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Advice for UK Services families in Hampshire

Hampshire County Council recognises the disadvantage frequently experienced by UK service personnel as a result of the fact that they can be moved at short notice.

Hampshire has one of the largest Armed Forces communities in the UK. Armed Forces personnel number over 85,000 (approximately 10% of Hampshire's population), including 1,200 reservists, 20,000 serving military personnel, 4,000 MOD civilians and 60,000 veterans.

Serving personnel are based in several towns in Hampshire. 

Hampshire Basecamp Map

Each base has its own welfare support service which arranges social events to reduce isolation and foster a sense of community. They are often a wealth of information on local services so it is worth checking in with them if you are new to the area.

In addition to the welfare units on the base, the RAF, Navy and Army have their own welfare services.

The Armed Forces also operate the Homefront Information & Volunteering Everywhere (HIVE) from a central location, covering Aldershot, Marchwood, Thorney and surrounding areas but any service personnel can contact this service for help and support and will be referred to if necessary.

The HIVE manages Blogs for service leavers and veterans and includes information about employment opportunities, accommodation (military and civilian options), resettlement courses and housing briefings.

MOD Support HIVE

Gosport, Fareham and Portsmouth areas are covered by the Royal Navy Welfare Team. 

The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the government and the armed forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

 

 

The Armed Forces Covenant includes members of the Merchant Navy who served on commercial vessels supporting UK military operations. These individuals are recognised as "UK Merchant Seafaring Veterans" and are entitled to the same support and benefits as other Armed Forces personnel.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure fair treatment for those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families. 

It is founded on two key principles:

  1. The Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in accessing public and commercial services.
  2. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, particularly for those who have made significant sacrifices, such as the injured and the bereaved.

The Covenant Legal Duty imposes a legal obligation on certain public bodies (including local authorities, NHS bodies, and various organisations) to consider the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when performing specific functions in healthcare (including prioritisation for service-related healthcare needs), education, and housing.

As part of the Covenant Duty, the County Council aims to ensure that members of the Armed Forces Community have access to goods and services, or receive support, at a level comparable to that of individuals in similar circumstances who are not part of the Armed Forces Community. Any differences should not result from the unique obligations and sacrifices of Service life.

The Covenant states that the children of service personnel should have the same standard of, and access to, education (including early years services) as any other UK citizen in the area in which they live.

Hampshire County Council's commitment to the Covenant

Each town council and Hampshire County Council must have regard for the Armed Forces Covenant and most publish how they will support the Armed Forces on their website:

The NHS has also published how they will support Forces Families.

The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the government and the armed forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

 

 

The Armed Forces Covenant includes members of the Merchant Navy who served on commercial vessels supporting UK military operations. These individuals are recognised as "UK Merchant Seafaring Veterans" and are entitled to the same support and benefits as other Armed Forces personnel.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise to ensure fair treatment for those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families. 

It is founded on two key principles:

  1. The Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in accessing public and commercial services.
  2. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, particularly for those who have made significant sacrifices, such as the injured and the bereaved.

The Covenant Legal Duty imposes a legal obligation on certain public bodies (including local authorities, NHS bodies, and various organisations) to consider the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when performing specific functions in healthcare (including prioritisation for service-related healthcare needs), education, and housing.

As part of the Covenant Duty, the County Council aims to ensure that members of the Armed Forces Community have access to goods and services, or receive support, at a level comparable to that of individuals in similar circumstances who are not part of the Armed Forces Community. Any differences should not result from the unique obligations and sacrifices of Service life.

The Covenant states that the children of service personnel should have the same standard of, and access to, education (including early years services) as any other UK citizen in the area in which they live.

Hampshire County Council's commitment to the Covenant

Each town council and Hampshire County Council must have regard for the Armed Forces Covenant and most publish how they will support the Armed Forces on their website:

The NHS has also published how they will support Forces Families.

The Gurkha and wider Nepali community form a significant and distinctive part of Hampshire’s population, with the greatest concentration in Rushmoor - 10.6% of the local population identified as Nepali in the 2021 Census, the highest proportion in any local authority in England and Wales.

Gurkha soldiers have a long history of serving in the British Army, and, like all service personnel, they are covered by the Armed Forces Covenant

Gurkha veterans are valued equally to other members of the Armed Forces community, including in areas such as pensions, welfare, and access to support services.

Gurkha Welfare Advice Centre (Aldershot) provides dedicated advice and support to Gurkha veterans and their families:

The Gurkha and wider Nepali community form a significant and distinctive part of Hampshire’s population, with the greatest concentration in Rushmoor - 10.6% of the local population identified as Nepali in the 2021 Census, the highest proportion in any local authority in England and Wales.

Gurkha soldiers have a long history of serving in the British Army, and, like all service personnel, they are covered by the Armed Forces Covenant

Gurkha veterans are valued equally to other members of the Armed Forces community, including in areas such as pensions, welfare, and access to support services.

Gurkha Welfare Advice Centre (Aldershot) provides dedicated advice and support to Gurkha veterans and their families:

Hampshire County Council - advice for service families in Hampshire

The Hampshire County Council website has some really helpful information and advice for service families in Hampshire. This includes relocation information and applying for a school places as well as much more. 

 

For an easy way of finding services in Hampshire, download the Forces Connect mobile app by searching Forces Connect in the Apple app or Google Play store or access the web version on the Forces Connect website.

