There are a wide range of services specifically designed for the Armed Forces community available from local government, Ministry of Defence and third sector organisations. It can often be confusing when trying to find the best organisations to help.
To make this easier, a directory of services available to veterans (opens in new tab) can be found here. Veterans Gateway (opens in new tab) is also a service that is aimed at making accessing support much easier for veterans.
Whenever you request a service, please make us aware that you are a member of the armed forces community. There are often special rules that apply to members of the community in relation to local government services, and we want to ensure that you benefit from these.
The Welsh Government (opens in new tab) is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community in Wales. Their aim is to ensure members of this community are not disadvantaged in accessing public services as a result of Armed Forces service.
Armed Forces Community Covenant Enquiry (opens in new tab)The information here will provide you with links to organisations in the area that can help you with your job search, careers advice or support in becoming self employed.
Remploy
Support programmes are in place designed to help people who are unemployed with a health condition or disability find work. People are supported in work (to increase sustainability) for up to 2 years. Originally Remploy was founded after the 2nd World War to support returning troops with injuries to take civilian employment so they understand the need for statutory provision, in this case Work Choice, to fit the needs of veterans and service leavers.
Across the UK they have town and city centre branches from where they run this support programme.
Email: veterans@remploy.co.uk
Are you unemployed and looking for work?
Jobcentre Plus can help you prepare for, find and stay in work, including:
- Training, guidance and work placement programmes (opens in new tab)
- Work experience, volunteering and job trialling schemes (opens in new tab)
- Help with starting your own business (opens in new tab)
- Help combining work with looking after children or caring responsibilities (opens in new tab)
- Extra help for specific problems (opens in new tab)
Support for Disabled People
Speak to a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus (opens in new tab) . They can help you find a job or gain new skills, and tell you about specific programmes to help you back into work.
Are you an Employer?
Here are details of a Jobcentre Plus (opens in new tab) initiative to help veterans back into employment for more information, please contact your local jobcentre
Support from other organisations
The Royal British Legion (opens in new tab) provides details of getting into work after leave the Forces including training, job vacancies, interview preparation and a guide to starting your own business.
Self Employment Support
Be the Boss (opens in new tab) provides funding, training and mentoring support to UK Services leavers on how to run a successful small business.
HM Revenue & Customs (opens in new tab) has a lot of support for people who are going self employed. Their short courses are free.
Business Link (opens in new tab) can offer an on-line service to support new business start-up, and help existing businesses expand and improve. The website has many sources of information to assist businesses including links to training and seminars.
Career Transition Partnership
Service leavers of all ranks from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines can all benefit from resettlement support, career transition advice and training opportunities.
Resettlement support doesn’t end when you leave the Armed Forces. You can seek help if eligible from your Regional Resettlement Centre for up to two years after your discharge date.
They have a team of 24 dedicated and experienced Employment Consultants (ECs) based all over the UK, they can help Service leavers like you find the career you’re looking for.
Website: www.ctp.org.uk (opens in new tab)
Hire a Hero
A military charity who works with all ex-military personnel doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes to provide individual support in the transition from service to civilian life.
Hire a Hero works in partnerships with other organisations to identify and provide the best support for service leavers. This covers a numbers of areas including employment, training, housing and injured support.
Based in Mamhilad, Hire a Hero aims to serve those who have served us and is dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces Community of Torfaen.
Email: info@hireaherouk.org
Tel: 01495761084
The Poppy Factory - "Getting You Back To Work" Programme
Our life-changing employability service is dedicated to supporting veterans with physical or mental health conditions into sustainable employment. For further information visit www.poppyfactory.org (opens in new tab).
Below are details of organisations that can provide information and advice to families when a member of the family joins the Forces.
The MOD Army
They provide a range of welfare support to families while soldiers are away. This support is provided to both Regular Army Families and to those of mobilised members of the Territorial Army or the Regular Reserve.
Website: www.army.mod.uk
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association provides backing, encouragement and a ready source of advice for parents of children with additional needs or disabilities, serving personnel with a disability and their partners and carers.
Tel: 0845 1300975
Website: www.ssafa.org.uk
Torfaen Family Information Service
Torfaen Family Information Service will provide all parents and carers, prospective parents and professionals working with families in Torfaen with information and advice on the wide range of services and facilities for families with children and young people aged 0-19 years. The Family Information Service will provide tailor made information packs for individual armed forces families based on their individual needs. The service will be available, accessible and free to use for armed forces families and indeed all families in Torfaen or for those who are planning to move to/work in Torfaen.
Drop-in during office hours at Cwmbran Integrated Children’s Centre, Ton Road, Cwmbran.
Contact: Katherine Burnap
Tel: 01633 647400
Website: www.torfaenfis.org.uk
Information on School Admissions and the Torfaen Schools Directory can be viewed here.
