Adjusting to life after military service can be tough. Many veterans face unique mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Some may also struggle with substance use, housing insecurity, or finding purpose in civilian life. At times, these difficulties can feel overwhelming—and for some, they may lead to thoughts of suicide.

If you’re struggling, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Across the UK, there are specialist charities and organisations dedicated to supporting veterans and their families with mental health care, crisis support, and suicide prevention services.

This page brings together a range of trusted UK-based resources—from 24/7 helplines and counselling services to peer support networks and specialist military mental health providers. Whether you served recently or decades ago, help is available. Reaching out could be the first step towards recovery, healing, and hope.

What they do: Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans, and their families.
Contact: Access services through your GP or local NHS mental health services.nhs.uk+1London Veterans Service+1

What they do: Samaritans provides a dedicated guide for suicide prevention and peer support within the Armed Forces.
Contact: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7).Samaritans+1GOV.UK+1

What they do: Combat Stress provides specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health problems.
Contact: Call 0800 138 1619 or visit combatstress.org.uk.Combat Stress

What they do: SSAFA offers mental wellbeing support for all service men and women, veterans, and their families, addressing issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.
Contact: Call 0800 260 6767 or visit ssafa.org.uk.SSAFA+1SSAFA+1

What they do: RAFA provides free, independent, and confidential advice for serving personnel and RAF veterans, assisting with various support needs.
Contact: Call 0800 018 2361 or visit rafa.org.uk.rafa.org.ukrafa.org.uk

What they do: This charity supports veterans who are struggling and in need of individualized support, offering mental health services, employment support, and care coordination.
Contact: Visit walkingwiththewounded.org.uk.Walking With The Wounded+1GOV.UK+1

What they do: VWS provides professional help and advice to veterans, their families, and dependents, as well as those supporting veterans.
Contact: Access services through gov.uk.YourCircle+2GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

What they do: Forward Assist supports veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life, helping them lead lives filled with passion, purpose, social connection, service, and growth.
Contact: Visit forward-assist.com.GOV.UKForward Assist

What they do: The Warrior Programme enables individuals to manage their emotions and develop resilience, focus, and motivation to succeed in today’s world.
Contact: Visit warriorprogramme.org.uk.warriorprogramme.org.uk

What they do: Cruse offers guidance on what happens after a military death and the support a bereaved person can expect.
Contact: Visit cruse.org.uk.