Support for the Armed Forces
There are lots of organisations that provide support to serving armed forces personnel, their families and veterans.
Here you can find out more about alternative support.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) awards grants that support the Armed Forces community.
The people who benefit from the grants are from the Armed Forces community. This includes serving personnel, families, Veterans and families and carers of Veterans. In some of the programmes, the wider community around a base or in an area with an Armed Forces population can also benefit.
The Trust are both a charity and a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). They deliver high impact programmes, including administration of the £10 million Armed Forces Covenant Fund, each year.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will award £30million in grants under the Covenant Fund over the next three years (2024 – 2027) according to its three–year framework.
The new Funding Framework has a strong focus on the principles within the Covenant of no disadvantage due to Service, and extra support for those who have given the most. It is built around themes of:
- improving quality of life.
- ensuring that Armed Forces Communities are not disadvantaged;
- supporting those in need of special consideration and
- understanding complex needs and identifying solutions.
The Trust has launched their first three-year Funding Framework. You can read the full document and also watch a recording of their recent webinar where they discussed the Framework in more detail.
More information on the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, including how it awards grants, current open grant programmes, information about its governance, and more.
Forces discount offers
For great deals and savings for the military community, visit Forces Discount Offers, who are a UK based website offering discounts and deals to our Armed Forces and military staff.
Veteran ID Card
An HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran.
Until now, there has been no easy way for veterans to prove they were in the Armed Forces, with serving personnel being required to hand back their ID card (the MOD 90) upon discharge - but now a new ID card is available.
People who left the military recently may already have the new Veteran ID card. But those who left before December 2018 will not.
The new, official card (which can be applied for online) is being delivered by the Ministry of Defence and Office for Veterans' Affairs as part of ongoing improvements to veteran support.
It’s free to apply.
The Veterans' Gateway
The Veterans’ Gateway can help you if you are ex-service and struggling with civvy street. Whether you’re looking for a new home, having financial troubles or struggling with employment, they can connect you directly to the help you’re looking for from organisations that support the ex-service community – wherever and whenever you need it.
For 24-hour support, go to The Veterans’ Gateway website or call 0808 802 1212.
Veterans Contact Point
The ethos of The Veterans Contact Point (VCP) is to be there for those who have served in any of the UK Armed Forces – Veterans, and those who live in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire (CSW) Area.
The VCP is a service by staffed by veterans for veterans. The Veterans Group identified that Veterans understand Veterans and became aware that with external help/interventions assisted by Peer Support, positive changes could be made in people's lives, reducing re-offending, improving engagement, providing a fantastic return on any social investment made, but most importantly of all “being there without judgement, for other veterans in need."
They provide a confidential, free service for veterans and their families living and working in Coventry and Warwickshire.
For further information:
- Call 024 7634 3793 or 07763 792168 (10am – 4pm Monday to Friday)
- Visit The Veterans Contact Point website
Combat Stress helpline
If you're currently serving, or have served in the UK Armed Forces, you can call the Combat Stress 24-hour helpline to talk about mental health. If you are a family member or carer worried about a loved one or need to talk to someone yourself, you can use it too.
Open all day, every day offering support and advice. This is a free and confidential service.
We are here for you if you are having a tough time, have trouble sleeping, have flashbacks, feel depressed, get anxious sometimes or just feel that something is not quite right.
- Call: 0800 138 1619
- Text: 07537 404 719
- Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
The Army Families Federation (AFF)
The Army Families Federation is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice on a range of welfare issues including money matters and family life.
The MOD Army
The MOD Army provides help on a range of welfare issues including deployment support for families, legal assistance and a dedicated Forces line for confidential guidance.
The Naval Families Federation
The Naval Families Federation lists organisations and charities that can help with a range of welfare issues, including bereavement and disability needs.
The Royal Navy
The Royal Navy Community provides information to help serving personnel facing bullying, harassment or stress.
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association provides information on social, family and financial issues to anyone that is currently serving or has ever served in the Army, Navy or RAF, and their families.
Veterans UK
Veterans UK provides a range of services including a veterans' advice helpline, a welfare service that will provide a dedicated caseworker to assist veterans and their families, and support to war pensioners and war widow(ers).
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion provide financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces - past and present and their families.