All veterans, service leavers, non-mobilised reservists and their family members and carers can access a range of specialist healthcare and support created to provide treatment and care for many different problems.

For further information, please visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/veterans-service-leavers-non-mobilised-reservists/

To find information about accessing NHS healthcare while in active service, visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/access-healthcare-in-active-service/

Previously known as the Veterans Trauma Network (VTN), Op RESTORE works alongside Op COURAGE, and provides specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the Armed Forces.

Op RESTORE can support you for a physical health problem of any type or severity, no matter when it first appeared or when you left the armed forces, as long as the physical health problem is a result of your time in service.

You will need to be referred by your GP. Once your information is received, a support worker from a military charity will get in touch.

Your support worker can help you:

• get any non-clinical and welfare support you need
• address any questions or concerns you may have
• keep you up to date as your referral is being reviewed
• help give your family support

If you lost a limb during your service, Disablement Service Centres (DSCs) can offer you specialist prosthetic and rehabilitation support.

You can be referred to a DSC during your regular medical treatment if the service will benefit you.

If you’ve been seen whilst in the military at another DSC or elsewhere your GP or yourself can forward your notes to either of the local services.

Exeter Mobility Centre

20 Hennock Road East
Marsh Barton
Exeter, Devon
EX2 8RU

Tel: 01392 547400

Email: opcare.exeter@nhs.net

https://www.royaldevon.nhs.uk/our-sites/exeter-mobility-centre/

Prosthetics Rehabilitation Service (previously called Plymouth Disablement Services Centre)

The Thornberry Centre
1 Brest Way
Plymouth, Devon
PL6 5XW

Tel 01752 434200

Email Livewell.plymouthprosthetics@nhs.net

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/project/prosthetics-rehabilitation-service

Dedicated to helping homeless veterans, including those sleeping on the streets or at risk of.

0800 952 0774 or through a secure web portal at riv.org.uk/opfortitude

Veterans who have lost a limb whilst in military service or whose limb loss is attributable to an injury sustained whilst in service qualify for funding for their prostheses. Funding requests go through the Veterans’ Prosthetics Panel (VPP) which was established in 2012 and is an excellent way of ensuring that veterans can access high quality prostheses.

For more information please ask at your Disablement Service Centre (DSCs)

Cobseo, as the Confederation of Service Charities, provides a single point of contact for interaction with Government, including local government and the Devolved Administrations; with the Royal Household; with the Private Sector; and, of course, with other members of the Armed Forces Community. This allows Cobseo Members to interact with all interested parties and especially to cooperate and collaborate with others in order to provide the best possible level of support to beneficiaries.

They represents the whole serving and veterans community and promotes the welfare and general interests of the armed forces community.

https://www.cobseo.org.uk/

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides a professional help and advice service to veterans or anyone supporting a veteran, their families and dependants.

There are 4 centres in the UK and closest to South Brent is called Centurion (which covers London, South East and South West England)

You can access this service through either telephone contact or, if needed, during a home visit.

They may be able to help with:

• with the transition from service to civilian life
• to bereaved families
• if there are changes in disablement
• with any forms and help completing them if needed.

Tel: 02392 702232
Email: Veterans-UK-VWS-South@mod.gov.uk

The Veterans’ Gateway is made up of a consortium of organisations and Armed Forces charities, including The Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) , Combat Stress and Connect Assist. It is a main point of contact for veterans seeking support, putting them and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.

They provide support on:

• Housing
• Employment
• Finances
• Living independently
• Physical Health
• Mental health
• Families, communities and personal relationships
• and more.

https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/mental-wellbeing-advice-for-veterans/

Blesma is a registered charity dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight in the honourable service of our country. 

They can help with

• Support workers
• Prosthetics
• Grants
• Advice
• Help understanding the benefits system
• Activities for you to join in
• Referrals to other services and charities

https://blesma.org/

Blind Veterans UK helps vision-impaired ex-Servicemen and ex-Servicewomen to rebuild their lives after sight loss; and are a registered charity.

They provide rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to veterans regardless of how or when they lost their sight. They’re there to help blind veterans regain their independence and live the life they choose.

www.blindveterans.org.uk/

Veterans UK is responsible for administering compensation and pensions schemes for both serving personnel, veterans and their families, as well as the Veterans Welfare and Defence Transition Services.

Provide free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.

Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence.

Email veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk

Telephone: 0808 1914 2 18 

Veterans UK

Ministry of Defence

Norcross

Thornton Cleveleys

FY5 3WP

United Kingdom

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-uk-contact-us

A registered charity who help the Armed Forces community live well after service.

They can provide support with:

• Physical Health
• Mental Health
• sporting and social activities across the UK, and online, to combat loneliness and isolation.
• provide financial grants for things such as home adaptations and medical equipment, to help people overcome challenges from illness or injury
• free online courses and self-help guides give people life skills so they can live independently.
• Getting people get back on their feet, if they are having money problems, need somewhere to live, are struggling to get a job, or don’t know how to apply for benefits.

https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/