On this page you will find information about:
- Support for those who are currently serving.
- Guidance and support for those who are transitioning or an ex-service person.
- Accessing support from Armed Forces and civilian charities.
Women have played a significant role during times of conflict for hundreds of years and continue to do so in HM Armed Forces today.
Whether you are currently serving, transitioning into Veteran life, or already living as an ex-service person, you are entitled to be part of the community and to access support programmes.
Read about community networks for women who have or are currently serving here on the RBL website.
Office for Veterans Affairs: Increasing support for ex-service women
In 2023, the UK Government announced two plans to increase their support of ex-service women.
- Read about the new Women Veterans' Strategy to look at the experiences of former female service personnel on GOV.UK.
- Find out more about the new fund to improve access to support for female veterans on the GOV.UK website.
The initiatives will try to identify areas where ex-service women may be missing out on support, improvements to services to meet their specific needs, and areas where further support may be given.
As part of the increasing investment in servicewomen's welfare, funding has been granted to develop the support for ex-service women who have suffered from sexual trauma in the military as part of the Women Veterans' Strategy.
This investment leads on from projects such as the Atherton report in 2021 and further reports which are still being researched and created for future progress.
Female Veterans Transformation Programme - improving support for female ex-service personnel
The Female Veterans Transformation Programme is working to improve services provided for female ex-service personnel. They are starting their work by completing research and gathering real life experiences of female veterans through their survey.
Finding support
Support from the Royal British Legion
From time to time, we can all need some help or support in life. The Royal British Legion (RBL) is here to support the Armed Forces community through our financial, emotional, and physical support services.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, ex-service personnel, and their families. And we're not going anywhere.
Whether you served during conflict or peacetime, in a front line role or as part of supporting operations, we're here to help.
Recovery support - Recovery centres, Battle Back and Bravo 22
As someone who is or has served in HM Armed Forces there may come times where you could benefit from physical, mental, or social support.
The programmes listed below are opportunities for currently serving and ex-service personnel to take part in sporting, creative activities and meet people with similar experiences to them.
Visit the RBL Knowledge Base website to find out more about opportunities from:
Financial support
In times of crisis, or if you need help at home, we may be able to help with a grant.
Through our grants programmes, the Royal British Legion provides financial support to the Armed Forces community.
Read our information guides here on our website to find out more about:
- Our grants team and the financial support programmes that they offer.
- How our grants team could help get you through a temporary crisis.
- Mobility aids and equipment grants: for those who are finding it difficult to get around.
- Grants that can support household adaptations to help you live independently at home.
- Funding to support studying abroad.
- Employment and education grants from the Women's Section.
To find out more about the support the RBL could offer you, contact us via
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Telephone overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080
Calls are free
from UK landlines and main mobile networks
Email: [email protected]
More support available
Bereavement
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a challenging time which will impact your life for many years to come. It is important to remember that you are not alone.
We have created some handy resources to support you and your family when bereaved.
Read about bereavement support and guidance here on the RBL website.
Housing
As a member of the Armed Forces community, the uncertainty of housing, accommodation and frequent moves may cause you to feel overwhelmed and stressed.
We have created online resources which can help you navigate government and service guidance to help you find a home.
Learn more about:
- Housing options for serving personnel here on the RBL website.
- Service accommodation and relationship breakdown here on the RBL website.
- Social housing, also known as council housing or housing association here on our website.
- What it means to be legally homeless and how to access support on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
- Applying as homeless before you are discharged on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
- Care homes for ex-service personnel on the RBL Knowledge Base website
Menopause and Perimenopause
Anyone who has periods can experience the menopause or perimenopause. The menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels whilst perimenopause is when you are experiencing the symptoms of menopause, but your periods have not stopped.
The menopause and perimenopause usually affect people between the ages of 45 and 55 but it can begin at any age.
The menopause and perimenopause can affect your mental and physical health with symptoms such as:
- anxiety
- mood swings
- low self-esteem
- brain fog
- hot flushes
- sleeping problems
- irregular periods
- dry and itchy skin
- muscle and joint pains
- headaches and migraines.
Experiencing the menopause can have a large impact on your daily life, including your relationships, social, family and work life.
Learn more about the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause on the NHS website.
There are lifestyle changes and treatments which can help relieve the symptoms of Menopause.
Mental Health and wellbeing
People in the Armed Forces community face mental health issues for a variety of reasons. Both combat-related and non-combat-related experiences can affect you or someone you know. There is support available regardless of what is impacting you.
