Contents
- Introduction
- What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
- What Bassetlaw District Council does for Veterans
- Remembrance and Royal British Legion
- Employment and Training
- Benefits and Finance
- Housing Support
- Health and Wellbeing
- General Support and Useful Contact Information
- Discounts and Rewards
Introduction
Leaving the armed forces can have a huge impact on your life and your family. Not only must you find a new job and housing, but also settle your family into schools, jobs and social activities. Support is also available for Veterans at any time.
A wide range of services are available from Bassetlaw District Council and our partner organisations that can help with your resettlement, or with life events where you need that extra support.
Bassetlaw District Council has marked its support for the local services community by adopting an Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2013.
Other partners and local groups also signed up to the principles in the Community Covenant, including Nottinghamshire Police, local NHS services, Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue, Job Centre Plus, and BCVS on behalf of local voluntary and community services. All the Nottinghamshire Councils have signed up to a joint updated Armed Forces Covenant.
The covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local armed forces representatives. It not only recognises the contribution of serving personnel, their families and veterans but importantly it identifies practical ways the Council can help them access support to help them adjust to life after leaving the services.
In turn, the armed forces promote ties with the local community and offer support wherever they can.
What is the Armed Forces Covenant
"A promise from the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly"
The covenant’s twin underlying principles are that, members of the armed forces community should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services; and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most, such as the injured or the bereaved.
There are a range of national and local support services listed here. There are also local organisations that welcome ex forces personnel and their families to join them.
What Bassetlaw District Council does for Veterans
We work together to make sure Bassetlaw District Council is delivering on it’s Covenant declaration. If you have any questions, problems or queries we are here to help.
Meet the Bassetlaw Covenant Team
Councillor Gill Freeman
Armed Forces Champion
Contact: gillian.freeman@cllr.bassetlaw.gov.uk
Mobile: 01909 732 337
Statement: I have been a Langold resident for 80 years and my family have lived in the area for a long time. My father served in the Coldstream Guards, had a brother in the Air Force and another in the Royal Signals. I served in the Army myself. My son was an honorary officer in the Air Cadets.
Stephen Brown
Head of Corporate Services
Email: stephen.brown@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Telephone: 01909 533767
Mobile: 07711 772771
Statement: I am the senior Council officer responsible for armed forces issues. Part of my role is to ensure that we put the Covenant into action and that the fact you are a current member of the Armed Forces, a veteran or a family member is not a barrier to accessing Council services.
John Simmonds
Markets Manager
Email: john.simmonds@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Mobile: 07947 557 964
Statement: Having served in the Royal Marines, I have a full understanding of service life and the impact of returning to “civvy street”. Given my experience, I act as a “buddy” for any member or ex-member of the services or their families, who need to deal with the Council (or other bodies) but may not know where to start.
Elaine Simmonds
Revenues and Benefits Manager
Email: elaine.simmonds@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Telephone: 01909 533 744
Statement: I make sure that both serving and ex forces personnel and their families are accessing all the support they can. As the wife of a former forces member, I have first-hand experience of the impact on family members. In my team, there are dedicated welfare and money advisors who can support you and your family with issues around budgeting, housing, and debt, as well as assisting with form filling. We can also signpost you to our partners for other support, including mental health, homelessness or dependency.
Darrell Berridge
Money Advisor
Email: darrell.berridge@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Telephone: 07725 768 404
Statement: One to one support with all benefits advice and forms and general help and signposting on debt issues. I can see people in the council offices in Worksop or Retford, Retford Job Centre or home visits if needed as well as at the Veterans Hub located at Bassetlaw Food Bank, off Shrewsbury Road, Worksop.
Remembrance & Royal British Legion
The District Council plays the lead role in commemorating those from our community who have served in past conflicts and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Remembrance Sunday
- Sgt Johnson VC – Memorial Ceremony
- Wing Commander Nowak Plaque – Worksop
- Flt. Atterby McCains memorial – Retford
- Lieutenant Pickard VC –memorial – Worksop
Royal British Legion
Royal British Legion - The Council has a long association with the Royal British Legion and awarded the two branches with the ‘Freedom of the District’ in 2019.