Help for Heroes
Their mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for the wounded and their families. They will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on their behalf to achieve their full potential
Tel: 01980 846 459
Email: info@helpforheroes.org.uk
Holidays for Heroes
A Jersey charity whose aim is to provide a week’s holiday on the beautiful island, to any past or present member of HM Forces injured, in mind or body, whilst during or resulting from their service.
Website: www.hols4heroesjersey.org.je
RBL-Royal British Legion
The Legion offers much-needed breaks to ex-Service and serving personnel and their families. If you or a member of your family is recovering from an illness, bereavement or other life affecting event, the Legion can provide a comfortable and enjoyable break .
If you've suffered a bereavement RBL volunteer caseworkers or visitors can provide some basic information on bereavement services that might be available to you in your area
Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk
Wales Homes For Veterans
Support for anyone with the following barriers: homelessness, mental health, learning difficulties, and help finding employment
Tel: 01722 344483
Email: enquiries@alabare.co.uk
Website: www.alabare.co.uk
Healing the invisible wounds
Helps for veterans and their families adjust to civilian life, also support for any veteran suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, housing issues or ex offender
Tel: 01273 911 771
Email: info@helpforveterans.org.uk
Website: www.helpforveterans.org.uk
Combat Stress
Providing counselling for ex armed forces, reservists and families (PTSD)
Tel: 0800 138 1619
Email: contactus@combatstress.org.uk
Website: www.combatstress.org.uk
Care after Combat (Footprints road to Recovery)
Help with ex armed forces suffering for alcohol misuse
Tel: 0300 343 0255
Website: www.careaftercombat.org
South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 (Falklands conflict)
Support for veterans of the Falklands conflict with any issues relating to their time at the Falklands
Tel: 01495 741592
Email: secretary@sma82.org.uk
Website: www.sama82.org.uk
Below are details of organisations that can provide financial advice for Forces personnel, veterans and their families.
Royal British Legion
They offer a range of financial assistance services, including benefits and money advice, grants and loans. If you have a compensation claim arising from your Service the Legion can help you through the process under the War Pensions Scheme or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk
Veterans UK
They provide a full range of information for people injured, disabled or bereaved by the service, including details of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, War Disablement Pensions and Armed Forces Pensions.
Website: www.veterans-uk.info
Royal Artillery Charitable Fund
Supports all serving and retired Gunners, their families and dependants, and the families and dependants of deceased Gunners.
One off or recurrent grants are given for all essential needs. The only exceptions are: legal fees and private medical treatment. Advice is given on all welfare and benevolence matters.
Tel: 01633 242628
Email: 104RA-RHQ-ROSO@mod.uk
The Royal Artillery Association
Supports Royal Artillery Veterans and Royal Artillery serving soldiers and their families. Material and financial support to serving and veterans Royal Artillery service personnel on a case by case basis Royal Artillery Veterans and Royal Artillery serving soldiers and their families. Material and financial support to serving and veterans Royal Artillery service personnel on a case by case basis
Tel: 01874 613861
Email: jamie.sage200@mod.uk
Website: www.theraa.co.uk
Benefits
You may be entitled to some benefits such as housing or child benefit.
Many factors will affect your entitlement to benefits. Help is available with applications, appeals and to identify entitlements. Please let us know what support you require.
- Blue Badge Scheme
- Council Tax Discounts
- Information on benefits - includes tax credits, eligibility and appeals
- Pension Calculator
- Redundancy Calculator
- War Widows Pension
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) are introducing a new benefit for injured service or ex-service personnel. This aims to simplify and streamline the financial support system for members of the Armed Forces who have been seriously injured as a result of their service.
This new benefit will be called the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and will be introduced from 8th April 2013.
Website: www.veterans-uk.info
CAB
The Citizens Advice service offers practical, up-to-date information and advice on a wide range of topics, including; debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems.
Discount Services
Sign up to this discount service for members of the Armed Forces, their families and Veterans to make savings both online and on the high street.
Website: www.defencediscountservice.co.uk
Holidays for Heroes
A Jersey charity whose aim is to provide a week’s holiday on the beautiful island, to any past or present member of HM Forces injured, in mind or body, whilst during or resulting from their service.
Website: www.hols4heroesjersey.org.je
Forces Compare
Forces Compare is an independent search engine that specialises in offering unique discounts on financial / legal services for both serving and veterans, from a select group of highly reputable, military finance / insurance specialists.
Founded and run by ex-serving members of HM Armed Forces and is based in Bristol.
Website: www.forcescompare.uk
We recognise that long term accommodation is important for people leaving the Armed Forces. We can provide you with information and advice to help you find good quality, affordable housing that meets your individual needs and we offer specific support to those wishing to apply for a council home in Torfaen.
