Guidance

Get support as a Serving member of the Armed Forces, veteran or family member

Guide providing information and contacts for the Armed Forces community now living in Wales.

Part of:
First published:
11 November 2024
Last updated:

Contents

Introduction

The Welsh Government is proud of our Armed Forces community. This includes those based in Wales as part of their service, those living here permanently with families and the thousands who have served and now live in Wales as members of the Ex-Forces community. Our Armed Forces bring great benefits to our nation and have a wide range of skills that contribute to our communities.

Working with our partners including the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, Career Transition Partnership (CTP), Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) and the many public and charity organisations in Wales, we have developed this guide to provide important information and contacts for you as Serving personnel, veterans, and your families to help ensure you can find any support you need, when you need it. 

What we do

As a Devolved Government we work closely with the Armed Forces sector. We have an Armed Forces Expert Group which is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary with portfolio responsibility for the Armed Forces community in Wales. 

The membership of the group consists of the Tri-services and partners in the public sector such as local health boards and the 22 local authorities along with charities such as The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, BLESMA and SSAFA. The Expert Group advises us and helps us ensure you are supported and have a voice.

Welsh Government

Wales is governed by the Welsh Government, based in Cardiff with offices across Wales.

The First Minister is the leader of the Welsh Government, which has a number of Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers with responsibilities for specific policies in Wales, for example, health and education.

Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament

In Wales we have our own Senedd also known as the Welsh Parliament. 

The Senedd in Cardiff Bay is the Welsh Parliament building. As a public building you are able to visit 7 days a week and access the public galleries to listen to debates when Parliament is sitting. 

Find out more information on the Senedd.

Everyone in Wales is represented by an elected Member of the Senedd (MS). It is the role of our Senedd members to carry out the work of the Welsh Parliament. They represent the interests of Wales and its people, make laws for Wales and hold the Welsh Government to account. The First Minister and members of his Cabinet are also Members of the Senedd. 

Find out your Member of the Senedd.

UK Government

The Welsh Government works with departments in the UK Government including the Ministry of Defence, which has responsibility for the UK Armed Forces, and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales to deliver on the aims of the Armed Forces Covenant and UK Veterans’ Strategy. 

Find out your Member of Parliament.

Veterans Commissioner for Wales

The Commissioner works to enhance the support for veterans in Wales, as well as scrutinising and advising on government policy for veterans. The commissioner is appointed by the UK government and works closely with Welsh Government, local authorities, local health boards, the Tri services and charities to represent the interests of veterans in Wales. 

Contact the Veterans Commissioner for Wales

UK information relating to the Armed Forces community

Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA)

The WLGA represents the interests of local government and promotes local democracy in Wales. Its primary purposes are to promote better local government, to promote its reputation and to support authorities in the development of policies and priorities which will improve public services and democracy.

The WLGA is a politically led cross-party organisation that seeks to give local government a strong voice at a national level. The Association is a membership organisation that represents all 22 local authorities in Wales, the 3 Fire and Rescue Authorities and the 3 National Park Authorities are associate members. 

Find out more about the role of the WLGA.

Local authorities

Wales has 22 local authorities (councils). These deliver local government responsibilities including education, housing, waste or recycling, open spaces and parks. 

Each local authority has an Armed Forces Champion. The role of the Armed Forces Champion is to provide a voice for the Armed Forces community ensuring their needs or identified issues, are heard and supported in Council business. All local authorities in Wales have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Armed Forces Champion email contact details for each of the 22 local authorities: 

Armed Forces Liaison Officers (AFLOs)

We have a network of AFLOs based in Wales, each covering a region of the country. They work closely with the Welsh Government and the Armed Forces sector and are responsible for raising awareness of the issues affecting the Armed Forces Community in Wales along with promoting and coordinating work to honour the Armed Forces Covenant. 

AFLO contacts

Armed forces hubs, charities and associations

Hubs / drop ins

There are a wide range of hubs, support groups and clubs for the Armed Forces community across Wales. They meet at different times on different days through the week so please check with the organisations or your local AFLO. 

