WORCESTERSHIRE County Council wants armed forces personnel and veterans to be aware of helplines they can reach out to if they are struggling with their mental health, feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas.
A number of national, bespoke Armed Forces organisations are on hand 24 hours a day throughout Christmas and New Year for those who are struggling.
The helplines are manned by people who have a good understanding of military life and all that it entails. A number will offer text or an online chat service if you don’t want to speak directly.
Councillor Richard Morris, Worcestershire’s Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Chairman, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Armed Forces personnel and veterans across Worcestershire and their families a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
“While our local military charities and services take a short but well-earned break over the festivities any veteran, currently serving or family member living in Worcestershire who is feeling anxious or isolated should not hesitate to reach out to the military helplines and seek assistance, whatever the issue might be.”
National Helplines for the Armed Forces Community:
Veterans Gateway
24 hours call: 0808 802 1212
Or download the Veteran Gateway App to your mobile device
Royal British Legion
Call: 0808 802 8080 – Available 8:00am to 8:00pm 7 days a week
Op Courage (NHS veteran mental health line)
24 hours call: 0300 323 0137
Samaritans (military & Armed Forces community support)
24 hours call: 116 123
Or download the Samaritans Veteran App to your mobile device
Combat Stress
24 hours call: 0800 138 1619
SSAFA Forcesline
Call: 0800 731 4880 – Available 9:00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
Local support is available either side of the festive break from our Armed Forces charities:
STEPWAY
STEPWAY will be closing over Christmas from 22 December to 3 January 2024. If you have any worries, need advice or support in the meantime, call Worcester Office:
01905 745 253
Mobile: 07930657568
SSAFA Worcestershire
SSAFA Worcestershire will be closed over the Christmas period from 15 December to 3 January 2024.
The West Midlands Region Helpline 020 4566 9116 closes at 3pm on Friday 22 December and reopens at 9 am on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Support for homeless
For those who find themselves homeless or are at risk of homelessness contact the following numbers:
Worcester City Council: 01905 722589
Wychavon District Council: 01386 565000
Malvern Hills District Council:01386 565000
Wyre Forest District Council: 01562 732928
Redditch Borough Council: 01527 534069
Bromsgrove District Council: 0800 0850 160
If you have concerns that someone may be sleeping rough and in need of professional support members of the public can contact StreetLink.
This will send a notification directly to the Rough Sleeper Outreach Teams in Worcestershire who will be able to take appropriate action.
This service can also accessed by anyone who finds themselves without a roof over their head or about to become homeless.