Worksop Branch
Branch meets at 19:30hrs the last Friday of every month at:
Kilton Forest Golf Club ,Blyth Road, Worksop, S81 0TL
Contact: Grant Cullen secretary@rbl-worksop.org
Telephone: 0808 802 8080 Opening Times: 8am - 8pm
Retford and District Branch
The Branch meets at 19.30hrs on the first Monday of every month at the Babworth Sports & Social Club in Retford DN22 7NJ. Please note: there are no meetings in January and August.
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Opening Times: 8am - 8pm
Alternatively, contact: Welfare Chairman: Mrs Cath Richardson cater8@sky.com
Harworth
Come and join us for a coffee on the first Friday of the month at the Town Hall, Bircotes 10am - 12noon. Veterans and everyone welcome.
The Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families, and we’re not going anywhere.
We support serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week.
Our support starts after seven days of service and continues through life, long after service is over.
Royal British Legion (RBL) provides practical care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families.
Looking for a job or training? Need advice about resettlement? Trying to work your way through the pensions minefield? You’ll find a whole range of useful guides and contacts are available via the Royal British Legion.
If you need help, call our Contact Centre helpline on 0808 802 8080 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week (calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks).
Employment and Training
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.
The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although, public sector organisations such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies, are also eligible to join the ERS scheme.
Bassetlaw District Council is proud to be a Gold Award holder
Employment - Our pledge
As an employer we advertise jobs through the Career Transition Partnership. Jobs are placed on the Council’s website.
Our pledge of support for reservist employees:
- Up to 2 weeks paid leave each year to attend military training camp (pro rata for part time staff)
- 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
- eligibility for sickness absence pay in line with terms and conditions
- eligibility for maternity, paternity and adoption leave in line with terms and conditions
- death in service scheme (only applicable if in the pension scheme) 01909 533 533 11
- the District Council will encourage the reservist to keep in contact at a social level with friends and colleagues from their workplace during periods of mobilisation.
Employing a Reservist
Bassetlaw District Council is an identified priority area. The Council will be providing community leadership in supporting the Armed Forces with their recruitment campaign. We would encourage businesses to pledge their support for employing reservists. An outline of the pledges you could make and for assistance in becoming a reservist employer can be found on the Defence Relationship Management website.
RFEA- The Forces Employment Charity
RFEA provide lifelong support for those who have served in the forces to find and sustain jobs and training. It is operated by staff with a blend of experience from the armed forces, Criminal Justice system and charities. Employers can also register on our website and advertise their vacancies.
Early Intervention and for those most in need
Our work includes early intervention, supporting veterans to find a new job, often when they have not succeeded in finding jobs through general civilian support. We prevent working age veterans from becoming long-term unemployed so that they can sustain an income and provide a stable life for themselves and their families.
We increasingly work with those who are unemployed, who face higher barriers to employment and have a longer journey back to work. To do this, we link with welfare, healthcare and housing charities as well as working with veterans in the criminal justice sector.
Project Nova
Project Nova supports vulnerable veterans and veterans who have been arrested and enter Police Custody. Veterans may also be referred by specialist Police teams, or other statutory organisations, because they are at risk of arrest. As of 2019 it also supports Merchant Navy who have worked with HM Forces on Operational deployment.
Launched on 1 July 2014, it is delivered as a partnership between RFEA and Walking With The Wounded (WWTW). Project Nova currently operates in the East of England; the North East; the North West, Devon and Cornwall and South Yorkshire and Humberside.
Project Nova is operated by staff with a blend of experience from the armed forces, Criminal Justice System and charities. Our staff are skilled at engaging with veterans to understand their experience of military service, their lives before they joined the armed forces, and their transition back to civilian life. Project Nova undertakes a needs assessment for each individual and puts in place specialist support from a network of military charities and other organisations. We then keep in touch ensuring that the veterans we support have an ongoing connection, checking in and resolving issues when they occur.
Project Nova may be contacted on:
Freephone 0800 917 7299
or by Email at info.nst@projectnova.org.uk
Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
Is a partnering agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Right Management Ltd, who are global career development and outplacement specialists and part of the Manpower Group. The CTP provides resettlement services for those leaving the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Marines. Regardless of time served, all members of the Armed Forces can benefit from CTP support when leaving Service. This service brings together a number of different services into one, which aims to provide seamless support to service leavers.