Even if you are still serving within the Armed Forces, it is okay to seek support for mental wellbeing. Many personnel continue to serve after they seek support.
If your mental health begins to impact you or a loved ones' wellbeing, you may benefit from external support. You can access support from in-service programmes or external organisations.
Mental health and wellbeing support from the RBL
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is here for people in the Armed Forces community experiencing poor mental health. We might be able to support you or your loved one by:
- Providing emotional support, encouragement and reassurance as you receive help from specialist services.
- Attending medical appointments with you.
- Giving you information on the options available to you from a range of organisations, and helping you to access their services.
The RBL is unable to provide counselling support.
Op COURAGE
The free NHS service provides mental health support to serving personnel who are due to leave the military, reservists, veterans, and family members. Through Op COURAGE you could obtain a diagnosis and access the treatment you may need.
Read more about Op COURAGE here on the RBL website.
Combat Stress
As the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health, Combat Stress provides clinical treatment and support for ex-service personnel and their families.
Find out more about Combat Stress and their free 24-hour helpline on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
Salute Her - a single sex safe zone for women
Salute Her provides guidance on mental well-being for women who are or have served in HM Armed Forces, or at sea. The charity specialises in supporting those with lived experience of sexual assault and associated sexual trauma.
Domestic and financial abuse
In an emergency always call 999 in the UK.
Call 112 in the EU or check locally for other overseas countries.
Domestic and financial abuse are crimes that should be reported to the police. Domestic abuse can take many forms and there is specific support and guidance for the Armed Forces community.
- Find out more about where you can access help as a member of the Armed Forces community on GOV.UK.
- Visit the Government MoneyHelper website for more information about how to protect yourself from financial abuse.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) can offer support to those who are serving and are experiencing domestic violence. If you telephone the RBL and ask for support and you will be allocated to a case officer from one of our welfare teams. There they will explain the different options of support that are available to you.
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Get in touch
Visit the National Domestic Abuse Helpline website to chat online or:
Telephone: 08082 000 247
The service is available for free, in confidence, 24 hours a day.
The service is available 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Visit the Respect - Men's Advice line website to chat online or:
Telephone: 08082 000 247
The service is available 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK. Your call will not appear on itemised bills. You can also call free from BT pay phones.
Email: [email protected]
The service is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Support from the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion can offer support to those who are serving and are experiencing domestic violence. They can phone the RBL and ask for support and they will be allocated to a case officer in one of the welfare teams. There they will explain the different options of support.
Get in touch
Find out more about the Royal British Legion's crisis support or:
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Telephone overseas (including Republic of Ireland): +44 (0)20 3376 8080
Calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks
Email: [email protected]
Our team is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Sexual violence and abuse
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police
No matter when it happened to you, it is never too late to get support for sexual violence or abuse. There is confidential and independent support available to help you.
Learn more about what sexual violence and abuse are on GOV.UK.
If you are currently serving with HM Armed Forces
Civilian support in England and Wales
Civilian support in Northern Ireland
- Learn more about getting help after sexual violence on the nidirect website.
- Find out how to access support from Nexus, Northern Ireland's leading organisation supporting individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships on their website.
Civilian support in Scotland
If you have experienced sexual violence and/or abuse in the last seven days and do not wish to inform the police you can self-refer to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS).
Find out more about SARCS and how they could support you on the NHS Inform website.
Specific support for currently serving personnel
Support from the services
If you need support as a person who is currently serving with HM Armed Forces, full-time or Reserves, you can access help using the services below.
Get in touch
Royal Navy Family and Personnel Support (RN FPS):
- Telephone: 08001 456 088 or 02392 728 777
- Email: [email protected]
Army Welfare Service:
- Telephone: 01904 882 053 or 94777 30 53 or 9380 287 77
- Email: [email protected]
Royal Air Force Welfare:
Details are provided locally via the Unit Personal Support (PS) staff.
Forces Helpline: a free and confidential helpline for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
- Telephone: 08002 606 767
Your health and wellbeing - for all service personnel regardless of gender
Servicewomen's Health Handbook
The Servicewomen's Health Handbook discusses topics of biological health including:
- body basics including breasts, lower female anatomy and lower body health concerns
- urinary health
- menstrual health
- the menopause
- contraception and sexual health
- becoming a parent
- health screening
- consent and confidentiality, and
- health considerations
The terms women and female are used interchangeably throughout this handbook without any intention to exclude individuals who do not identify as women but may experience some of the topics discussed.
