Support when leaving the armed forces
The following organisations can provide help to service leavers and their families when leaving the forces:
Defence Transition Service (DTS)
The Ministry of Defence’s transition support service helps service leavers and their families up to two years after discharge. They can help you engage with relevant support services depending on the help needed.
SSAFA mentoring
Transition Support face to face with ex forces mentors.
RNRMC
Support for those leaving the Navy and Royal Marines.
Other general support
Veterans Gateway
The Veterans’ Gateway service is the first point of contact for all Tri-Service veterans, and their families. It covers housing, employment, finances, living independently, mental wellbeing, families and communities, and physical health.
Forces Connect South West provides help to access the right support when and where required. It also provides information and resources about the Armed Forces Covenant in the South West and nationally.
The Forces Connect App provides a comprehensive directory of valuable contacts and information. It holds specific information on services in Plymouth including:
- crisis support
- employment, education and training
- family support, care and benefits
- health and wellbeing
- housing and homelessness
Phone 0808 802 1212 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion can provide help with the following:
- support for emergency accommodation, food or clothing in a crisis
- support to help navigate and engage with other services like housing, mental health, domestic abuse
- drugs or alcohol support
- independent Living - small home adaptations, support with funding for new equipment
- benefits, debt and money advice
- Admiral Nurse Service – Dementia specific support
Phone 0808 802 8080 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week
SSAFA
SSAFA can provide help with the following:
- providing essential domestic goods and items
- support for older Veterans
- financial support to help maintain mobility and independence at home
- help with bereavement, injury or stress
- housing advice
- support for homeless veterans
- disability support
- fighting loneliness
Phone 0800 731 4880 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm)
Veterans Welfare Service
Provides professional help and advice service for veterans, their families and dependants. This includes help with armed forces compensation claims, war pension and death in service support.
Aggie’s Community Waves, Plymouth
Aggie’s Community Waves - Plymouth is a Community project providing support to service families across Plymouth and Torpoint. Support includes regular face to face events for families and pastoral one to one support.