The services which CTP offer include:
- core resettlement programme
- employment support programme
- early service leaver programme
- spouse employment support trial
- reservists employment support.
Remploy
Remploy helps disabled veterans to prepare for and find employment after the Armed Forces. Their support includes:
- skills development
- confidence building
- work preparation, including CV writing and application support
- access to the latest local vacancies
- ongoing support when you start work, including advice on any reasonable adjustments you may need
- advice and guidance on career progression.
Remploy also helps veterans experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health issues in the workplace. Their Workplace Mental Health Support Service enables individuals to overcome the issues they are experiencing at work, so that they can remain in their job.
Visit the Remploy website.
Benefits and Finance
Bassetlaw District Council - Benefits and Money Advice Team. You can get help with payment of rent and Council Tax if you are on a low income. If you are unemployed or on a low income, you may be able to claim Universal Credit from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
Council Tax Support can be claimed online on our Benefits page or call 01909 533 710 for help to claim. We disregard war disability pensions, war widows pension and Armed Forces Independence payment when working out how much Council Tax Support you can get. If you need any advice on how to claim, help with claiming any online, budgeting support or debt support, please contact our money advice team on 01909 533 744. The Money Advisors have access to discretionary hardship funds for exceptional circumstances and can help you get extra help with rent or council tax.
Debit Advice
We can refer you to specialised debt support or you can contact Citizens Advice Debt Support on 01909 498 888.
There are a number of pension support and compensation schemes administered by Veterans UK on behalf of the Ministry of Defence available to serving and former serving personnel who are injured as a result of their service in the armed forces. The scheme that applies to each individual will depend on when and where you served and when you were injured.
Further details about the support Veterans-UK can provide
Email veterans-uk@mod.uk
Free helpline telephone: UK only 0808 1914 218
Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees (VAPC)
Advise veterans and their families on their needs, issues and concerns. VAPC is an advisory body sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. Formerly known as the War Pensions Committees, VAPC advise and liaise with veterans, their families and relevant organisations on their needs, issues and concerns. They assist, raise awareness, advocate and provide governance to the veterans’ community, and champion the rights of veterans and their families where there is injustice, inequality or a lack of fairness. Email: veterans-uk@mod.uk Free helpline: 0808 1914 218
The Royal British Legion (RBL) also provides financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces - past and present and their families.
The RBL also runs MoneyForce, the home of money guidance for UK service people. A joint initiative between Standard Life Charitable Trust, The Royal British Legion and the Ministry of Defence, the MoneyForce website aims to assist all service personnel, their partners, families and dependants, to be better equipped to manage their money and financial affairs.
For more information go to the RBL website.
The War Pensions Scheme (WPS)
A compensation scheme for any injury or illness which has been caused or made worse by service in the Armed Forces. Your claim can be considered under the WPS if you are no longer serving and your disablement was caused as a result of service in the armed forces before 6 April 2005.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
You can claim under the AFCS where the illness or injury was caused as a result of service on or after 6 April 2005. You do not need to have left the armed forces before claiming. Veterans uk can provide support with both WPS and AFCS Claims.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation (Overseas) Scheme (CICO)
You can claim under the CICO if you or your eligible dependants are the innocent victim of a crime of violence while serving overseas.
Visit the Veterans UK website.
Veterans UK
Veterans UK, Ministry of Defence, Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 3WP
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Housing Support
Bassetlaw Housing Needs Team
If you have been served an eviction notice or are moving from service accommodation, into the Bassetlaw area, please contact us for help, with finding accommodation.
As a serving member or ex-member of the armed forces, you will not need to have had local links to apply for council accommodation.
Website: Housing Needs (Homelessness)
Email: housing.needs@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Telephone: 01909 533 533 (ask for Housing Needs) Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm
Housing can support you with:
- How to apply for housing from the Council
- What to do if you are homeless
- How to apply for grants to improve your home
- Details of local housing associations
- How to apply for help with rent or Council Tax support
- Information about affordable housing schemes in your area
You can also ask for help with housing forms from the Council’s Money Advisors.
Joint Service Housing Advice Office
The JSHAO is the MOD’s tri-service focal point to provide service personnel and their dependants with civilian housing information for those wishing to move to civilian accommodation at any time in their career, and for those during resettlement to assist with the transition to civilian life.