Support for the Children and Families of Service Personnel and Veterans

Children and families of serving military personnel and veterans often experience unique challenges, from frequent moves and changes in schooling to the emotional impact of deployment and transition to civilian life. This section brings together information, guidance, and services designed to help families feel supported, understood, and connected. Whether you are looking for practical help, emotional support, or ways to stay informed, our aim is to make it easier for you to find the right support at the right time.

Quick Links

The Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS) within the Ministry of Defence provides advice and guidance to Service parents, educational establishments and local authorities on educational issues relating to Service children, including issues relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

CEAS has created a comprehensive guide to the UK education system for forces families

If your child is receiving SEND support in a school and you have to move, schools and other education providers should ensure that mechanisms are in place to enable effective and timely receipt and dispatch of all relevant records for Service children with SEND moving between schools in the UK and overseas, to enable effective planning.

This means that if your child has SEND and you move LA, their previous school is required to transfer your child's school records within 15 school days of your child no longer being registered at that school. However, when transfer arrangements are made in advance, it is good practice for the information to be provided in time for the new school to plan ahead for your child's needs, such as arranging the teaching methods, equipment or special help that is detailed in your child's existing Individual Learning Plan.

All special needs records and documents for your child should be transferred to the new school, including any detailed background information gathered by the Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO), copies of Individual Learning Plans and the advice of any specialist teachers or Educational Psychologists working with your child.

It is likely that the new school will want to review your child's Individual Education Plan as soon as possible, to fully understand your child's special educational needs and the help they need in order to provide and meet those needs.

You may wish to request a copy of your child's SEND records if you are moving overseas as your child's previous school will not be able to transfer records out of England. This will ensure that any new school has the information they need to provide the right support to your child as soon as they arrive.

The Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS) within the Ministry of Defence provides advice and guidance to Service parents, educational establishments and local authorities on educational issues relating to Service children, including issues relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 

CEAS has created a comprehensive guide to the UK education system for forces families

If your child is receiving SEND support in a school and you have to move, schools and other education providers should ensure that mechanisms are in place to enable effective and timely receipt and dispatch of all relevant records for Service children with SEND moving between schools in the UK and overseas, to enable effective planning.

This means that if your child has SEND and you move LA, their previous school is required to transfer your child's school records within 15 school days of your child no longer being registered at that school. However, when transfer arrangements are made in advance, it is good practice for the information to be provided in time for the new school to plan ahead for your child's needs, such as arranging the teaching methods, equipment or special help that is detailed in your child's existing Individual Learning Plan.

All special needs records and documents for your child should be transferred to the new school, including any detailed background information gathered by the Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO), copies of Individual Learning Plans and the advice of any specialist teachers or Educational Psychologists working with your child.

It is likely that the new school will want to review your child's Individual Education Plan as soon as possible, to fully understand your child's special educational needs and the help they need in order to provide and meet those needs.

You may wish to request a copy of your child's SEND records if you are moving overseas as your child's previous school will not be able to transfer records out of England. This will ensure that any new school has the information they need to provide the right support to your child as soon as they arrive.

All schools in England receive a pupil premium for the children of serving personnel from The Department for Education (DfE) to help schools address the specific challenges children from service families face and as part of the commitment to delivering the armed forces covenant. This is called the Service Pupil Premium or SSP.

State schools, academies and free schools in England, which have children of service families in school years reception to year 11, can receive the SPP funding. It is designed to assist the school in providing the additional support that these children may need and is currently worth £310 per service child who meets the eligibility criteria.

Pupils attract SPP if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • one of their parents is serving in the regular armed forces (including pupils with a parent who is on full commitment as part of the full time reserve service)
  • they have been registered as a ‘service child’ on a school census since 2016
  • one of their parents died whilst serving in the armed forces and the pupil receives a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pensions Scheme

Children have to be flagged as service children ahead of the autumn school census deadline. Service parents need to make the school aware of their status by talking to the head teacher or school admin staff.

In addition to this there is the DfE's ever 6 service child measure which states that that any pupil in reception to year 11, who has been flagged as a service child since the 2016 autumn school census, will continue to receive the premium.

Ex service personnel should tell the school if they left the armed forces within the last 6 years. Under the DfE's ever measure, schools will continue to receive SPP for up to 6 years for children whose parent(s) left the armed forces, provided the children were recorded as service children in a school census from 2016 onwards (prior to their parent(s) leaving the forces). The ever measure also applies when service parents divorce or separate or when a service parent dies in service.

Eligible schools receive the SPP so that they can offer mainly pastoral support during challenging times and to help mitigate the negative impact on service children of family mobility or parental deployment.

All schools in England receive a pupil premium for the children of serving personnel from The Department for Education (DfE) to help schools address the specific challenges children from service families face and as part of the commitment to delivering the armed forces covenant. This is called the Service Pupil Premium or SSP.

State schools, academies and free schools in England, which have children of service families in school years reception to year 11, can receive the SPP funding. It is designed to assist the school in providing the additional support that these children may need and is currently worth £310 per service child who meets the eligibility criteria.

Pupils attract SPP if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • one of their parents is serving in the regular armed forces (including pupils with a parent who is on full commitment as part of the full time reserve service)
  • they have been registered as a ‘service child’ on a school census since 2016
  • one of their parents died whilst serving in the armed forces and the pupil receives a pension under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pensions Scheme

Children have to be flagged as service children ahead of the autumn school census deadline. Service parents need to make the school aware of their status by talking to the head teacher or school admin staff.

