Veterans-UK
On 2 April 2007, the Ministry of Defence created a new brand for services to veterans – Veterans-UK.
There are many organisations that provide help and support to UK veterans, both from Government and the voluntary sector. This can at times be confusing for those seeking help as they are unsure about which organisation provides which services and from whom to seek help.
Veterans-UK will be the single brand or banner covering a variety of different veterans services provided by a range of different organisations. It will form a single point for accessing information.
The first steps will involve, from 2 April, a new veterans' portal website replacing the previous Veterans Agency website. This will provide a single website and e-mail address veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk from which information can be obtained. Services provided by the Veterans Services Directorate of Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) will also come under the Veterans-UK name for promotional and publicity purposes.
For the future, it is hoped the new brand will include other Ministry of Defence services to veterans and later those from other Government Departments and possibly voluntary sector organisations. Again, the website will provide the focal point for accessing information on these services.
ABF - The Soldiers' Charity
The ABF - The Soldiers' Charity is providing financial support to soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need. Help can range from an electric wheelchair for a soldier's disabled son, help with care home fees for a Second World War veteran or a much needed holiday for a war widow and her young children.
Haig Homes
Haig Homes is the leading UK provider of rental housing for ex-Service people. Haig Homes has over 1,300 properties - a mix of family-sized houses, maisonettes and flats, spread throughout the United Kingdom in 47 different local authorities. Some properties are suitable for the frail, elderly and people with disabilities. Visit the website or call 0208 6685 777 for more information.
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF)
The RAF Benevolent Fund is here to provide support to all members of the RAF family in need. The fund can provide housing help for ex-service and serving personnel, who for example have been medically discharged with a severe disability, widowed with dependent children who are unable to obtain housing through other means and also serving personnel where the spouse is severely disabled. Visit the website or call 0800 169 2942 for more information.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to millions of Ex-service personnel. Currently, nearly 10.5 million people are eligible for their support and they do receive thousands of calls for help every year.
The Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation
The Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation is a charity which ensures vulnerable and disabled ex-Servicemen and women live as independently as possible. One in four homeless people have a service background, and the foundation have focused their work on identifying and tackling the problems now facing homeless ex-Service personnel. They provide good quality housing, allowing sustained independent living with a good quality of life. Find out more about the Foundation on the website or call 020 7385 2110.
SSAFA Forces Help's Housing Advisory Service
SSAFA offer advice ranging from disabled ex-Service people and their spouses capable of independent living, separated or estranged families looking for temporary supported accommodation, rough sleepers and many more. The Housing Advisory Service encompasses Housing Law and Housing related issues, and offers free, confidential and impartial guidance. For more information visit the website or you can reach their housing advisor by calling 020 7463 9398.