Floor 2, Zone 2, Montgomery House, Queen’s Avenue, ALDERSHOT, Hants, GU11 2JN
Telephone: 01252 787 574
JSHAO website
Email: RC-Pers-JSHAO-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
JSHAO telephone advice line: 01252 787 574
Red Rose Housing
Red Rose Housing is a Nottingham based charity that is dedicated to helping vulnerable veterans. They are a specialist housing provider determined to helping the homeless and also promoting opportunities for vulnerable and excluded people to help change the direction of their lives.
They also provide support and legal guidance for those in need of assistance, including:
- Training in illegal money lending
- Financial Abuse from scam emails and letters directed at vulnerable people
- Adult safe guarding and safe guarding children
- Domestic Violence
- Tenancy Issues
- Housing Disrepair
Red Rose Housing can be contacted by phone on 0115 964 8334
Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity provide specialist advice to Armed Forces and Ex-Services personnel.
Shelter website or Veterans Aid.
Telephone: 0800 012 6867 for veterans in crisis
Nottinghamshire Community Housing Association, Pelham Road, Nottingham. Telephone: 0800 013 8555
South Yorkshire Housing Association, Rockingham Street, Sheffield S1 4EB. Telephone: 0114 2900 200
SPACES (Single Persons Accommodation for Ex Services) deliver a housing advice and placement service to single veterans who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, throughout the UK.
SPACES are a homeless and housing advice service who work with customers to provide advice, source and secure accommodation all over the UK.
SPACES are part of the national housing association Riverside, and also have exclusive referral rights to supported housing projects specifically for single ex service personnel, The Beacon, Catterick Garrison, Hardwick House, Middlesbrough and Mike Jackson House in Aldershot. We currently have flats available at The Beacon, Hardwick House and Mike Jackson House.
If you do have any veterans who are currently homeless, or threatened with homelessness, please contact us if you would like to complete a referral or if you would like further information. No local connection is required.
Email: spaces@riverside.org.uk
Telephone: Monday – Friday 9-5 on 01748 833797
There is also a referral form via the Riverside website.
Health & Wellbeing
Veterans Mental Health & Well-being Support
NHS – launch OP Courage ( April 2021)
This new service combines the former Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS), mental health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and mental health High Intensity Service (HIS), making it easier for Veterans or those just leaving service, to find help quickly.
Doctors, nurses and other NHS staff will work with military charities to provide therapy, rehab services and, in extreme cases, inpatient care to hundreds of former soldiers, sailors and RAF personnel each year.
Those needing urgent help will receive a same day referral.
The new service will focus on those in crisis, at risk of self-harm or suicide, or suffering other problems such as homelessness and addiction. Veterans will be able to access any of the three tiers of treatment from a single Op Courage service in each of the seven NHS regions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available from Op COURAGE: It does not matter if you’re due to leave the Armed Forces, just left the Armed Forces or left many years ago. Op COURAGE are here to help and understand the courage it takes to speak to someone.
When you are put in contact Op COURAGE, you’ll speak to people who:
- understand the Armed Forces and military life
- are either from the Armed Forces community or highly experienced in working with serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families
• will work with you to make sure you get the right type of specialist care, support, and treatment
You can contact the service yourself or ask your GP, a charity or someone else, such as a family member or friend, to do this for you. The service will arrange for you to have an assessment, to make sure you get the right care and support.
Everyone is different, so the service offers a range of treatments, including:
- working with Defence Medical Services to make sure you get mental health care and support as you transition from the military to civilian life
- recognising the early signs of mental health problems and providing care and treatment for this
- therapeutic treatment for more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma
- intensive emergency care and treatment if you’re in a crisis
- helping you to access other NHS services if needed, such as ‘Improving access to psychological therapies’ (IAPT) and eating disorder services
- working with charities and local organisations to support you with your wider health and wellbeing needs, such as housing, relationships, finances, employment, drug and alcohol misuse and social support.
