Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers
If you want to speak to someone who understands what it's like to be part of the Armed Forces community, our Link Workers here in Somerset can help. Between them, they have almost 50 years experience of service life. Your query does not need to be directly linked to your 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 veterans to date include:
- mental health concerns
- social isolation
- worries about family members, for example, caring for a partner
- changing family dynamics, for example coping with the death of a loved one
- managing chronic pain
- assistance accessing financial support
- issues surrounding cost-of-living hardship
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:
Physical wellbeing
Your NHS GP should be your first port of call for any physical health needs. Information about registering with a GP can be found below. For help with your symptoms when your GP is not available and it is not an emergency, dial 111 or use the 111 online service.
If you are already resident in Somerset, you can register with a local GP. Find your local GP here.
If you are in the process of moving into the area but are not yet sure exactly where you will be permanently living, you can still register as a temporary patient.
You can register as a temporary resident with a GP surgery for up to 3 months. To register, you'll need to fill out a temporary services form (GMS3), available from GP surgeries.
After 3 months, you'll have to reapply to register as a temporary resident or become a permanent patient.
All Somerset GP practices have signed up to the Royal College of General Practitioners Veteran Friendly accreditation scheme. We also work alongside them to support them in recognising the specific needs of other groups within the Armed Forces community such as partners, children and reservists.
If you have served, please let your Somerset GP know that you are a member of the Armed Forces community. There are a number of support services tailored specifically to your needs, but if your GP is unaware you are a member of this cohort, they won't be able to advise you about them.
For more information about GP practices in Somerset and how to register with a GP, click here.
Consistent with the nationwide picture, we are aware that there are significant pressures with registering with an NHS dentist in Somerset.
Demand currently outweighs availability and we are aware that waiting lists are long.
To find whether any dentists in Somerset are currently taking new patients, visit the dental choices website here.
For emergency NHS dental treatment, follow the advice here.
To find answers to commonly asked questions about NHS dentists, click here.
In some cases, specific support is available to veterans, therefore it is important that your GP is aware you have previously served in the Armed Forces.
There is a commitment that veterans in Great Britain may be considered for priority access to NHS services providing focused treatment for conditions arising from their Service, compared to non-Service patients with the same level of clinical need. This is a clinical decision made by the relevant physician. The prioritisation of their care by healthcare providers is always subject to clinical need and will be clinically determined. Members of the Armed Forces Community are not entitled to jump the queue ahead of someone with a higher clinical need.
Op Restore is an NHS Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service which provides specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the armed forces.
Op RESTORE can support you:
- if you have a physical health problem of any type or severity
- if your physical health problem is a result of your time in service
- if you live and are registered with a GP practice in England
- no matter when your physical health problem first appeared
- no matter when you left the armed forces
A GP can refer you to Op RESTORE. You can be referred even if you were not medically discharged.
More information about the services available to veterans, service leavers and non-mobilised reservists can be found here.
Similarly, you can chat to one of our Armed Forces Link Workers if you would like more information about the types of support available to veterans with health care concerns.
Mental wellbeing
If you feel that you need support for your mental wellbeing, you should always contact your NHS GP. However, the Armed Forces Link Workers are part of a wider network of individuals and organisations who are able to support those in the Armed Forces community.
Op Courage is an NHS service which provides support for veterans and service leavers.
You can contact the service directly yourself, by asking your GP to refer you or by liaising with one of our Armed Forces Link Workers.
Open Mental Health is an alliance of local voluntary organisations, the NHS and social care, Somerset Council, and individuals with lived experience of mental health. They work together to improve the way people in Somerset receive support with their mental health by providing access to a number of specialist services including NHS support, housing advice, debt and employment advice, volunteering opportunities, community activities, peer support and local exercise groups.
Their aim is to ensure that people in Somerset get the right support when they need it most. Click here for more information.
Individuals are also able to refer themselves to NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression. More information about this support can be found here.