In addition to this there is the DfE's ever 6 service child measure which states that that any pupil in reception to year 11, who has been flagged as a service child since the 2016 autumn school census, will continue to receive the premium.

Ex service personnel should tell the school if they left the armed forces within the last 6 years. Under the DfE's ever measure, schools will continue to receive SPP for up to 6 years for children whose parent(s) left the armed forces, provided the children were recorded as service children in a school census from 2016 onwards (prior to their parent(s) leaving the forces). The ever measure also applies when service parents divorce or separate or when a service parent dies in service.

Eligible schools receive the SPP so that they can offer mainly pastoral support during challenging times and to help mitigate the negative impact on service children of family mobility or parental deployment.

The government have created the Wraparound Childcare Scheme which funds out of school hours childcare for eligible children.

The Wraparound Childcare Scheme funds wraparound childcare during term time for eligible Service children aged 4 to 11 years old (up to capped rates).

You can apply for up to 20 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year) of wraparound childcare funding for 4- to 11-year-old children attending before and after school clubs in the UK.

Eligibility criteria

At least one partner (or single parent) must be serving as an Armed Forces

Regular (including Full Time Reserve Service Full Commitment).

·      Dependent children aged 4 to 11 must attend school (including home schooled children) and be living with the Serving person for the majority of the time unless separated due to service commitments (deployment, residential courses), or when on serving on unaccompanied assignments overseas involuntarily with the family in the UK.

·      The partner of the Service person must be in paid employment, starting or restarting work within the next 31 days (earning the equivalent of 16 hours at national minimum / living wage). Both partners must each have an adjusted net income of £100,000 or less per annum.

·      The WAC provider must be Ofsted, or equivalent, registered, including schools and childminders.

·      A Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account must be set up with HRMC for each child that Service Personnel wants to claim the funding for.

·      The childcare provider must also be signed up to the TFC scheme.

·      The Service parent has either an assignment order to a UK based unit or is serving on an unaccompanied assignment overseas involuntarily with the family residing in the UK.

Service families can check if they are eligible and how to claim WAC funding by visiting the Discover My Benefits website.

Under The Equality Act 2010, a school must take positive steps to ensure that disabled pupils can fully participate in the education provided by the school, and that they can enjoy the other benefits, facilities and services that the school provides for pupils, including extracurricular activities and after school clubs.

Reasonable adjustments during the before/after school club is down to the company providing this service but access to the club is the school's responsibility. So any company that a school permit to provide clubs must be willing to admit all children and to make reasonable adjustments.

Your child should not be denied access to wrap around childcare due to their SEND needs. If this happens, you can make a complaint.

The government have created the Wraparound Childcare Scheme which funds out of school hours childcare for eligible children.

The Wraparound Childcare Scheme funds wraparound childcare during term time for eligible Service children aged 4 to 11 years old (up to capped rates).

You can apply for up to 20 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year) of wraparound childcare funding for 4- to 11-year-old children attending before and after school clubs in the UK.

Eligibility criteria

At least one partner (or single parent) must be serving as an Armed Forces

Regular (including Full Time Reserve Service Full Commitment).

·      Dependent children aged 4 to 11 must attend school (including home schooled children) and be living with the Serving person for the majority of the time unless separated due to service commitments (deployment, residential courses), or when on serving on unaccompanied assignments overseas involuntarily with the family in the UK.

·      The partner of the Service person must be in paid employment, starting or restarting work within the next 31 days (earning the equivalent of 16 hours at national minimum / living wage). Both partners must each have an adjusted net income of £100,000 or less per annum.

·      The WAC provider must be Ofsted, or equivalent, registered, including schools and childminders.

·      A Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account must be set up with HRMC for each child that Service Personnel wants to claim the funding for.

·      The childcare provider must also be signed up to the TFC scheme.

·      The Service parent has either an assignment order to a UK based unit or is serving on an unaccompanied assignment overseas involuntarily with the family residing in the UK.

Service families can check if they are eligible and how to claim WAC funding by visiting the Discover My Benefits website.

Under The Equality Act 2010, a school must take positive steps to ensure that disabled pupils can fully participate in the education provided by the school, and that they can enjoy the other benefits, facilities and services that the school provides for pupils, including extracurricular activities and after school clubs.

Reasonable adjustments during the before/after school club is down to the company providing this service but access to the club is the school's responsibility. So any company that a school permit to provide clubs must be willing to admit all children and to make reasonable adjustments.

Your child should not be denied access to wrap around childcare due to their SEND needs. If this happens, you can make a complaint.

The Code of Practice 2015 says:

“All those with statutory responsibilities towards Service children with SEND should ensure that the impact of their policies, administrative processes and patterns of provision do not disadvantage such children because of their Service-related lifestyle.”

This means that the LA will consider the impact on your family of having an enlisted member when they assess your family for services.

Ordinarily Available Provision and SEND Support in Hampshire Schools

The Code of Practice 2015 says:

“All those with statutory responsibilities towards Service children with SEND should ensure that the impact of their policies, administrative processes and patterns of provision do not disadvantage such children because of their Service-related lifestyle.”

This means that the LA will consider the impact on your family of having an enlisted member when they assess your family for services.

Ordinarily Available Provision and SEND Support in Hampshire Schools

If your child has an EHCP and you move LA, the legal requirement for the new LA to start making the provision in the EHCP is set out in Regulation 15 of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014.

This will not happen automatically. Under the law, it happens either on the day of the move or within 15 working days of the new LA becoming aware of the move, if later. Therefore it is best for parents or young people to notify the new LA (usually the SEND team within Children's Services) in advance that they are going to be moving into the area.

