AA Veterans Support is a Northern Ireland based charity set up to provide help and support for Veterans and their families throughout Northern Ireland.
It is our aim to provide the necessary support services for those Veterans or their family members that may need our help.
We believe that our Forces and their families deserve our lifelong support, we aim to provide Practical, Training, Emotional and Financial support to anyone who is serving or has ever served and their families. Whenever they may need us, we’ll do whatever we can to help.
Our vow is that no matter the size of the problem we will provide help, advice and assistance in overcoming it.
Practical, Training, Emotional and Financial support
Change Step is a veteran to veteran peer mentoring and advice service. This service is for military veterans and others with post-traumatic stress disorder and a range of psychosocial problems who want to make positive changes to their lives.
Change Step offers effective support for veterans, their families and carers in Wales – enabling them to access vital support services and tackle serious stress and related issues.
Our team of peer mentors use their own experiences to help fellow veterans and their loved ones confront challenges in their lives and manage their journeys of recovery.
The programme offers peer support, training and case management through engagement with relevant health and welfare services. Change Step works collaboratively with statutory bodies and other relevant organisations to ensure an accessible and comprehensive framework by which to guide individuals towards the most appropriate service.
Launchpad is a homeless veterans charity providing vital accommodation and targeted support to UK Armed Forces’ veterans who have struggled with their transition to civilian life.
86% of residents who come to us were either street homeless or sofa surfing. Many of the residents have mental health issues, ranging from anxiety to service and non-service-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Some need help with addictions while others have found themselves homeless because of relationship and family breakdowns or not being able to secure paid employment.
The charity manages three houses in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Durham and accepts veterans from all over the UK. It provides accommodation for 98 homeless veterans and their partners where relevant. These projects often provide the first safe space in which veterans have slept for months or years.
Residents are supported for up to two years (longer if necessary) but on average, they will stay with us for 12 months.
Veterans are referred to Launchpad by partners including OP Fortitude, Shelter, local authorities, housing associations and the Royal British Legion. We have good relationships with the Armed Forces Covenant teams in each area and regularly receive referrals of homeless veterans needing support from the housing departments. We have strong working relationships with Newcastle City, Liverpool City and Durham County Councils. All recognise the value of and need for our work.
Fully refurbished, self-contained flats to rent in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham.
Communal facilities for recreation and training, WiFi, laundry room and garden.
Assistance to arrange and manage benefits and finances.
Assistance to provide welfare and mental health support, as well as signposting to experts, as necessary.
Training for employment through other providers.
Assistance with job searches and job applications, with other providers.
Assistance with search for permanent accommodation, with other providers.
Access to recreational, sporting and adventure pursuits, with other providers.
Engagement with the local community.
To provide affordable and sensitively managed sheltered housing for people over 60 years of age, giving priority to those who have served in the Armed Forces and their surviving partners or relatives.
We offer sheltered housing that is supported by an on-site warden. Accommodation consists of single and double flats within a communal court set in beautiful grounds.
Age Cymru Dyfed promotes the health and well-being, primarily of older people, in and around west wales (ie the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire).
The charity provides a range of services including Information & Advice relating to financial and physical and emotional wellbeing; Byw Adref (home help); Befriending Life Links; Hospital Discharge; Digital Inclusion; nail cuttings; Covid-19 support; and information and support to older veterans of the British Armed Forces
On-going information, advice and support to older military veterans including supporting access to welfare benefits and military pension/compensation claims, befriending, advocacy, housing adaptations, Covid-19 emergency support; help to establish digital connections etc
Coordinating the establishment of the West Wales Veterans Archive in the National Library of Wales:
https://www.peoplescollection.wales/users/44171
Age UK Waltham Forest, established in 1982, stands as an independent, self-funded, user-led charity. Our mission is rooted in creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive society, where each older person enjoys a high-quality, fulfilling life, supported to live independently at home for as long as they desire.
Vision:
Our vision revolves around fostering a society where every older person is empowered to lead a life filled with quality, enjoyment, and fulfilment. We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals can age with dignity, supported by our commitment to facilitating independent living for as long as they wish.
Age UK Waltham Forest, with its experienced staff and volunteers, annually supports over 6,000 older people in the local area through a diverse range of services including Information and Advice Service, Befriending, Independent Living Services, Veterans Group and 30 weekly activities that include Digital support, coffee Mornings, Zumba, Table Tennis, Walking football. Our work is shaped by the priorities identified by older people themselves, with a focus on money, wellbeing, and inclusion.
Aims:
Reduced Social Isolation: We actively work to diminish social isolation by assisting older individuals in reconnecting with the community. This involves helping them find places to go, engaging in activities, and facilitating connections with new people.
Improved Mental and Physical Health: Our services contribute to improved mental and physical health by enhancing understanding and
self-management of health conditions. We provide information and assist in accessing local health and support services, prioritising the overall wellbeing of our beneficiaries.
Improved Finances and Reduction in Poverty: With expert assistance, we aim to advise and support older people in maximising their incomes, thereby contributing to improved financial stability and a reduction in poverty.
Support for Independent Living: We offer comprehensive support for independent living, including assistance at home, handyperson services, and gardening services, recognising the importance of a safe and comfortable living environment.
Our Veteran support services cover a broad spectrum, including accommodation, health support, addressing social isolation, and organising various events.
Our Joint Coordinators work directly with veterans, providing information and advice services for rehoming, referrals to specialists, and assistance with mental health issues.
They also play a crucial role in facilitating social events, monthly lunches, breakfast clubs, coffee club meetings, and annual Christmas lunches, contributing to building a strong sense of community among veterans. Actively engaging with other veteran organisations, our coordinators have forged partnerships with SSAFA, The Royal British Legion, Veterans Aid, and more. This collaboration ensures veterans are directed to specialised services when needed. Our involvement with Leyton Orient Football Foundation, resulting in monthly lunches and match tickets, exemplifies the positive impact of these collaborations.
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here