To get help from this service you must:
- be a resident in England and have served in the UK Armed Forces for a full day
- be registered with a GP practice in England or be willing and eligible to register with a GP
- provide your military service number or another form of eligibility
How to contact Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
In the North of England, call 0303 123 1145 or Email vwals@nhs.net
In the Midlands or East of England, call 0300 323 0137 or Email mevs.mhm@nhs.net
In London or the South East of England, call 020 3317 6818 or Email cim-tr.veteranstilservice-lse@nhs.net
In the South West of England, call 0300 365 2000 or Email gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk
Urgent support
If you or a member of your family experience a mental health crisis (when you no longer feel able to cope or are not in control of your situation) you can contact Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service or you can get help by:
- Calling Notts healthcare for veterans 0808 196 3779
- Calling Samaritans (24hrs) 116 123
- Calling 111 booking an emergency GP appointment, visiting A&E or calling 999
- MIND mental health charity 0300 1233 393
If you’re still serving, you can also call the Military Mental Health.
Helpline on 0800 323 4444
Registering with a GP
If you’ve left the military, it’s important to register with an NHS GP and tell them that you’ve served in the Armed Forces so you can access dedicated services for veterans.
Every Mind Matters App can be found on the NHS website.
Nottinghamshire Mind – Crisis Sanctuaries
The Crisis Sanctuaries are delivered through a partnership of Framework, Harmless, Turning Point and Mind, to collectively support the communities of Nottinghamshire. Each Crisis Sanctuary will have trained Crisis Intervention Workers who will provide recovery-focused mental health support in a trusted and consistent space.
Day Location Contact details Information
Monday 6pm -Midnight Mansfield NG18 1QJ 07305 089429
Monday 6pm- Midnight Sherwood NG7 7LJ 07925 579516
Nottingham City NG1 1EW 0300 123 1255
Tuesday 6pm- Midnight Newark 0115 844 1846
Wednesday 6pm- Midnight Worksop S80 1EH 07305 089431
Thursday 6pm -Midnight East Leake LE12 6LQ 07925 584716
Nottingham City NG1 6BB 0115 844 1846
Friday 6pm- Midnight Mansfield NG18 1QJ 07305 089429
Saturday 6pm -Midnight Newark 0115 844 1846
01909 533 533 25
Sherwood NG7 7LJ 07925 579516
Sunday 6pm -Midnight Worksop S80 1EH 07305 089431
Nottingham City NG1 6BB 0115 844 1846
Due to restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, you will be required to call ahead prior to visiting one of the Crisis Sanctuaries
Combat Stress is a veterans’ mental health charity that support veterans in two main areas. One, by running a community outreach service, which provides help to veterans with benefit entitlements, money problems and other day-to-day problems. The second way involves more intensive treatment for service-related mental health problems and they provide clinical treatment at their three short-stay residential treatment centres (Shropshire, Surrey and Ayrshire). They also run a Well-being and Rehabilitation Programme, which is available to all veterans receiving treatment at their short stay treatment centres, this is part of structured occupational therapy model.
24 hour helpline: 0800 138 1619
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
For more information go to the Combat Stress website.
The Joining Forces Veterans Mental Health App – This app is designed for Veterans of the British Armed Forces, providing information on mental health problems and highlighting where to get help. The app can be downloaded from iTunes or Google Playstore.
Veterans Welfare Service
The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) is committed to enhancing the quality of life for veterans and beneficiaries of Veterans UK pensions and compensation schemes, and all their dependants. VWS caseworkers offer one to one professional help and guidance by telephone, or if needed, during a home visit.
Under Veterans UK, the VWS works in partnerships with the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, ex-service charities, statutory and non-statutory bodies, local community service providers and the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees to provide a quality welfare service that promotes independence, maintains dignity and provides continuous support through life. The VWS has 4 Veterans Welfare Centres, providing advice and support across the UK.
Email: veterans-uk-vws-south@mod.uk
Kidderminster (South and Central Wales, Midlands and East England)
Telephone: 01562 825527
Email: veterans-uk-vws-wales-mid@mod.uk
Norcross VWC
(NW England, Yorkshire and Humber, North Wales and IOM)
Telephone: 01253 333 494
Family Support
Family lives a confidential support for relationships or family issues or during periods of changes e.g. relationship breakdown.