The new LA then has six weeks to notify the parent or young person that the EHCP plan has been transferred and to let them know when it is going to review the EHCP plan.

As soon as the EHCP has transferred, the new LA has the same legal duties as if they had issued the EHCP plan themselves. 

School placement

If it is no longer practicable for the child or young person to attend the school or college named in Section I (perhaps because it is too far away) then the LA must arrange for them to attend another appropriate school until they review and amend the EHCP.

Reviewing the EHCP

The new LA must review the EHCP within either 12 months from the EHCP being made or last reviewed, or 3 months from the date of the transfer, whichever is the later.

If the new LA wants to carry out a new EHCP needs assessment it can do so.

After a review or re-assessment the new LA could decide to:

  • Keep the EHCP the same.
  • Make changes to the EHCP. (You will have a chance to make representations about these changes and object to any amendments you disagree with in the same way you would after an annual review.)
  • Cease to maintain the EHCP.

Whichever decision the LA makes, if you disagree with it you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

Moving LA when your EHC needs application has not yet been completed

If you have to move and you are in the middle of the EHCP process, the new LA can apply the legal test set out in the law (section 36(8) of the Children and Families Act 2014) which states an LA must consider;

  • whether the child or young person has or may have special educational needs (SEN); and
  • whether they may need special educational provision to be made through an EHCP.

This means that even if the assessment process has been started in one LA, the new LA still has to apply the legal test themselves. If they agree to assess, they should use any reports already generated by the previous LA. 

Moving LA whilst appealing to SENDIST

If you have an appeal registered with the SEND tribunal service (SENDIST), you must inform the tribunal immediately if you move house. The tribunal service will then contact the new local authority to tell them about the appeal.

The new local authority may be substituted as a party to the appeal as if they had made the decision. Your appeal will be against them, unless there are good reasons why they should not take over the appeal. If the case is transferred to the new local authority, there will be a new case management process and a new timetable for supplying evidence. The old local authority will take no further part in the appeal.

Education, Health and Care Plans in Hampshire

If you have newly arrived in Hampshire and your child has an EHCP or if you have an address in Hampshire and a date that you will arrive here, please contact Hampshire SEN to let them know so they can arrange to transfer your child or young person's EHCP to Hampshire LA.

Our web form collects the important details about your question and makes sure it goes to the right team.

If your child has an EHCP and you move LA, the legal requirement for the new LA to start making the provision in the EHCP is set out in Regulation 15 of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014.

This will not happen automatically. Under the law, it happens either on the day of the move or within 15 working days of the new LA becoming aware of the move, if later. Therefore it is best for parents or young people to notify the new LA (usually the SEND team within Children's Services) in advance that they are going to be moving into the area.

The new LA then has six weeks to notify the parent or young person that the EHCP plan has been transferred and to let them know when it is going to review the EHCP plan.

As soon as the EHCP has transferred, the new LA has the same legal duties as if they had issued the EHCP plan themselves. 

School placement

If it is no longer practicable for the child or young person to attend the school or college named in Section I (perhaps because it is too far away) then the LA must arrange for them to attend another appropriate school until they review and amend the EHCP.

Reviewing the EHCP

The new LA must review the EHCP within either 12 months from the EHCP being made or last reviewed, or 3 months from the date of the transfer, whichever is the later.

If the new LA wants to carry out a new EHCP needs assessment it can do so.

After a review or re-assessment the new LA could decide to:

  • Keep the EHCP the same.
  • Make changes to the EHCP. (You will have a chance to make representations about these changes and object to any amendments you disagree with in the same way you would after an annual review.)
  • Cease to maintain the EHCP.

Whichever decision the LA makes, if you disagree with it you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

Moving LA when your EHC needs application has not yet been completed

If you have to move and you are in the middle of the EHCP process, the new LA can apply the legal test set out in the law (section 36(8) of the Children and Families Act 2014) which states an LA must consider;

  • whether the child or young person has or may have special educational needs (SEN); and
  • whether they may need special educational provision to be made through an EHCP.

This means that even if the assessment process has been started in one LA, the new LA still has to apply the legal test themselves. If they agree to assess, they should use any reports already generated by the previous LA. 

Moving LA whilst appealing to SENDIST

If you have an appeal registered with the SEND tribunal service (SENDIST), you must inform the tribunal immediately if you move house. The tribunal service will then contact the new local authority to tell them about the appeal.

The new local authority may be substituted as a party to the appeal as if they had made the decision. Your appeal will be against them, unless there are good reasons why they should not take over the appeal. If the case is transferred to the new local authority, there will be a new case management process and a new timetable for supplying evidence. The old local authority will take no further part in the appeal.

Education, Health and Care Plans in Hampshire

If you have newly arrived in Hampshire and your child has an EHCP or if you have an address in Hampshire and a date that you will arrive here, please contact Hampshire SEN to let them know so they can arrange to transfer your child or young person's EHCP to Hampshire LA.

Our web form collects the important details about your question and makes sure it goes to the right team.

Where a child or young person with an EHCP moves to Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland, the old authority should send a copy of the EHCP to the new authority or board, although there is no obligation on the new authority or board to continue to maintain it. 

If you are transferred abroad, your child's EHCP will no longer have any effect as they are not recognised overseas.

SSAFA have created an extensive guide on having a child with additional needs and what support they will get in MOD schools overseas. 