Find out more about local hubs on the Veterans Gateway.

Below are some of the organisations who provide hub/drop ins.

Bulldogs Boxing and Community Activities (Port Talbot)

They have 2 drop ins per week (Tuesday and Friday) to support Veterans and their families in a social environment. You can access a free breakfast and hot drinks at the drop ins. They also offer free gym membership to Veterans, serving personnel and reservists. Partner organisations who attend drop ins include SSAFA, DWP Armed Forces Champion, Change Step, Citizens Advice and Veterans NHS Wales.

Caerphilly Veterans support hub

Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub is a community group for veterans and their families, located in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. The group meets every Saturday between 10:00 to 12:00. They offer support and advice on topics such as housing, benefits, war pensions, employment and mental health. 

  • Address: Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, CF82 7EP
  • Website

VC Gallery (Pembrokeshire)

The VC Gallery is a registered Charity based in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. They help service veterans and those in the wider community by getting them engaged in a variety of art projects. They passionately believe that art and culture can improve health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. 

The VC Gallery was founded by Barry John MBE after his 24 years of service in the Army. With his artistic background and his involvement in mental health work, he realised the need in the community for his expertise and experiences. Now the VC Gallery is working with veterans, older people, children, and anyone who feels they need time out to socialise and express themselves through art.

Woody’s Lodge

Woody’s Lodge is a meeting space where those who’ve served can find expert advice across a range of topics as well the chance to make new friends and re-connect with their loved ones.

The Veterans and Communities Hub (The VC Hub)

The VC Hub is located at our welcoming and friendly caffi called Caffinaafi in Connah's Quay, Flintshire. They are a veteran led organisation who provide a number of activities to promote veteran and community engagement. 

The overall aim of The VC Hub is to support the emotional wellbeing of our community through our varied programme. Thes include collaborations with Guitar's for Veterans (G4V), Models for Heroes (M4H) and Relive. In addition to these collaborations, they work closely with formal services too and are able to offer advice and more formal advice and signposting for veterans and their family members too. 

  • Address: The VC Hub, Connah's Quay Health Centre, Fron Road, Connah's Quay, Flintshire, CH5 4PJ
  • Email: refervchub@gmail.com
  • Telephone: 07384338632

Valley Veterans

Valley Veterans is a veteran-led organisation based in the heart of the Rhondda Valley. Founded over 10 years ago as an informal support group for PTSD sufferers, Valley Veterans is now a vibrant hub with more than 140 active participants. 

Current organised activities include a weekly breakfast club that is hosted in the Ton Pentre Community Centre and attracts up to 60 veterans every Thursday and daily equine activities at the adjacent yard that attract up to a dozen regular daily participants.

Swansea Veterans Hub

Swansea Veterans Hub operates in partnership with several local organisations to provide health and wellbeing support and signposting for veterans and their families. As well as offering support and activities, they link up with other local and national organisations to ensure our veterans and their families have access to the services they need.

They use a room at St Helens Rugby and Cricket Ground SA2 0AR. They are open every Tuesday 10 am to 1pm and every Saturday 10 am to 12 midday where all veterans and their families can come together in a safe, non- judgemental environment.

Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes provides support for wounded veterans, both regular and reserve personnel, who have suffered injuries or illness during, or as a result of, service, which impacts on their daily life, to enable them to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives.

Its specialist team in Wales focuses on 5 key areas of an individual’s life: medical, mind, body, spirit and family delivering welfare, medical and fellowship support, including wellbeing activities.

There are a range of breakfast clubs across Wales for the Armed Forces community.

Charities

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports our Armed Forces community.

They are the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; helping give support wherever and whenever it’s needed.

  • Address: 199 Borough High St, London, SE1 1AA
  • Telephone: 0808 802 8080
  • Website 

SSAFA

Their support covers both regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service. They know and understand the unique demands of service life, whether in the UK or overseas, and in times of need, and help to enable the Forces family to thrive.

