Support for armed forces and veterans

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The Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve in the Armed Forces, those who have served in the past, and their families. It promises that they should be treated with fairness and respect in their community, the economy and the society they serve with their lives.

What is being done?

The covenant focusses on ensuring that members of the armed forces community have the same access to government and commercial services and products as any other citizen. This support is provided in a number of areas including:

education and family well-being
having a home
starting a new career
access to healthcare
financial assistance
discounted services

You can read the Armed Forces Covenant promise in full here or watch this video provided by the Ministry of Defence.

What local support am I entitled to?

Support for children and families

School admissions
Early years childcare funding
Service pupil funding
Children's education advice service
Family support
Forces charities including counselling for those who have lost a parent or been seriously injured.

Housing, Homeless and Council Tax Support

Information for veterans when applying for housing
Council Tax information including discounts dependent on the property/person
What to do if you are homeless

Employment Opportunities and Volunteering

Armed Forces champions within Jobcentres
Jobcentre work and health programme for veterans
Specialist recruitment for veterans
Volunteering with local organisations

Health services and social care support

NHS pathways to health services for veterans
Finding a GP and/or a dentist
Mental health for veterans
Access to adult social care

Benefits advice and support

Benefits support for a range of circumstances
Housing/Council Tax Benefit
Free school meals
Discretionary Housing Payments
Help with buying furniture
Citizens Advice Bureau

Help with funerals and bereavement Support

Help with funeral costs
Veterans funeral and bereavement advice
Financial advice for those that are bereaved
Support for children/young people who have lost a parent or who have been seriously injured

Armed forces charities and welfare support

Financial, practical and emotional support
Local support groups
Outreach and drop-in support sessions
Health and well-being support for LGBTQ+

Leisure and discounts

Free use of Bradford Council sport and leisure facilities
Defence discounts
Access to Bradford company shop with low cost food/products

Travel

Blue badge scheme for people with disabilities
Forces railcards
Veterans railcards

National Support for you

Veterans UK helpline

We make it easier for you to access the help and services you need by providing advice and support:

through either telephone contact or, if needed, during a home visit
with the transition from service to civilian life
to bereaved families
if there are changes in disablement
with any life event that needs welfare assistance
with any forms and help completing them if needed.

There are 4 Veterans Welfare Centres providing advice and support across the UK. If you need any help, phone or email the welfare centre nearest to where you live or the Veterans UK helpline.

Norcross Veterans Welfare Centre (covers North West England, Yorkshire and Humber, North Wales and Isle Of Mann)

Tel 01253 333494
Email: Veterans-UK-VWS-North@mod.gov.uk

Freephone (UK only):0808 1914 2 18
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Normal Service: 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday

Office for Veterans' Affairs

Find support for UK armed forces veterans and their families, including help with finance, healthcare, employment, housing, social care and more.

Tel: 0808 802 1212

Text: 81212

Website: Office for Veterans' Affairs

Help for Heroes

The leading armed forces and veterans' charity in the UK. Helping wounded veterans and their families to recover and get on with their lives. If you are living with anxiety and stress, are struggling financially, or just need a listening ear, we can help.

Tel: 0300 303 9888

Website: Help for Heroes

Did you know?

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets. There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved. Look out for events taking place locally on our what's on calendar

Last updated: 23 January 2025

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