Members of Armed Forces reminded of local support in B&NES

By Susie Watkins

20th Sep 2021 | Local News

Photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash
Photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash

Current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families who may have been affected by recent events in Afghanistan are being reminded that support is available for them.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed, through the Armed Forces Covenant, to support people who have served and is signposting the help and support services that can be accessed locally and nationally.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Council Leader and its Armed Forces Champion, said: "We understand that recent events may have an impact on mental health for service personnel, veterans or their families, including the families of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It's important you know where you can get help. I'd encourage anyone affected to reach out to us or our partner organisations if you feel you need any kind of support."

The council provides practical resources to aid present and former service personnel who find themselves homeless, in debt or in need of specialised medical care.

Advice and support are available from the council on matters such as housing, welfare and education by calling 01225 477000 or visiting its One Stop Shops in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.

Local Support Services:

:The Community Wellbeing Hub provides a central place for Bath and North East Somerset residents to access a range of advice and support services including from the local Citizens Advice Bureau; Bath Mind and Age UK BANES amongst others. Call 0300 247 0050 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

:Bath Mind operates an evening service for residents experiencing poor mental health called Breathing Space operating Monday - Thursday evenings between 5.30pm and 11.30pm.

:WERN Village Agents are available in rural communities across Bath and North East Somerset offering advice and support services for independent living. They have significant experience of supporting older veterans in particular.

National Support Services:

:Op Courage is an NHS service which launched in 2021 and provides specialist care to armed forces veterans suffering a mental health crisis. For the South West region call 0300 365 2000.

:Veterans' Gateway is a 24/7 first point of contact for all welfare needs from healthcare and housing to employability and more. Call 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

:Combat Stress offers specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service. Call 0800 138 1619

:PTSD Resolution offers free, rapid and effective therapeutic support to veterans, reservists and family members. Call 0300 302 0551 (calls cost 3p to 40p per minute)

:Samaritans provide 24-hour support, seven days a week by calling free to 116 123.

:SSAFA provides welfare, health and support services, for the UK military's serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Call them on 0800 260 6767

:Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence and offers free support for veterans and their families. Call 0808 1914 218

: Urgent Help for Veterans signposts to organisations which can provide urgent help

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

     

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