  • Address: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, 4 St. Dunstan’s Hill, London, EC3R 8AD
  • Telephone: 0800 260 6780
  • Website

Adferiad / Change Step

Provides support for veterans and veterans supporting services withing Wales. Projects include Peer mentoring and coordination veteran-supporting projects within Wales. 

Associations

There is a wide range of support available from the many regimental and service associations in Wales. These include:

Royal Naval Association

RMA The Royal Marines Charity

  • Address: The CHAMP Building, RMA The Royal Marines Charity, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone, Exmouth Rd, Exmouth, EX8 5AR
  • Telephone: 01392 346424
  • Website

The Royal Welsh (Inc. Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Royal Regiment of Wales)

Welsh Guards

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards

Address: Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Road, Cardiff, CF14 3YE

Royal Artillery Association (RAA): Wrexham District Branch.

The Wrexham Royal Artillery Association provides signposting to veteran welfare, employment and health support services, provides a link between veteran and serving gunner communities and facilitate access to local and national R.A. events. Monthly meetings and social events are held to promote contact, comradeship and reduce isolation of older veterans.

Royal Air Force Association

Address: RAF Association Headquarters, Atlas House, 41 Wembley Road, Leicester, LE3 1UT

Find other Regimental and Service associations.

Education and training

Education system

Our new curriculum in Wales will support children and young people to develop the skills they need to make the most of life. If you are a parent or carer and want to know more about the Curriculum for Wales and how this will affect your child’s learning when they attend school, see our information for parents, carers and learners guide. 

This is accompanied by several information resources including short videos and helpful links to related curriculum and education information. The Curriculum guide is also available in a young person’s version, plus a wide range of languages including Nepali.

Supporting Service Children in education (SSCE) Cymru

Supporting Service Children in Education Wales (SSCE Cymru) works with partners to provide educational support to Service children in Wales. 

SSCE Cymru is a Welsh Government annually funded project managed by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA). SSCE Cymru works with all 22 local authorities across Wales to provide schools and other educational settings with a better understanding of how they can offer support to the children of Armed Forces personnel living in Wales.

SSCE Cymru collaborates with members of a network of organisations from across the public, third and private sectors including forces charities, supporting a number of different activities. These include helping schools organise events to celebrate service children and their unique situation. It also helps improve awareness and understanding amongst teachers of how to listen to the needs of Service children. SSCE also has a comprehensive website with a wide range of resources. 

Study for a further or higher education qualification

As you start to consider transition from service life into civilian life it is important you have all the options highlighted, from entering the workforce to considering higher or further education. 

Education should not be dismissed as an option due to misinformation around the cost of study, methods of study and the time it takes to receive a qualification. There are many flexible study options available through the university and college routes which should be explored.

Enhanced Learning Credits

The MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces.

Further Education (FE)

Our Colleges in Wales focus on education and training opportunities for people of all backgrounds who are aged 16+.

Grants are available if your child wishes to access further education, or post-16 study as it is sometimes called.

Many college courses are free at the point of access but learners from low-income families may be eligible to access the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) which is a weekly allowance of £40, paid in accordance with attendance and performance requirements as set between the learner and the learning centre. EMA is designed to help reduce the financial barriers associated with further learning such as course materials, travel and food. Eligible courses can be studied at college or school sixth form. 

For learners aged 19 and over, they may be able to access a Welsh Government Learning Grant (WGLG FE) worth up to £1,500 to help with the costs of studying a further education course up to and including level 3 at their local college. Part time support is also available. 

Colleges in Wales also offer additional financial support through their Financial Contingency Fund (FCF), eligibility and entitlement is determined by the college.

Find out information on courses offered by colleges in Wales.

Higher Education (HE)

Our universities offer a diverse range of locations and learning experiences from world-class cities to breathtaking seaside locations. The Open University in Wales also provides a unique offer to study for a degree by means of distance learning.