Where a child or young person with an EHCP moves to Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland, the old authority should send a copy of the EHCP to the new authority or board, although there is no obligation on the new authority or board to continue to maintain it. 

If you are transferred abroad, your child's EHCP will no longer have any effect as they are not recognised overseas.

SSAFA have created an extensive guide on having a child with additional needs and what support they will get in MOD schools overseas. 

Aurora New Dawn is a registered charity giving safety, support, advocacy and empowerment to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. The out of hours helpline is available from 5pm to 8am Monday to Friday and 24 hours over the weekend.

What support does Aurora provide to the Armed Forces community?

Aurora's specialist Armed Forces Team offers support to any serving member of the Royal Navy or British Army who is experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking. We also support family members experiencing these issues.

They provide a variety of services, including:

  1. One to one support and advocacy, including support through the Service or Criminal Justice System.
  2. Group work recovery programmes designed specifically for victims and survivors from the forces community.
  3. A helpline offering initial advice, support and signposting.

Their services are available to women and men aged 16 and over, regardless of where they are based (UK or overseas.)

Their work prioritises safety and wellbeing and is client centred. That means they work with people based on what they want to do, and they will not put pressure on them to take a particular course of action if they are not ready. They provide support regardless of whether the abuse has been reported to the police.

Aurora Armed Forces Helplines

  • Helpline and WhatsApp: +44 (0)333 0912 527
  • A helpline for Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force personnel and their family members who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking. Independent, confidential, and free. For all UK forces personnel and their families including those deployed abroad. 
  • Helpline hours (GMT): 0900-1500 Monday to Friday
  • WhatsApp chat (GMT): Monday 0900-1500 / Wednesday & Thursday 1700-2000 / Sunday 1000-1400
  • Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces Advocacy Services email armedforces@aurorand.org.uk

Further information can be found at Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces

Aurora New Dawn is a registered charity giving safety, support, advocacy and empowerment to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. The out of hours helpline is available from 5pm to 8am Monday to Friday and 24 hours over the weekend.

What support does Aurora provide to the Armed Forces community?

Aurora's specialist Armed Forces Team offers support to any serving member of the Royal Navy or British Army who is experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking. We also support family members experiencing these issues.

They provide a variety of services, including:

  1. One to one support and advocacy, including support through the Service or Criminal Justice System.
  2. Group work recovery programmes designed specifically for victims and survivors from the forces community.
  3. A helpline offering initial advice, support and signposting.

Their services are available to women and men aged 16 and over, regardless of where they are based (UK or overseas.)

Their work prioritises safety and wellbeing and is client centred. That means they work with people based on what they want to do, and they will not put pressure on them to take a particular course of action if they are not ready. They provide support regardless of whether the abuse has been reported to the police.

Aurora Armed Forces Helplines

  • Helpline and WhatsApp: +44 (0)333 0912 527
  • A helpline for Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force personnel and their family members who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking. Independent, confidential, and free. For all UK forces personnel and their families including those deployed abroad. 
  • Helpline hours (GMT): 0900-1500 Monday to Friday
  • WhatsApp chat (GMT): Monday 0900-1500 / Wednesday & Thursday 1700-2000 / Sunday 1000-1400
  • Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces Advocacy Services email armedforces@aurorand.org.uk

Further information can be found at Aurora New Dawn Armed Forces

 

Charities Supporting Children of Serving Parents or Veterans

Little Troopers

Little Troopers at School project aim to educate schools, about the unique needs through circumstance of military children. Their aim is to ensure all military children get fair and consistent support within their education setting wherever that may be, for all circumstances and however many times they move schools.

Service Children in State Schools

Service Children In State Schools is a voluntary affiliated network of state- maintained schools in England that have any number of Service children on roll. SCISS is led by a National Executive Advisory Committee (NEAC) comprising of headteachers; Local Authority officers/advisers; representatives from the three Armed Forces Families Federations and representatives from the Service Children Progression Alliance (SCiP), the DfE and the MOD's Global Education Team.

Reading Force 

Reading Force provide reading resources and support for military children and the children of veterans – keeping them connected through shared stories.

Charities Supporting Serving Parents who Have a Child with SEND

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum

The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) is a tri- Service group for Serving personnel, reservists and their families who have a child or adult dependent with an additional need and/or disability. The FANDF is a unique group as it is run by a committee of members whose vision is the ensure that all ‘Forces families with additional needs and disabilities receive the support they need’.

Support for Families of Armed Forces Personnel

Ripple Pond

Ripple Pond supports adult family members of physically or psychologically injured British Armed Forces personnel and veterans by connecting them together to reduce feelings of isolation, rebuild confidence and self-esteem, develop resilience and to work towards a more positive state of mental health.

Aggies 

Aggies have a service for service people to record their own audiobooks for their families while they’re away.

The Enda Ryan Poppy Pods 

The Enda Ryan Poppy Pods provide residential holiday/respite facilities for service personnel, veterans and their families at a discounted rate and have been designed with accessibility in mind.

 

Charities Supporting Children of Serving Parents or Veterans

Little Troopers

Little Troopers at School project aim to educate schools, about the unique needs through circumstance of military children. Their aim is to ensure all military children get fair and consistent support within their education setting wherever that may be, for all circumstances and however many times they move schools.

Service Children in State Schools

Service Children In State Schools is a voluntary affiliated network of state- maintained schools in England that have any number of Service children on roll. SCISS is led by a National Executive Advisory Committee (NEAC) comprising of headteachers; Local Authority officers/advisers; representatives from the three Armed Forces Families Federations and representatives from the Service Children Progression Alliance (SCiP), the DfE and the MOD's Global Education Team.