Visit the Family Lives Website
Email: askus@familylives.org.uk
phone: 0808 800 2222
General Support and Useful Contacts
Veterans Gateway (one stop)
Helps veterans find support or organisations in their area, covers armed forces and wider charities. All links to support listed in this leaflet in one place. You can get help with:
- Finance
- Housing
- Relationships
- Employment
- Physical and Mental Health
Provides a useful directory to all NHS Services or charitable services in your area (with map search)
Visit the Veterans Gateway website.
Royal Air Forces Association (Retford)
Retford Babworth Road Sports & Social Club Babworth, Retford DN22 7NJ
Worksop Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club
meets every Saturday from 10am - 12noon at:
Romans Rest, Celtic Point, Worksop S81 7AZ.
All Veterans, Serving Members and their Families are welcome.
You can find us on Facebook at: Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast
Clubs POC - Contact: Ian Hollis and Michelle Smith. Email: worksopafvbc@ gmail.com
Retford Breakfast Club
The Dominie Cross, 38 Grove Street, Retford DN22 6JR.
Telephone: Steve on 07902 376 709 bigdaddyr3w@sky.com
Every Saturday 9.00hrs
Retford Breakfast Club
A group of veterans from Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Meets regularly on Two Sundays per month
The King and Miller, North Road, Retford DN22 7XW
Contact: Denis Scaife retfordbreakfastclub@gmail.com
Worksop MVSG
‘Together we served, together we rise from the ashes’
MVSG Worksop is a support group for Military Veterans and their families in the Bassetlaw area. The group provide support and advice for Veterans and Families, assistance in re-homing, signposting Veterans who are in need of counselling. The group meets every Friday at the Lock Side in Worksop from 10.00am to 12.00am. The group regularly provides guard of honour for those Veterans who have passed.
A friendly support group who are welcoming to Veterans and serving military from all the armed forces and supporters.
Worksop Military Community & Veterans Centre (MCVC)
We are a group of local veterans offering peer support to the local military & veteran community via our Friday morning drop-in 10am to 12 noon at the Golden Ball, Victoria Square (opposite Matalan), and on Tuesday’s 6.30pm-8.30pm at Mac & Co, 1-3 Bridge Place, Worksop.
Contact: Philip Langlands langy71@hotmail.co.uk; 07951 173 395
Forces Friends
Forces Friends is a short term support and befriending service providing support to older, lonely, isolated military veterans and their dependants.
forcesfriends@ageuknotts.org.uk; 0115 844 0011
Other Groups
MenWalkTalk
Bassetlaw Action Centre have ambassadors for this fantastic initiative to get men suffering with mental health problems out in the fresh air, active and most importantly, talking. Find out more about MenWalkTalk.
Forces Law
Call the central helpline on 0239 262 6888 or Email info@forceslaw.com and you will be put you in touch with a solicitor who can provide the expert advice you need.
Help for Heroes
Helping Veterans, service personnel and their families. Today, seven people will be medically discharged from the Armed Forces and their lives will change forever. In an instant, these highly-trained individuals will lose the camaraderie, purpose and career which has been their life.
We provide recovery and support for the Armed Forces community whose lives are affected by their service, no matter when they served.
Our aim is to empower Veterans and Service Personnel to look beyond illness and injury. Every penny we raise, facility we run and activity we offer is to help Veterans and Service Personnel reach their potential, regain their purpose and have a positive impact on society.
To get support
- Go online and complete your details and someone will contact you. Help for Heroes Website.
- To Give Support call us on 0300 303 9888 - Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm (calls to this number are charged at your standard network rate)
- To give your support to Help for Heroes: fundraise@helpforheroes.org.uk
Veterans' Foundation
Many armed forces charities struggle to raise sufficient funding to support serving and former members of the British Armed Forces’ and sometimes their dependants who are in need. The Veterans’ Foundation has been created to establish a new and nationwide source of funding to help these charities. It acquires its funds through the Veterans’ Lottery and donations.
The trustees of the Veterans’ Foundation will disburse funds to Armed Forces charities and charitable activities.
The objectives of the Veterans’ Foundation are to assist people who are serving or who have served in the British Armed Forces, and their dependants, by advancing any lawful charitable purpose at the discretion of the trustees and in particular, but not exclusively, to make grants to other charities who assist serving and former members of the armed forces and their dependants who are in need.