Togetherall provides free mental health support for veterans and family members. It is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. The service is managed by clinicians and monitored 24/7 by professionals.
It can be helpful if you:
- are looking to talk to someone but may be hesitant about “clinical” treatment
- may benefit from anonymous support as you don’t feel comfortable seeking or receiving face-to-face support
- are looking for support between sessions/treatment
- have an extended wait time until your first session with a therapist
More information about Togetherall and how to register can be found here.
Watch (partnered with ARK at Egwood), who are based in Chard, provide a space to form new peer friendships and social connection. They also provide free training and workshops (online and in person) at different locations across Somerset. Contact them Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 13:00 on 01460 712119 or by email at: info@watchproject.org.uk.
The NHS Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers are available to support every member of the Armed Forces community, including those currently serving, their partners and dependents, reservists and veterans. Having served themselves, they have a good understanding of military life. Their contact details can be found here.
Crisis safe space is an out-of-hours service for adults in Somerset who are struggling with their mental health. A link to their website with further Information about the services they provide, can be found here.
Somerset Domestic Abuse provide support for anyone seeking help with domestic abuse, including those who are causing harm. Details of the support they offer can be found here.
Becoming a parent can cause high levels of stress and anxiety. Support is available if you believe you may be at risk of harming your child. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor.
The Health and Care System in Somerset is running a New Dads' Supporter Project which offers help and advice. Click here for more information.
ICON is a national charity which provides advice and guidance around how to cope with a crying infant.
If you believe you need ongoing support to manage your behaviour, speak to your GP or contact one of our AFLWs.
If you have a concern about a family member, you should contact their GP.
Somerset Mind offer 24/7 support for anyone with mental wellbeing concerns. Details of how to contact them can be found here.
Somerset Open Mental Health is an alliance of local voluntary organisations, the NHS and social care, Somerset Council, and individuals with lived experience of mental health. More information about their services can be found here.
Our NHS Somerset Armed Forces Link Workers are another source of support.
We understand that caring for a loved one can be a challenging and isolating experience. Roles and relationships shift and this can be difficult to manage. Help is available.
Somerset Carers offer a wealth of information and can direct you toward further sources of support.
Our Armed Forces Link Workers can also advise you about some of the many other sources of physical and emotional support available to carers in Somerset.
If you have an addiction which is having an impact on your life, help is available.
There are many charities and organisations who offer specific support to those with addictions, and our AFLWs are able to link you in with these.
Turning Point is a Somerset drug and alcohol service which offers a person-centred approach to support.
Ara offer free and confidential support across Wales and the south west for those whose lives are affected by gambling.
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.
If you left the Armed Forces up to six years ago, 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.
Adult education and career development
In Somerset, there are many opportunties to develop your own education and skill-set. Somerset Skills and Learning (SS&L) are one provider we work closely with and more information about their provision can be found here. Many opportunities are available without charge to those with a personal income of less than £25k.
The Armed Forces Link Workers are also able to direct you towards local and national organisations which can support you with training and employment opportunities.
Somerset justice system
Op NOVA, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity and commissioned by NHS England, provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system. This support enables veterans to access the services they need.
If you become involved with the justice system, it is important that you identify yourself as a member of the Armed Forces community as soon as possible.
Our Armed Forces Link Workers may also be able to introduce family members and dependents of veterans to sources of support.
Somerset housing services
Information about Somerset's social housing scheme can be found here,
If you are experiencing issues with accommodation or homelessness, contact our Armed Forces Link Workers.
Information about finding a civilian home as a veteran can be found here.
Financial wellbeing
Contact one of our Armed Forces Link Workers who may be able to assist you with sources of support, such as introducing you to your local village agent or supporting you to access food vouchers.
If you are facing financial hardship due to specific circumstances within your relationship, such as gambling addiction, long-term sickness of a family member etc, further help may be available.
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.
NHS Somerset also hosts eleven Armed Forces Outreach Services (AFOS) which are open to all members of the Armed Forces community. More information can be found here.