Reading Force 

Reading Force provide reading resources and support for military children and the children of veterans – keeping them connected through shared stories.

Charities Supporting Serving Parents who Have a Child with SEND

Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum

The Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) is a tri- Service group for Serving personnel, reservists and their families who have a child or adult dependent with an additional need and/or disability. The FANDF is a unique group as it is run by a committee of members whose vision is the ensure that all ‘Forces families with additional needs and disabilities receive the support they need’.

Support for Families of Armed Forces Personnel

Ripple Pond

Ripple Pond supports adult family members of physically or psychologically injured British Armed Forces personnel and veterans by connecting them together to reduce feelings of isolation, rebuild confidence and self-esteem, develop resilience and to work towards a more positive state of mental health.

Aggies 

Aggies have a service for service people to record their own audiobooks for their families while they’re away.

The Enda Ryan Poppy Pods 

The Enda Ryan Poppy Pods provide residential holiday/respite facilities for service personnel, veterans and their families at a discounted rate and have been designed with accessibility in mind.

Support With Housing and Homelessness 

Leaving the Armed Forces can be a major life transition, and finding safe, stable housing is an essential part of that journey. While many veterans move smoothly into civilian life, others may face challenges such as securing accommodation, understanding their housing rights, or accessing specialist support. This section brings together guidance, services, and organisations that can help veterans who are at risk of homelessness or already without a home.

Homelessness and housing are significant issues for veterans in the UK and may face challenges linked to transition, mental health, substance misuse, and lack of stable housing.

Support for veterans with homelessness and housing:

Under the Covenant Duty, Armed Forces Community members should not be disadvantaged in social housing applications, including exemptions from local connection rules. Local authorities should waive local connection requirements for divorced or separated spouses or civil partners of Service personnel leaving Ministry of Defence accommodation. Statutory guidance gives certain Armed Forces Community groups 'additional preference' (high priority) for social housing. It also ensures appropriate priority for those suffering from service-related mental ill health.

Quick links

Connect to Support Hampshire -  housing information

Homelessness and housing are significant issues for veterans in the UK and may face challenges linked to transition, mental health, substance misuse, and lack of stable housing.

Support for veterans with homelessness and housing:

Under the Covenant Duty, Armed Forces Community members should not be disadvantaged in social housing applications, including exemptions from local connection rules. Local authorities should waive local connection requirements for divorced or separated spouses or civil partners of Service personnel leaving Ministry of Defence accommodation. Statutory guidance gives certain Armed Forces Community groups 'additional preference' (high priority) for social housing. It also ensures appropriate priority for those suffering from service-related mental ill health.

Quick links

Connect to Support Hampshire -  housing information

Veterans Aid

Veterans Aid supports veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or have other crisis – interventions can include drug/drink rehabilitation. They also have their own residential centre in London.

Veterans Aid

Veterans Aid supports veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or have other crisis – interventions can include drug/drink rehabilitation. They also have their own residential centre in London.

Support for the Physical and Mental Wellbeing of Veterans

Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential for veterans as they navigate life after leaving the Armed Forces. In Hampshire, a wide range of local and national services are available to help veterans stay well, access timely support, and feel connected to their community. This section brings together information on healthcare, mental health services, wellbeing programmes, and practical support tailored specifically to the needs of those who have served.

Whether you are looking for help with your physical health, support for your mental wellbeing, or simply a place to reach out and talk to someone who understands military life, our aim is to guide you to the right support at the right time.

In addition to services specifically for veterans, please check out services which are more generally available: Supporting You and Your Family to Stay Mentally Well.

Hospital Armed Forces Champions within the NHS are specially trained staff who provide dedicated support to patients and families from the armed forces community. Their role is to ensure that veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and their families receive appropriate, sensitive, and informed care during their hospital stay.

Below are the key NHS Trusts in the region with designated Armed Forces Champions:

  1. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    (Covers Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, and Royal Hampshire County Hospital)
    Contact: Kofi Quartey, Armed Forces Champion
    Kofi.Quartey@hhft.nhs.uk 

 

  1. Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
    (Queen Alexandra Hospital)
    Contact: Keith Malcolm, Armed Forces Covenant Lead Nurse
    keith.malcolm@porthosp.nhs.uk 

 

  1. Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
    (Frimley Park Hospital)
    Contact: Kerry Gospel, Armed Forces Covenant Lead
    Kerry.gospal@nhs.net 

Hospital Armed Forces Champions within the NHS are specially trained staff who provide dedicated support to patients and families from the armed forces community. Their role is to ensure that veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and their families receive appropriate, sensitive, and informed care during their hospital stay.

Below are the key NHS Trusts in the region with designated Armed Forces Champions:

  1. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    (Covers Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, and Royal Hampshire County Hospital)
    Contact: Kofi Quartey, Armed Forces Champion
    Kofi.Quartey@hhft.nhs.uk 

 

  1. Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
    (Queen Alexandra Hospital)
    Contact: Keith Malcolm, Armed Forces Covenant Lead Nurse
    keith.malcolm@porthosp.nhs.uk 

 

  1. Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
    (Frimley Park Hospital)
    Contact: Kerry Gospel, Armed Forces Covenant Lead
    Kerry.gospal@nhs.net 

Op COURAGE is the NHS veterans' mental health service, including support for substance misuse. Self-referral or GP referral available.