We will support projects that:
- Reduce homelessness
- Increase employment
- Provide welfare and medical support
- Increase confidence and social integration
- Reduce dependence on drugs and alcohol
- Support other charitable activities that may be needed
The Veterans’ Foundation has established as simple an application process as sensible, to put minimum strain on charities’ usually limited staff and this process will be fair, legal and regulated.
Veterans' Foundation
5 South Charlotte Street
EDINBURGH
EH2 4AN
enquiries@veteransfoundation.org.uk
Royal Air Forces Association
The Royal Air Forces Association is committed to providing confidential, professional and fair services to members of the wider RAF family from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran and their families.
Ongoing training and support for welfare volunteers and staff ensures services are consistent and of the highest possible standard. All will be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
Contact: 0800 018 2361
MOD Army
The MOD Army provides details on a range of welfare issues including deployment support for families, legal assistance and a dedicated Forcesline for confidential guidance.
Personal Support Staff provide accessible, independent, confidential and professional, specialist welfare services to serving soldiers and their families with any personal or family difficulty, thereby strengthening and enhancing the resilience and resourcefulness of serving soldiers and their families.
The Intake & Assessment Team provide: Domestic Abuse, Child & Adult Safeguarding, Bereavement, Relationship Difficulties, Stress & Anxiety Management, Emotional Wellbeing, Signposting. For all Army Personnel Support helpline: 01904 882 053
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. They help with expert advice and information on issues such as accommodation, education and relationships.
Contact: 02392 654 374 contactus@nff.org.uk Building 25, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8ER Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9am – 5pm Friday: 9am – 1pm
The Army Families Federation (AFF)
The Army Families Federation (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 serving families and local command and within a year of transaction.
Regional Manager North & Central Team : Jessica Harriman 07824 534 357 or 07824 456 280; rmnorthcentral@aff.org.uk
SSAFA
Soldier, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association
SSAFA provide financial, practical and emotional assistance to anyone that is currently serving or has ever served in the Army, Navy or RAF and their families. The local branch can be contacted on:
SSAFA - Nottinghamshire (Retford Office), 3 Amelia Court, Swanton Close, Retford, DN22 7HJ
Telephone number: 020 4566 9114
Email: eastmidlands.region@ssafa.org.uk
• South Yorkshire Telephone: 07483 214 925 south.yorkshire@ssafa.org.uk
Forces in the Community
Forces in the Community is a local charity, based in Beeston, Nottingham is committed to supporting ex-service personnel through employment guidance, housing advice, mental health support and provides a supportive environment in which to develop. The charity supports the clients and their families, who are often disadvantaged and at a point of crisis in their lives.
Their primary focus is helping clients to gain employment. We identify transferable skills, ‘civilianised’ military language, provide CV writing advice and interview guidance, liaise with employers and provide job search support. Telephone: 0115 922 0320
Forces in the Community Website
Discounts & Rewards
Rewards for Forces is the UK’s largest discount website featuring thousands of national and local discounts. The discounts are available for serving personnel and their partners of the Navy, Army, Air Force and veterans, service widows/widowers, reservists, cadets, MOD civil servants and the Royal British Legion.
Telephone: 01604 647 770
Defence Discount Service provides discounts both online and on the high street for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces Community.
Defence Discount Service is home of the Defence Privilege Card, the vetted discount card that can be used in stores, restaurants and venues to obtain armed forces discounts. This discount card allows Veterans and the Armed Forces Community to have a card that can allow them to receive military discounts.
Telephone: 01509 233 446
Defence Discount Service website
Bassetlaw Heroes Welcome
Bassetlaw District Council is supporting ‘Heroes Welcome’, an initiative that is encouraging a public show of support for current and former Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Whilst Heroes Welcome is not a charity or a discount scheme, it does provide a free and simple method for businesses, be it a service provider, café, pub, shop, restaurant, hotel, or taxi, to show a little special appreciation to those serving in the Armed Forces and to do it in a way that is effective and appropriate.
How Businesses and Services can sign up to the scheme - Joining Up is Free - and as Easy as 1-2-3.
- Contact the Covenant Team to get your sticker.
- Display it in your window with pride
- Decide whether you wish to offer a small discount
Contact the Covenant Team to get your sticker. By way of proof, all Service Personnel carry a clearly marked Military ID Card, which are being issued nationally.
Last Updated on Thursday, August 10, 2023