Menopause and perimenopause
If you are experiencing the menopause or perimenopause whilst serving in HM Armed Forces there is support available to you.
The Armed Forces Menopause policy can be accessed through MODNet.
Find out more about the menopause on the RAF Families Federation website.
Maternity leave, pay and your rights as a pregnant service person
We have written detailed guidance to help you understand your options and make decisions as a pregnant service person.
The guide contains information about:
- Armed Forces Occupational Maternity Scheme (AFOMS)
- Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), and
- Your rights as a pregnant Service person.
Read more about childcare and your finances here on our website.
Housing
As a person who is currently in service there are multiple options for where you can live. We have created handy guides to help you work out what your options are.
Childcare support
As someone who is currently serving or an ex-service person you may benefit from support with childcare.
The guide below contains information for those who are currently serving in HM Armed Forces and ex-service, with support from civilian programmes.
Find out more about childcare and your finances here on the RBL website.
Reduced travel Costs
As a member of the Regular Armed Forces or Volunteer Reserves, you may be eligible for an HM Forces Railcard. Excluding minimum fare and restrictions, the railcard could save you up to a third on rail travel across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Spouses of service personnel may also meet the eligibility requirements.
Find out more about the HM Forces Railcard here on the RBL website.
Your finances during service
As a member of HM Armed Forces, full-time or Reserves, there is advice and guidance available to help you manage your finances during your service.
Those who are transitioning and already living as an ex-service person
We understand that as a person who has served in HM Armed Forces, full-time or reserves, it can take a time to feel comfortable adjusting to civilian routines and lifestyles. We have created resources to support your transition into Veteran life and beyond.
Employment
During your transition and life as a veteran, finding a job can be challenging. To help you navigate civilian employment, we have created guides to support your career journey.
Read our information guides on our website to learn more about:
- Finding a job as a service leaver or ex-service person.
- Employment support for those who are living with a disability or medical condition.
- Becoming self-employed.
- Re-entering the workplace after a gap in your employment.
Careers Transition Partnership
If you are in your last two years of service, or were discharged within the last two years, you may be entitled to full resettlement support from the Careers Transition Partnership (CTP).
Find out more about the CTP and how they could support your employment transition on their website.
Military Women Programme from the Forces Employment Charity
The Military Women Programme supports ex-service personnel to gain meaningful employment in a range of sectors and positions, including self-employment.
The charity aims to:
- increase the engagement of women in the veterans' community, and
- equip women with job-seeking skills and knowledge to access Forces-friendly employers.
Reporting problems in the civilian workplace
Working in civilian employment you may come across situations or disputes that make your daily life difficult.
This may be something you find hard to approach as an ex-service person but there is guidance available to help you to resolve workplace conflicts.
England - Citizens Advice
Find out more about dealing with disputes and unusual situations in the civilian workplace.
Northern Ireland - Nidirect
Learn about employment, training and careers on the nidirect website.
Scotland - Citizens Advice
Read about dealing with disputes and difficult situations in civilian employment.
Wales
Read about your rights and safety in the civilian workplace on the GOV.WALES website.
Support for those who have served from the UK government
To support all ex-service personnel the UK government has partnered with various organisations to provide specialised support.
Find out more about the Op programmes here on the RBL website:
Maternity and shared parental leave in civilian employment
We have written detailed guidance to help you understand your options with maternity and shared parental leave.
The guide contains information about:
- Statutory Maternity Leave
- Statutory Maternity Pay, and
- Maternity Allowance
Read more about maternity and shared parental leave, here on our website.
Reduced travel costs
As someone who has served in HM Armed Forces, you may be eligible for reduced rail fares with a Veterans Railcard.
With a Veterans Railcard you could save up to a third on fares. Additionally, you can add a named adult companion to your railcard who would also be eligible for discounted travel, with up to four children.
If you are living with a disability or condition, you may be eligible for a Disabled Persons railcard.
Registering with a civilian GP and Dentist
Once you have left service your healthcare will no longer be provided by HM Armed Forces. Your healthcare will be taken over by the NHS, but it is important to ensure that your records are transferred as soon as possible.
Please note that it can take some time to obtain your medical records when transitioning. Applying as soon as possible will help you to obtain your records quicker.
Read support and guidance about registering with a GP or Dentist in the UK, here on our website.
Op COMMUNITY
If you feel that you may need help when applying to a GP or dentist the team at Op COMMUNITY may be able to help you.