Find out about details of the Universities in Wales and available courses.

Student Finance Wales (SFW)

If you would like to start an undergraduate, or postgraduate course you’ll probably have a few questions about student finance. For undergraduate study, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to pay for your tuition fees and a Maintenance Loan and Grant to help with your living costs. All undergraduate loans are repayable. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for additional undergraduate financial support by way of non-repayable grants to help with any dependants you have, or additional financial support to help with any disability related study needs.

Your undergraduate student finance entitlement will be based on where you’re living and studying during term, this means that the total amount you can get is not based on your household income, but the amount of Maintenance Grant and Loan split of that total may be means-tested.

Your postgraduate student finance is a contribution towards your total course costs and is not split out for tuition and maintenance, it is up to you how best to use that funding. Postgraduate student finance is not based on your household income. All postgraduate support is a repayable loan, but you can still apply for additional non-repayable grant support if you need help with disability related study costs.

All information about student support for further education, undergraduate and postgraduate, can be found on Student Finance Wales.

Further and Higher Education Commitment scheme

You may also be eligible for financial support for further and higher education through the Welsh Government’s Further and Higher Education Commitment scheme.

Apprenticeships

Welsh Government Apprenticeships

As an apprentice you will earn while you train. It’s a great career choice whether you are leaving school or college, returning to work after starting a family or looking for a new career after leaving the Services. There’s a wide range of jobs on offer. A job at the Welsh Government is unlike any other in Wales.

At the Welsh Government you’ll be given support and guidance so you can develop your skills in the workplace. You will also need to set aside time to study for your apprenticeship. You’ll be a valued member of the team from day one. 

Find out how you can become an apprentice.

Business Wales Apprenticeships

Wales has a highly successful apprenticeship programme, built in partnership with our Welsh businesses. We focus on providing great quality, the right skills pathways and the right level of support to help achieve economic durability and your goals.

To find out more and advice about what apprenticeship may be relevant call 0300 060 3000.

Employment

The Poppy Factory

The Poppy Factory supports veterans with health conditions and their families into employment, helping them overcome any barriers.

Four out of 5 of the veterans we work with report a mental health condition. Whatever their situation, and whatever they are going through, our employment team is on hand to offer one-to-one support.

Our employment support is available to individuals who have served for one day or more in the Armed Forces or Reserves and consider themselves to have any kind of physical or mental health condition.

Business Wales

Business Wales provides practical guidance and support for anyone wishing to start a business in Wales.

Careers Wales

Careers Wales provides can help you plan your career, prepare to get a job, and find and apply for the right apprenticeships, courses and training.

Forces Employment Charity

The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their spouses, partners and children. 

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Wales ensures provision is in place for veterans, Service personnel and their families in need of advice and support.

Across Wales, Armed Forces Single Points of Contact (SPoCs) are located in all 59 Jobcentre Plus sites, supported by district Armed Forces Champions and a Wales Champion. As well as the full range of existing Jobcentre Plus services available they provide an additional level of support to the Armed Forces community to access benefits, find employment and as a gateway to other support services and organisations.

Business in the Community (BITC) Cymru

Business in the Community (BITC) Cymru work with more than 200 companies in Wales from small and medium sized businesses to leading brands. They offer tailored advice and support to help companies to improve their responsible business practices.

Read the BITC Cymru guide for companies to help you through the practical steps of setting up accessible, Armed Forces friendly recruitment practices.

In 2020 BITC Cymru produced a new toolkit ‘Capitalising on Military Family Talent’ which explains how employers can recruit and retain military family members. Produced in partnership with the Welsh and Scottish Governments, Business in the Community (BITC) has published this guide to help businesses extend support to family members of those serving in the military. 

RBLI

RBLI are a charity providing employment and career support to members of the Armed Forces community. 

Hire a Hero

Hire a Hero works in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations to provide a network of support and to signpost Service leavers to the most appropriate resources as required.