Op COURAGE Video

 

Op COURAGE is the NHS veterans' mental health service, including support for substance misuse. Self-referral or GP referral available.

Op COURAGE Video

 

Op RESTORE Offering specialist NHS care for veterans and service leavers with physical health needs linked to military service Op RESTORE, The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service is an NHS service that supports individuals who have served in, or are leaving, the UK armed forces and have continuing, physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the armed forces. It is hosted at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Who is the service for?

It does not matter when the physical health injury or related medical problems occurred or how long ago you left the armed forces, Op RESTORE can help you if:

  • you have served at least one day in the UK armed forces
  • you are soon to leave or are in the process of leaving the UK armed forces
  • you have sustained a physical health injury that was attributable to your time in
  • service regardless of when that happened
  • you have ongoing medical problems related to the physical injury sustained in service
  • we have received a clinical referral from your GP practice

More information

Op RESTORE Offering specialist NHS care for veterans and service leavers with physical health needs linked to military service Op RESTORE, The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service is an NHS service that supports individuals who have served in, or are leaving, the UK armed forces and have continuing, physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the armed forces. It is hosted at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Who is the service for?

It does not matter when the physical health injury or related medical problems occurred or how long ago you left the armed forces, Op RESTORE can help you if:

  • you have served at least one day in the UK armed forces
  • you are soon to leave or are in the process of leaving the UK armed forces
  • you have sustained a physical health injury that was attributable to your time in
  • service regardless of when that happened
  • you have ongoing medical problems related to the physical injury sustained in service
  • we have received a clinical referral from your GP practice

More information

Mental Health Support

Combat Stress

Combat Stress provides specialist treatment and support for veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety and other mental health and substance misuse issues. They offer a range of services including counselling, residential treatment, peer support and self-help resources.

Substance Abuse Support

Tom Harrison House

Tom Harrison House is a specialist addiction recovery programme for UK Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel. They have a 12-week residential (based in Liverpool) programme is designed specifically for those who are or have served and who may struggle to engage with mainstream, civilian rehabilitation services.

Support for Older Veterans

Veterans Dementia Support UK

Veterans Dementia Support UK provides community-based support, including friendship and carer support groups, particularly in Hampshire.

Alzheimer's Society 

Alzheimer's Society offers specific Veterans Dementia Advisers provide advice and information to support with all aspects of living with dementia.

Mental Health Support

Combat Stress

Combat Stress provides specialist treatment and support for veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety and other mental health and substance misuse issues. They offer a range of services including counselling, residential treatment, peer support and self-help resources.

Substance Abuse Support

Tom Harrison House

Tom Harrison House is a specialist addiction recovery programme for UK Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel. They have a 12-week residential (based in Liverpool) programme is designed specifically for those who are or have served and who may struggle to engage with mainstream, civilian rehabilitation services.

Support for Older Veterans

Veterans Dementia Support UK

Veterans Dementia Support UK provides community-based support, including friendship and carer support groups, particularly in Hampshire.

Alzheimer's Society 

Alzheimer's Society offers specific Veterans Dementia Advisers provide advice and information to support with all aspects of living with dementia.

Benefit support for veterans

After leaving the Armed Forces, veterans may be entitled to a range of financial benefits and support designed to recognise their service and help them adjust to civilian life. Understanding what you can claim, how to apply, and where to get trusted guidance can feel overwhelming, especially if your circumstances have recently changed.

The Department of Work and Pensions in also bound by the Armed Forces Covenant and provide specific support for veterans.

In addition to information specific for veterans, these may also be useful: 

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has initiatives that help current and former armed forces personnel and your families access Jobcentre Plus services.

This includes having an armed forces champion in every Jobcentre Plus district who ensures that they provide support that meets your needs. 

DWP Armed Forces Champions are Department for Work and Pensions staff who provide job-seeking and benefits support to veterans, service leavers, and their families. They act as a crucial link to help the armed forces community navigate Jobcentre Plus services, drawing on their own experiences to provide guidance on employment, benefits, and other related issues.

What they do:

  • provide support
  • act as a liaison
  • raise awareness
  • provide employment support
  • benefit advice
  • help with understanding and accessing Jobcentre services

You can contact your local Armed Forces Champion Lead at southwest.armedforceschampionslead@dwp.gov.uk

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has initiatives that help current and former armed forces personnel and your families access Jobcentre Plus services.

This includes having an armed forces champion in every Jobcentre Plus district who ensures that they provide support that meets your needs. 

DWP Armed Forces Champions are Department for Work and Pensions staff who provide job-seeking and benefits support to veterans, service leavers, and their families. They act as a crucial link to help the armed forces community navigate Jobcentre Plus services, drawing on their own experiences to provide guidance on employment, benefits, and other related issues.

What they do:

  • provide support
  • act as a liaison
  • raise awareness
  • provide employment support
  • benefit advice
  • help with understanding and accessing Jobcentre services

You can contact your local Armed Forces Champion Lead at southwest.armedforceschampionslead@dwp.gov.uk

Support for Armed Forces Personnel

The Veterans Outreach Support

A combination of public, private and charity sectors offering one-stop assistance pro bono to Armed Forces veterans, merchant navy in hostilities and their families needing help following military service. This includes legal, housing, financial, employment help and mental health support from psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors. Agencies include The Royal British Legion (TRBL), SSAFA, Combat Stress and a mix of locally based charities.