Call our Customer Care team on 01495 762200 for advice.
We offer advice about a wide range of housing options and services which you may be interested in. These include
- Housing Benefits
- Affordable Housing
Adaptations and equipment for your home - If you are disabled or you are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities, specialist equipment and adaptations can help you to remain living independently and safely in your own home. We can provide help to private home owners and council tenants.
Private rented home through our accredited landlord scheme – Torfaen’s accredited landlord scheme gives accreditation status to landlords in the private rented sector who agree to work to a code of management and meet certain housing standards
Buy a home through an affordable housing scheme - Help2Own - Help2Own is a low cost home ownership scheme, which enables people currently priced out of the housing market to own a home of their own.
The Royal British Legion provide short and long term care for serving and ex-Service people and their dependants in Royal British Legion Care Homes around the country.
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) offers advice and assistance to anyone eligible for their help, whether they are serving or ex-service, or a family member of someone with a service connection. The SSAFA also provide housing and residential home facilities.
Hire a Hero
A military charity who works with all ex-military personnel doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes to provide individual support in the transition from service to civilian life.
Hire a Hero works in partnerships with other organisations to identify and provide the best support for service leavers. This covers a numbers of areas including employment, training, housing and injured support.
Based in Mamhilad, Hire a Hero aims to serve those who have served us and is dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces Community of Torfaen.
Email: info@hireaherouk.org
Tel: 01495761084
If you are part of Torfaen’s forces community you may be entitled to certain discounts. Please view the information below to find out more.
If you know of any discount schemes or offers available please email details to: armedforces@torfaen.gov.uk
Defence discount scheme
The official Ministry of Defence discount service is available for all members of the Defence Community and you can join for free and start saving £100's a year - www.defencediscountservice.co.uk
Rewards for Forces
Military personnel can get hundreds of discounts at a number of high street outlets using this scheme - www.rewardsforforces.co.uk
Car prices driven down for Armed Forces
A new discount programme launched could save armed forces members and their families thousands of pounds on the cost of a new car - www.gov.uk
Forces Discount Offers
Offering discounts to a whole range of retailers, from Sky broadband, TUI holiday, Argos, EE and much more - www.forcesdiscountoffers.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Forces Compare
Forces Compare provides unique discount codes for both those serving and veterans on generic insurance products, as well as more military specific services such as military kit insurance - www.forcescompare.uk
Troopscout
Promotional discounts on many major UK retailers and services exclusively for members of the Armed Forces and their families. FREE to use and can offer savings on major brands. – www.troopscout.com (opens in new tab)
Being in the Forces, you may move to several locations. It is important that you arrange medical cover as soon as possible. The following organisations provide advice about the medical care available.
Royal British Legion
They have Break Centres across the country for those who are recovering from an illness, bereavement or other life affecting events.
Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk
The MOD Army
They provides information on casualty care, mental healthcare and family healthcare.
Website: www.army.mod.uk
All Wales Veterans Health
The All Wales Veterans Health and Wellbeing Service were funded by the Welsh Government in April 2010. It is being delivered by NHS Wales. Each Local Health Board (LHB) has appointed an experienced clinician as a Veterans Therapist (VT) with an interest or experience of military health problems.
Tel: 029 2074 2062 (Mon-Fri - 8.00 - 3.30)
Email: sharon.bowles@wales.nhs.uk or neil.kitchiner@wales.nhs.uk
Website: www.veteranswales.co.uk
Blind Veterans UK
Formerly St Dunstan's, Blind Veterans UK believe that no one who's served our country should battle blindness alone. Providing practical and emotional support, regardless of when people served or how they lost their sight.
Website: www.blindveterans.org.uk
Counselling Directory
A directory of Counsellors and organisations providing counselling services in the Local area.
Website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Mind
Helps to support and inform people in the local community who experience mental health problems, or who may have relatives, carers or friends of someone who experiences emotional distress.
Tel: 01495 759272
Website: www.torfaenmind.co.uk
Combat Stress
Combat Stress works with Veterans of the British Armed Forces, and members of the Reserve Forces, through effective treatment and support for mental health problems.
Website: www.combatstress.org.uk
Doctors/GP’s and Hospitals
Details of Doctors/GP's and Hospitals in Torfaen
Hire a Hero
A military charity who works with all ex-military personnel doing whatever it takes for as long as it takes to provide individual support in the transition from service to civilian life.
Hire a Hero works in partnerships with other organisations to identify and provide the best support for service leavers. This covers a numbers of areas including employment, training, housing and injured support.
Based in Mamhilad, Hire a Hero aims to serve those who have served us and is dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces Community of Torfaen.
Email: info@hireaherouk.org
Tel: 01495761084
Fighting with Pride
Fighting With Pride supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families – in particular those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces prior to January 2000.