
Veterans First Point NHS Ayrshire & Arran
ASDIC member drop-in centre for veterans and the Armed Forces community. Opening: Monday - Friday 1000 - 1600
12 - 14 Bridgegate, Irvine, North Ayrshire KA12 8BQ, Irvine, KA12 8BQ
Eligibility: Veterans and Armed Forces community
Care After Combat
Support for veterans in the criminal justice system, providing drop-in assistance, mentoring and resettlement support. Also offers mental health support for veterans.
Cafferata Way, Newark, NG24 2TN
Eligibility: Veterans in the criminal justice system
RotherHive
RotherHive is developed by NHS South Yorkshire ICB Rotherham Place and provides a range of verified practical mental health and wellbeing information, support and advice for adults in Rotherham. It covers topics including depression, anxiety and stress, suicide prevention, bereavement, dementia, domestic abuse, drugs, alcohol, gambling, homelessness, eating disorders, perinatal mental health, sleep, smoking, pain management and LGBTQIA+ support, plus self-help NHS leaflets and Deaf support services.
Rotherham
Eligibility: Adults in Rotherham seeking verified mental health and wellbeing information, support and advice.
Sheffield Mind
Sheffield Mind is a registered charity that has been supporting mental health in Sheffield since 1978, with over 45 years of experience. Based in Sharrow but working citywide, it provides compassionate, accessible support that empowers people to improve their wellbeing, with a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and equality (EDIE). It offers counselling, advocacy, wellbeing groups and a range of services for people experiencing mental ill health across the city.
Sheffield
Eligibility: Anyone in Sheffield experiencing mental ill health or seeking mental wellbeing support.
Amparo — Thames Valley
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Reading
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Amparo — Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
Stoke-on-Trent
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Veterans First Point Lothian
ASDIC member drop-in centre for veterans and the Armed Forces community. Opening: We provide an open access drop-in centre from Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 1.00pm and 3.30pm at V1P Lothian
Floor K, Argyle House,, 3 Lady Lawson Street, Midlothian Edinburgh EH3 9DS, Edinburgh, EH3 9DS
Eligibility: Veterans and Armed Forces community
Amparo — North Central London
Amparo (meaning 'shelter' or 'safe haven' in Spanish) provides free, confidential emotional and practical support for anyone affected by suicide, delivered by Listening Ear. Support is offered one-to-one, to family groups, or groups of colleagues/peers, and can take place in your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. Experienced Liaison Workers can assist with practical matters such as liaising with police and coroners, helping with media inquiries, preparing for and attending inquest, and accessing other appropriate local support services. Short-term or longer-term support is available. Operates in this region and also serves serving personnel within the British Armed Forces. Not a crisis line.
London
Eligibility: Anyone affected by suicide, plus serving personnel within the British Armed Forces.
Combat Stress
UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health, providing specialist treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Eligibility: Veterans of the UK Armed Forces
Healing the Wounds
Residential trauma recovery retreats for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD and complex trauma.
Romsey
Veterans' Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (Op COURAGE)
NHS specialist mental health service for veterans, reservists and their families. Provides assessment, treatment and referral for mental health conditions.
Eligibility: UK veterans, reservists and their families
Heads Together – Veterans Programme
Mental health awareness initiative supporting veterans to have open conversations and access help without stigma.
Help for Heroes Recovery Centre
Residential and day programmes for veterans with psychological wounds including PTSD, TBI and mental health conditions.
Eligibility: Wounded veterans and their families
Big White Wall (Togetherall)
Anonymous online mental health community offering peer support, self-assessments and guided courses — free to veterans.
Eligibility: Free for UK veterans
Veterans' First Point Scotland
Scottish Government-funded service offering mental health support, peer support and signposting for veterans and their families.
Eligibility: Veterans and their families in Scotland
Walking With The Wounded – Mind Over Mountains
Therapeutic outdoor programmes and guided walking retreats to support veterans' mental health and wellbeing.
Andy's Man Club
Free peer-to-peer support groups for men, with many veteran-friendly groups. Monday evening sessions across the UK.
Highland NHS Veterans First Point
Scotland-based service providing confidential mental health support, assessment and therapy for veterans and reservists through community-based clinics.