Help for Heroes

Help and support for veterans of the Armed Forces or currently serving, their families and loved ones, whatever the illness or injury. Help for Heroes assist with empowerment to regain purpose and have a positive impact on society. Support covers injury, illness, mental health and wellbeing, recovery program courses, welfare and financial support and career recovery and support.

Army Families Federation

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families around the world — on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.

Royal British Veterans Enterprise

Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) is a national charity supporting the Armed Forces, people with disabilities and people who are unemployed. We improve lives every day by inspiring those we help and supporting them to find work and lead independent lives.

Support for RAF Personnel and Veterans

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF's leading welfare charity. They support all serving and former members of the RAF as well as their partners and dependent children. They also support reservists, those who completed National Service, widows and widowers and former members of the Royal Observer Corps.

RAF Families Federation

RAF Families Federation supports individuals and their families transitioning from HM Armed Forces with advice and support in all areas, including support to gain financial assistance from relevant organisations - housing advice, advice on welfare, money and debt management, addiction and mental health issues.

Royal British Legion (Local branch in Havant)

This service provides financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. The Legion supports service leavers to find employment and can also provide advice and guidance to partners and dependents of serving personnel. They also have Admiral Nurses (specialist dementia nurses) for home visits and phone support.

Army Benevolent Fund

This charity offers a lifetime of support to soldiers and former soldiers from the British Army and their immediate families including includes housing, education, training and employment. Support is offered to very young serving families to cope with a sudden bereavement or traumatic loss and providing wide-ranging support to wounded soldiers. The charity also supports older veterans and their widows or widowers when they find themselves lonely or isolated.

Naval Charities

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity support sailors, marines and their families for life.

Naval Families Federation

This charity supports with schools, housing, work, finances, planning for the future, postings overseas, relationships and health. They offer a confidential service.

The Seafarers' Charity

If you are a serving or a former Merchant Navy seafarer or a family member and are looking for help, Merchant Navy Fund works with a number of maritime charity partners who may be able to help you.

Royal Naval Benevolent Trust

RNBT gives help in cases of need, to serving and former Navel Ratings and Royal Marines other ranks, including reservists. They also support the children and families as well.

Employment Support

The Poppy Factory 

The Poppy Factory offers employment support for veterans with health conditions and their families.

Forces Employment Charity

The Forces Employment Charity provides comprehensive support to service leavers, helping them transition to civilian careers through practical tools, advice, and job opportunities.

Career Transition Partnership

The Career Transition Partnership are the official provider of resettlement and have supported leavers of the Armed Forces for over 20 years as they transition from the military into civilian life.

Support for Armed Forces Personnel

The Veterans Outreach Support

A combination of public, private and charity sectors offering one-stop assistance pro bono to Armed Forces veterans, merchant navy in hostilities and their families needing help following military service. This includes legal, housing, financial, employment help and mental health support from psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors. Agencies include The Royal British Legion (TRBL), SSAFA, Combat Stress and a mix of locally based charities.

Help for Heroes

Help and support for veterans of the Armed Forces or currently serving, their families and loved ones, whatever the illness or injury. Help for Heroes assist with empowerment to regain purpose and have a positive impact on society. Support covers injury, illness, mental health and wellbeing, recovery program courses, welfare and financial support and career recovery and support.

Army Families Federation

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families around the world — on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.

Royal British Veterans Enterprise

Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) is a national charity supporting the Armed Forces, people with disabilities and people who are unemployed. We improve lives every day by inspiring those we help and supporting them to find work and lead independent lives.

Support for RAF Personnel and Veterans

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF's leading welfare charity. They support all serving and former members of the RAF as well as their partners and dependent children. They also support reservists, those who completed National Service, widows and widowers and former members of the Royal Observer Corps.

RAF Families Federation

RAF Families Federation supports individuals and their families transitioning from HM Armed Forces with advice and support in all areas, including support to gain financial assistance from relevant organisations - housing advice, advice on welfare, money and debt management, addiction and mental health issues.

Royal British Legion (Local branch in Havant)

This service provides financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. The Legion supports service leavers to find employment and can also provide advice and guidance to partners and dependents of serving personnel. They also have Admiral Nurses (specialist dementia nurses) for home visits and phone support.

Army Benevolent Fund

This charity offers a lifetime of support to soldiers and former soldiers from the British Army and their immediate families including includes housing, education, training and employment. Support is offered to very young serving families to cope with a sudden bereavement or traumatic loss and providing wide-ranging support to wounded soldiers. The charity also supports older veterans and their widows or widowers when they find themselves lonely or isolated.

Naval Charities

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity support sailors, marines and their families for life.

Naval Families Federation

This charity supports with schools, housing, work, finances, planning for the future, postings overseas, relationships and health. They offer a confidential service.

The Seafarers' Charity

If you are a serving or a former Merchant Navy seafarer or a family member and are looking for help, Merchant Navy Fund works with a number of maritime charity partners who may be able to help you.

Royal Naval Benevolent Trust

RNBT gives help in cases of need, to serving and former Navel Ratings and Royal Marines other ranks, including reservists. They also support the children and families as well.

Employment Support

The Poppy Factory 

The Poppy Factory offers employment support for veterans with health conditions and their families.

Forces Employment Charity

The Forces Employment Charity provides comprehensive support to service leavers, helping them transition to civilian careers through practical tools, advice, and job opportunities.

Career Transition Partnership

The Career Transition Partnership are the official provider of resettlement and have supported leavers of the Armed Forces for over 20 years as they transition from the military into civilian life.
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