Family support

Naval Families Federation (NFF)

The NFF provide signposting for all Navy and Royal Marine personnel and families across health, housing, employment, financial, education and general service life issues.

They provide support, driving change and championing RN and RM serving families as they navigate both serving and civilian life challenges.

Army Families Federation (AFF)

The AFF offers independent and confidential advice to serving personnel and their families. 

They can assist with any questions or issues to do with your life as an Army family, this may include accommodation/housing, health and additional needs, money and allowances, employment and training, education and childcare. 

They also have a team of qualified immigration advisors to support currently Serving personnel, Veterans and families.

RAF Families Federation

The RAF Families Federation exists to make life better for Service personnel and their families, at home and overseas. They provide reliable information on the topics that matter most to you, support you through to the resolution of problems resulting from Service and make long-term positive changes happen for the Armed Forces Community. 

Forces Families Jobs

Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) is the online employment and training platform for the spouses and partners of currently serving military personnel. 

FFJ is operated by the tri-Service Families Federations, connecting military partners with Forces friendly employers and training providers. All employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, so understand the unique challenges that come with being a serving family member.

Childcare

The Welsh Government recognises childcare is one of the biggest challenges facing working parents in Wales. Through our Welsh Government funded childcare offer we are providing 30 hours a week of government funded early education and childcare for working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds, for up to 48 weeks of the year. 

Part time early education is universally free for 3 and 4-year-olds with local authorities offering a minimum of 10 hours to learners. The difference is then made up with Government-funded childcare. This support is available across all Local Authorities in Wales and can be accessed by working parents.

Family Information Service

There is a local Family Information Service (FIS) in each local authority area across Wales who can provide information about a range of services in your area. 

Any questions you have about the Flying Start, early education or the Childcare Offer, for example eligibility and how to apply, you can contact your local FIS.

Tros Gynnal Plant (TGP)

TGP Cymru is the leading Wales based Charity, which supports and represents vulnerable children, young people and families through a range of projects, training and campaigning. 

Services include:

  • Veterans and their Families
  • Families experiencing difficulties including Parental Separation
  • Advocacy for Children, Young People and Parents
  • Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Communities 
  • Young Asylum Seekers and Refugees
  • Young People at risk of Homelessness (16 to 25 yrs.)
     
  • Email: RAVFS@tgpcymru.org.uk
  • Website

Finances

Cost of living support

There is a range of support available to help you with the cost of living in Wales. 

Forces Pension Society

The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that acts as a pension watchdog for the entire military community. 

Money Advice and Pension Service (MaPS)

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is a UK Government service providing free unbiased money and pensions guidance to help people make informed choices. It brings together 3 respected providers of financial guidance: 

Health and wellbeing

GP registration

GP practices in Wales provide services under contract to Health Boards. As well as giving advice about health and illnesses, GPs might also provide contraceptive services, vaccinations, maternity services and minor surgery. Some practices may choose to offer further services such as travel vaccinations, care of the homeless or specialised sexual health services.

Dental services

Use the NHS dentist search to look for a practice in your area. You can then contact them to see if they can include you on their patient list.

If you cannot find an NHS dental practice or you need urgent dental care, contact your local NHS dental helpline.

Local Health Board (LHB) Armed Forces Champions

All local health boards in Wales have a dedicated Armed Forces champion to advocate on behalf of the Armed Forces community. You can contact your LHB champion via the LHB you live in. 

Armed Forces Free Swimming scheme

Serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans have access to free swimming in local authorities across Wales in participating leisure centres and pools. Check with your local authority for local terms and conditions.

Veterans NHS Wales (VNHSW)

Veterans NHS Wales is a service unique to Wales and enables delivery of evidence-based treatment for service-related mental health conditions. It employs therapists across all Local Health Boards in Wales, to deliver treatment and support to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterans with a service-related mental health problem. The service works with partners to ensure veterans can access all the services they may need.

