On this page
Introduction
Leaving the armed forces can have a huge impact on your life. Help is available to support you and your family with finding work, a place to live, access to training, financial support and community recognition.
Bassetlaw District Council and our partner organisations can help with your resettlement.
Bassetlaw District Council has marked its support for the local services community by adopting an Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Champion for Bassetlaw is Councillor Sybil Fielding, who you can contact for help with support, signposting and representation.
General support
Royal British Legion website - for practical care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families.
Soldier, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) website - for financial, practical and emotional assistance to anyone that is currently serving or has ever served in the Army, Navy or RAF and their families.
Veterans UK website - for a range of services including a veterans advice helpline, a welfare service that will provide a dedicated caseworker to assist veterans and their families, links to other veteran charities offering advice and details of how to contact local veterans advisory and pensions committees who provide support to war pensioners and war widow(ers). Call the Veterans UK helpline: 08081 914 218.
Army Families Federation (AFF) website - The AFF is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice on a range of welfare issues including money matters and family life. AFF works at a local level directly with families and local command.
MOD Army website - for details on a range of welfare issues including deployment support for families, legal assistance, mental health and dedicated contacts for confidential guidance.
Naval Families Federation website - lists organisations and charities that can help with a range of welfare issues, including bereavement and disability needs.
Royal Navy Opportunities for All website - for information to help serving personnel, veterans and their families, as well as anyone looking to join the Royal Navy.
Royal Air Forces Association website - offers specialist advice and support, for you and your family to navigate challenges facing serving personnel and veterans.
Housing
Housing Support for Armed Forces Personnel & Veterans
If you are serving in HM Armed Forces or are a veteran, Bassetlaw District Council can help with housing advice, applications, and homelessness support.
At risk of being homeless
You can approach any council for help. More information on help and support in Bassetlaw is available on our homelessness page.
You will receive a Personalised Housing Plan, which may include support with:
• finding private rented housing
• negotiating with landlords
• benefits, debt or budgeting advice
• employment or training support
Already homeless
If you are homeless and eligible, we will work with you for up to 56 days to find accommodation.
You may be provided temporary housing if you are in priority need. This can include circumstances related to your service. More information on help and support in Bassetlaw is available on our homelessness page.
Applying for Council Housing
You can join the council’s housing waiting list while serving or after discharge.
You do not have to have a local connection to Bassetlaw to go on the housing waiting list.
Other support
Citizens Advice - Get housing help if you’re leaving or have left the armed forces.
UK Government website - for information and guidance on civilian housing for service personnel and their dependants.
Shelter website - a homelessness charity that provide specialist advice to Armed Forces and Ex-Services Personnel.
The Royal British Legion's Poppy Calls Handy Person Services provides small household repairs and minor adaptations around the home. Call 0808 802 8080 to enquire.
Finance and Benefits
Help for Heroes website - can provide swift financial assistance and a long-term support network. Their whole focus is supporting you and your family on the road to recovery.
Bassetlaw Citizens Advice Bureau - for a dedicated Money and Benefits advice service for veterans across Bassetlaw.
Veterans UK website - is responsible for pay and pensions provision.
Employment and Training
Bassetlaw District Council supports employees who are reservists, are spouses of serving military personnel, and encourage employees to become Cadet leaders. To do this, we offer our staff:
- Up to 12 additional days paid leave, extended to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers to encourage our employees to consider this route
- A flexible working policy to assist with military commitments
- Management support in preparation for, during and after mobilisation
- Access to an Occupational Health service
- Access to an employee support line, a confidential counselling service
- ‘Wear Your Uniform to Work’ Policy.
Spouses and partners of regulars and reservists are to be given flexibility e.g. approval for longer periods of leave prior to mobilisation. Flexibility to accompany partner on any medical visits necessitated on return etc. The Council is registered with Forces Family Jobs.
We advertise jobs through the Career Transition Partnership.
Finchale Veterans Service website - a specialist training college which hosts a veterans support network and produces a Directory of Services. Finchale was founded in 1943 as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for disabled servicemen.
Employment Support website - for services to help currently serving, ex-serving personnel, and their families prepare for employment as they transition into civilian life.
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Bassetlaw District Council is proud to hold the Gold Award.
The Council encourages other businesses to sign up to the scheme (gov.uk).
Previous page: Armed Forces Covenant | Next page: Health and Wellbeing Support
Last Updated on Sunday, July 26, 2026