I am currently serving in the Forces/a reservist
Welcome to Somerset! Whether you are currently living here or are going to be posted here in future, we are proud and happy to welcome you to this beautiful part of the country. On this page, you will find details of information and support available to you as a serving member of the Armed Forces/a reservist living in Somerset.
Our NHS-funded Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers are here to assist you.
They are available Monday to Friday 0900-1700.
If they are unable to meet your needs, they will introduce you to someone who can.
If you need immediate physical support, dial 999.
To speak to someone now, for immediate emotional support or if you feel you are in danger of harming yourself, call the Samaritans on 116 123. You are not alone.
Learn more about (click to view):
Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers
If you want to speak to someone who understands what it's like to serve in the Armed Forces, our Link Workers here in Somerset can help. Between them, they have almost 50 years experience of service life.
They can advise you about a wide range of services available which are specifically targeted at the Armed Forces community in Somerset and if they are unable to meet your needs directly, they will introduce you to an organisation that can.
The Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers are there to support you. They may not have all the answers, but they will do their best to work with you to find a solution to whatever is concerning you.
Some of the areas with which they have supported serving personnel to date include:
- mental health concerns
- social isolation
- worries about family members, for example, settling children into a new school
- changing family dynamics, for example coping with a new baby
- advice if you are considering leaving the Forces
- addictions to alcohol, drugs or gambling
The list above is not exhaustive. If you would prefer to speak to an AFLW rather than email, they are generally available by phone during office hours or you can leave your details and they will call you back:
Jon: 07759 005067
Samantha: 07376 090383
Sam: 07561 350995
Physical wellbeing
For general information about how to access NHS services while in active service, click here. For more specific advice to Somerset, chose from the menu below.
Mental wellbeing
If you are currently serving and feel you need support for your mental wellbeing, your first port of call should always be the medical officer at your unit medical centre. Information on the correct procedure to follow can be found here.
Children's education and wellbeing
Somerset Council guidance on enrolling your child into school can be found here.
NHS Somerset guidance on all aspects of children's health can be found on our NHS Somerset children's health webpages.
Additional guidance about ADHD referrals and your right to choose are available here.
As a member of the Armed Forces, it is important that you tell your child's school, as they may be entitled to claim the Service Pupil Premium allowance (SPP). SPP helps a school to provide additional support that a service child may need. More information about SPP can be found here.
Somerset justice system
Whilst we may not be able to directly support serving members of the Armed Forces who find themselves in police custody, please ensure you make officers aware of your serving status.
Our Armed Forces Link Workers may be able to direct family members and dependents to sources of support. Should your situation result in discharge from the forces, they will be able to offer information and support to you throughout this process.
Somerset housing services
Information about the Government's 'Forces House to Buy' scheme is available here. This scheme is open to currently serving personnel with 6 months left to serve. Unfortunately, it is not open to reservists.
You can also find information about Somerset's social housing scheme here, which may be of particular use if you are considering leaving the Forces in the near future and do not own your own home.
Non Somerset-specific information about Pinnacle Service Families housing is available here.
Your welfare officer is available to support you with any difficulties you may be facing financially.
Additionally, if you are facing financial hardship due to specific circumstances, such as gambling addiction, long-term sickness of a family member etc, further help may be available.
Contact one of our Armed Forces Link Workers who may be able to assist you with other sources of support, such as introducing you to your local Armed Forces Champion at the Department of Work and Pensions or supporting you to access food vouchers.
Further information on local services
A thriving Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector exists in Somerset and there is a wide range of services available.
Your Armed Forces Link Workers are there to help you to access this support.
Another source of assistance which is available to all Somerset residents and is not Forces specific, is provided by Somerset Village and Community agents.
Whilst access to a Community Agent requires a GP or adult social care referral, Village Agents can be contacted directly. Click here to find details for your local Village Agent.