Veterans Trauma Network (VTN)

The Veterans Trauma Network Wales exists to ensure veterans with severe physical injuries can access the most appropriate care wherever they live in Wales. 

The VTN will offer advice and onward referral to appropriate clinicians for any ex-Service Person with injury or illness due to their service or whose injury/illness is complicated by service-related mental health or social needs. Usually, referrals will be made by GPs when local referral through usual channels has not been fruitful.

I am a veteran seeking information on help for physical problems.

I am a professional seeking information on help for physical problems.

Combat Stress

Combat stress provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service.

  • Telephone: 24-hour helpline 0800 138 1619.
  • Website

BLESMA

BLESMA provides a range of services including Prosthetics Support, Advice on Benefits and War Pension, Financial assistance and Grants, a Year-round calendar of activities, Advocacy, Social Connection and Welfare and Wellbeing Support. 

Members have helped each other since the first days of Blesma following World War One. Blesma is a unique association of Members with a defining commitment to help them live independent and fulfilling lives after suffering the loss of limbs, use of limbs, sight, speech or hearing. Blesma works tirelessly to provide practical, emotional and financial support to injured veterans and their families and widows as they rebuild their lives. If you serve or have served in the British Armed Forces and have suffered life changing injury, either during or after your service you may be eligible for Blesma Membership.

Housing and homelessness

Service personnel

If you have an enquiry about:

  • your Service Family Accommodation, contact Pinnacle on: 0800 707 6000 option 3 or email: hello@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk
  • Forces Help To Buy, contact Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) Helpline on 0800 085 3600 or 0141 224 3600 or visit the website
  • issues with Loss of Entitlement/Notice to Vacate SFA or if you need a reference for housing, these should be addressed to DIO and emailed to: DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk

The Welsh Government has produced a Housing Pathway for service leavers, veterans and their families.

When you leave service accommodation and would like to get on the first rung of the property ladder the Forces Help to Buy Scheme may help you to do that. The Forces Help to Buy Scheme is a home loan scheme, which has been set up to help serving UK Military personnel to buy their first home or to move house. 

The Welsh Government continue to provide financial assistance to potential homeowners and offer a range of schemes to enable people to achieve home ownership. Our ‘Your Home in Wales’ website sets out the schemes in detail, and also includes useful information for anyone thinking of buying a home. These schemes include Help to Buy - Wales, HomeBuy Wales and the Self-Build Wales scheme.

You may wish to rent accommodation. There are many companies and individuals who offer accommodation for rent. You may wish to rent privately or register with a letting agency. All landlords and agents have a legal duty to provide you with details of your rights and responsibilities whilst you are living in their accommodation. Your local authority should be able to provide you with a list of agencies that rent properties in your area.

The Renting Homes (Fees etc) (Wales) Act permits letting agents and landlords to only charge fees relating to rent, security deposits, holding deposits, or when a tenant breaches a contract. 

Find out about tenant fees in Wales.

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 most people who rent their home will do so under an ‘occupation contract’. The Act requires landlords to ensure homes are fit for human habitation, which includes things such as electrical safety testing and ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are present. Providing you are not at fault, the landlord is also required to give you six months’ notice if they want to end the contract.

Find out more about the Act.

Local authorities use allocation schemes when dealing with applications for housing. If you are interested in applying for social housing, you can contact your local authority housing department for more information. Local authorities will also be able to direct you to Registered Social Landlords, or as they are more commonly known, Housing Associations. They own and manage housing stock across Wales. Their primary role is the development of new homes for rent (and in some instances for shared ownership), the repair and improvement of existing homes, and the provision of housing management services.

For more information of Housing Associations in the area you wish to settle contact your local authority or Community Housing Cymru. You may find it beneficial to do this before leaving Service. 

For more information of Housing Associations in the area you wish to settle contact your local authority or Community Housing Cymru. You may find it beneficial to do this before leaving Service. 

SSAFA Forces Help Housing Advisory Service provides advice and guidance about a range of housing options. Please contact them for details of estate agents and housing organisations in the area.

