Christmas; it’s a lovely time of year but it’s not always easy. Here are some useful tips and links if you need help over the festive season.
Helplines available over Christmas
Veterans’ Gateway is a first point of contact and operates 24/7 during Christmas and beyond. The team can help with housing, mental wellbeing, finances and more. You can get in touch by phone, chat or email
Call 0808 802 1212
Text 21212
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading Veterans’ mental health charity and is available 24/7
Free helpline: 0800 138 1619
Text: 07537 173683
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
Samaritans
Call 116123
Download the Samaritans Veterans app
Foodbanks
Keeping warm
‘Warm Banks’ are community spaces and you can find your nearest one here ‘Warm Welcome Campaign’.
Friendly contact
Armed Forces and Breakfast Clubs – these are free and you can search here for your local club
AGE UK’s Silver Line Helpline 24/7, 365 days a year Telephone Friendship Service. Their team will help you with a friendly conversation, providing information and links with local groups and services
Royal Star and Garter has a free Telephone Friendship Service which offers support and a friendly voice to veterans and their partners who may be feeling lonely, isolated or would just like a chat
Help with debt
If think you might get into difficulties paying your rent, speak to your landlord as soon as you can. Haig Housing’s Income Team can be reached on
020 8685 5777
incomes@haighousing.org.uk
MoneyHelper provides some great information and links
The BBC’s Cost of Living section has guides for saving money and energy
Citizens Advice has information to help with debt and budget for the cost of living
Royal British Legion Cost of Living Grant – Apply here
Every little helps – Savings for Veterans
Veterans’ Railcard 1/3 off rail travel for Veterans
Blue Light Card Big savings on brands for Veterans (£4.99 for 2 years)
Defence Discount Service Official MoD discount service for Veterans and the Armed Forces Community (£4.99 for 5 years’ registration)
Your health
Make sure that your GP is aware that you have served in the Armed Forces. Specialist help is available
Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service has contacts, links and advice
Op RESTORE: Working alongside Op COURAGE, the Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service is an NHS service that provides specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the Armed Forces
