I have served in the Armed Forces
Regardless of gender, how long you served or whether you were actively deployed, we are here to support you. On this page, you will find details of how to access the different types of assistance available to veterans 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 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:
Jon: 07759 005067
Samantha: 07376 090383
Sam: 07561 350995
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.
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.
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.
They are currently asking those in the Armed Forces community what type of learning would be of most interest to them. To have your say, complete their 2-minute questionnaire here.
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.
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.