Alabaré Wales Homes for veterans

Wales Homes for Veterans provide dedicated support to Veterans in North and South Wales specifically in Cardiff, Pontypridd, Swansea, Carmarthen and Conwy.

If you have served in the UK Armed Forces and are homeless, or you fear you could become homeless in the near future, and you are in need of support (perhaps due to depression, PTSD, ill health, unemployment, family breakdown or similar), then they may be able to help you.

In Wales, Alabaré are an Op Fortitude partner, providing supported housing and assistance for veterans in Wales.

Welsh Veterans Partnership

The Welsh Veterans Partnership provides housing pathways and all-round wellbeing support for veterans and their families using a whole life approach. The WVP is here to assist you, whether you are a veteran or a Serviceman or woman about to leave the Forces in finding the answer to your concerns whatever they are related to. They work in partnership with multiple third sector organisations, local authorities, Housing Associations and developers to provide low-cost affordable housing.

The Welsh Veterans Partnerships Referral partners respond to the challenges of achieving a positive transition to civilian life for the veteran and Service family as one. 

Find out about the support available.

Shelter Cymru

Shelter Cymru is Wales’s people and homes charity. They work for people in housing need by providing free, independent, expert housing advice and campaign to overcome the barriers which stand in the way of people in Wales having a decent, secure home. Telephone: housing advice helpline 08000 495 495. For further information visit their website.

  • Telephone: 08000 495495 (phone lines operate between 9.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday)
  • Website

Haig Housing

Haig Housing (UK wide) is a charity that provides housing assistance to ex-Service personnel and their dependants. They provide rental accommodation at affordable prices and when required specific solutions for individual needs. 

More information on the properties in Wales. 

Op Fortitude

Op Fortitude supports veterans into housing by providing a pathway into secure accommodation. It is run by the Riverside Group.

  • Telephone: 0800 952 0774 (freephone in the UK)
  • Website

You can refer yourself to Op FORTITUDE, and anyone in contact with an eligible veteran can, with the veteran’s permission, refer that veteran to Op FORTITUDE.

Legal

Veterans Legal Link

VLL link free legal advice and specialist support services with veterans and their families throughout Wales. In certain circumstances, they can also assist you with case work where required. They rely on an extensive network of volunteer legal clinics, charities and organisations to find you the support that you need, when you need it. They routinely signpost to peer mentors, mental health support and specialist advice services, working with both the largest and smallest collectives in Wales.

Citizen’s Advice

Citizen’s Advice provides a wide range of knowledge and advice to people online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

LGBTQ+ support

Fighting with Pride (FWP)

Fighting with Pride is a ‘lived experience’ LGBT+ charity with the aim to support the health and wellbeing of LGBT+ Veterans, serving personnel and their families. Raising awareness and recognition of the need to support those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ military service before it was lifted. 

Thousands of LGBT+ service personnel were removed or forced from service and abandoned, after serving with pride. FWP are connecting service charities and organisations to those LGBT+ Veterans to provide better support to LGBT+ Veterans, recognising their service and helping resolve the challenges they face in their lives beyond military service to bring this community back into the military family.

Older veterans

Age Cymru

Age Cymru is the national charity for older people in Wales. Includes local Age Cymru partners (see below) who provide vital services to older people in their area.

Age Cymru Powys

Provides information, advice and support, Peer support groups and befriending services. This includes a rural Veterans MOT delivering financial, practical and wellbeing support for Powys military veterans, their relatives and military associates aged 65+. They also provide Independent, confidential, quality-accredited advice on any topic e.g. social care system; finding/funding help at home; becoming a career, housing.

Transition and resettlement support

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

Career Transition Partnership provide resettlement services for those leaving the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines regardless of time served. They also operate as an intermediary service for employers wishing to hire from the Service leavers and veterans pool of talent. These relationships open up routes to employment which are accessed by leavers through their jobsite, CTP RightJob and a range of online and in-person employer events.

160th (Welsh) Brigade: life skills

160th (Welsh) Brigade is the Headquarters of the Army in Wales based in Brecon. Whilst there is no veteran specific focus in the brigade, those Serving personnel who are in the process of settling in Wales should contact SO2 Life Skills who can advise on preparations which should be made prior to discharge. This should be done in addition to gathering advice and support from within the normal unit chain of command, for example Unit Resettlement Officers and Welfare Officers.

Veterans UK

Veterans UK is the Ministry of Defence (MOD) department which provides free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service and injury or bereavement compensation scheme payments. They also provide welfare support for veterans of any age, and their families through the Veterans Welfare Service and the Veterans UK helpline: Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18, (overseas): +44 1253 866 043.

They are responsible for:

Through the website they also have up to date information on central/local government and ex-Service organisations, and other voluntary groups.

Veterans Welfare Service (VWS)

Veterans Welfare Service is the statutory delivery arm for Welfare support, on behalf of Defence. 

Provides one to one support to the Armed Forces, veterans and their families, whilst they are serving, as they transition to civilian life, and beyond.

VWS provides support to serving personnel, veterans and their dependants who have an enduring welfare need, including assistance with injury and bereavement compensation claims, transition support for personnel being medically discharged and confidential help and support for those who have life limiting illness.

Defence Transition Services (DTS)

Defence Transition Services is the statutory delivery arm for Transitional support, on behalf of Defence. They Provide support to the Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families, whilst they are serving and as they transition to civilian life.

DTS provides holistic, support to Service leavers and their families who are most likely to face challenges as they leave the armed forces, assisting them with adjusting to civilian life by simplifying, coordinating and streamlining access to support across a range of topics, including housing, finances, employment and access to healthcare.

If you have an enquiry about:

  • your Service Family Accommodation, contact Pinnacle on: 0800 707 6000 option 3 or email: hello@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk
  • Forces Help To Buy, contact Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) Helpline on 0800 085 3600 or 0141 224 3600

Issues with Loss of Entitlement/Notice to Vacate SFA or if you need a reference for housing, these should be addressed to DIO at this link: DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk.

If you are a serving member of the Armed Forces due to be discharged (for any reason), are a family member of serving personnel or a veteran and need help to source accommodation or have other issues, such as health, debt or unemployment, please complete and submit a DTRP Form 2 .

Alternatively, you can contact DTS via the Veterans UK Helpline between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday:

British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS)

British Forces Resettlement Services is a Social Enterprise that works in support of the Armed Forces Community (AFC). It was established in September 2009.

BFRS primarily social objective is to work as the focal point between the AFC and commercial businesses, helping the AFC to engage face-2-face, digitally with companies across the UK, to ensure the right help, support, and advice is provided when moving into future careers.

Their model emphasises consumer decision-making (Companies) and community (AFC) participation and integration. They continue to assess member (Companies and AFC) needs to identify gaps or opportunities for shifts in service delivery.

Women veterans

Female Veterans Alliance (FVA)

The Female Veterans Alliance is a National non-profit organisation that aims to empower and support females who have served in the UK Armed forces. It works to provide advocacy, resources, and a supportive community for female veterans. 

They recognise the unique challenges faced by females in the military and seek to address them by promoting gender equity, advocating for policy changes, and fostering a sense of belonging and sisterhood among female veterans. The FVA also raises awareness about the contributions and experiences of women in the military, highlighting their achievements and addressing issues such as military sexual trauma, access to healthcare, and transition to civilian life.

Salute Her

Salute Her provides a bespoke service to all women who have served in the Armed Forces by focusing on the physical, emotional and social aspects of life while advocating, empowering, and educating women on their path to a life full of meaning and growth.

They aim to empower women veterans and provide them with the tools they need to re-enter the civilian world and live successful meaningful lives filled with passion, purpose, prosperity and the opportunity to be of service to others.

First published

11 November 2024

Last updated

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