The scheme provides advice and support to the Armed Forces community including family members and carers of those who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces.
The team could support you in a variety of ways including:
- Working and liaising with other organisations on your behalf to facilitate safe and continuous care.
- Ensuring that treatment remains continuous, including maintaining your place on an NHS waiting list.
- Providing advice and guidance on how to use the NHS and navigate its systems.
- Finding veteran-friendly GP practices in your local area.
- Advice on other NHS Armed Forces services including Op RESTORE and Op COURAGE.
- Supported referrals to specialist charities and organisations.
Get in touch
Find out more about OP COMMUNITY on the Defence Medical Welfare Service website or:
- Email: [email protected]
The team is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Support from Armed Forces charities
As a member of the Armed Forces Community, you may be entitled to support from a variety of organisations. Military charities understand the experiences of those who serve or have served, and may be able to provide more specific support.
Find out more about military charities which may be able to support you on the COSBEO website.
Salute Her UK - a single sex safe zone for women - for currently serving, ex-service personnel and women at sea
The charity Salute Her UK advocates, empowers and educates women in the Armed Forces, women veterans, and women at sea with lived experience of sexual assault and associated trauma. The charity provides a physical and psychological safe zone where women can access support in a single sex environment.
Salute Her UK offer a range of support and guidance with topics including:
- building self-esteem and confidence
- healthy living and wellbeing
- legal support
- physical health, including a Pilates group
- military young carers
- domestic violence
- military sexual trauma, and
- suicide prevention.
Find out more about the support available from Salute Her UK on their website.
Get in touch
Visit the Salute Her UK website to use their online contact form.
Fighting with Pride
Fighting with pride supports those who are currently serving, ex-service personnel and the families of members of the LGBTQ+ Armed Forces community. The charity is particularly focused on supporting those who were left behind by service charities due to the ban of LGBTQ+ service personnel prior to 2000.
The charity hosts a range of national and regional support including:
- community support groups
- drop in sessions, and
- events including creating a presence at Pride and Remembrance marches in the UK.
Additionally, the charity works in partnership with Age UK to deliver Op STERLING - a telephone-based support programme for older LGBTQ+ veterans, service personnel and their families.
Find out more about Op STERLING on the Fighting With Pride website.
Get in touch
Visit the Fighting With Pride website to use their online contact form.
The Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC)
The WRAC supports women who are currently serving or have served in HM Armed Forces. The charity aims to provide support and fellowship to members of the community, allowing them to remain connected, supported and valued.
The support available includes:
- events and activities across the UK,
- a benevolent fund to support those who joined prior to 1992, and
- the BuddyBuddy scheme.
Get in touch
Visit the WRAC Association website to find out more or:
- Telephone: 03004 001 992
Leave a message if you are calling out of office hours or there is no answer.
- Email: [email protected]
SSAFA - sheltered housing for women and children
SSAFA's Stepping Stone Housing provides a safe place to stay for women in the Armed Forces community. The housing is a female-only space for women to stay for as long as they need to get back on their feet.
Find out more about SSAFA's Stepping Stone Housing and how to apply.
Support from The Ripple Pond
The Ripple Pond is a charity that supports adult family members of people who are physically or psychologically affected by their time in the Armed Forces. They believe in chosen family, and will support anyone over the age of 18 including partners, siblings, parents, friends and carers.
The Ripple Pond supports people through:
- Specialist one to one sessions
- Peer support groups, including 14 different regional chats
- Talks and events
- Employment Support
- Signposting
Complete their online application form to become a member and receive support from The Ripple Pond.
Support from civilian charities
The civilian charities listed below are led by women to support women in the UK. There are more organisations that may be able to help you.
Find more women-lead charities on the Women's Resource Centre website.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Domestic and financial abuse are crimes and should be reported to the police. Domestic abuse can take many forms and there is specific support and guidance for the Armed Forces community.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline could support you in many ways including:
- empowering you to understand your rights options
- making decisions about the future
- increasing your safety
- help you to find a refugee place or access specialist services in your local area, and
- learning how to protect yourself against tech abuse.
Get in touch
Visit the National Domestic Abuse Helpline website to chat online or:
- Telephone: 08082 000 247
The service is available for free, in confidence, 24 hours a day, from a team of highly trained female advisers.
The service is available 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Women In Prison
The national charity, Women in prison (WIP) supports women who are or have been affected by the criminal justice system, including the families of.
The charity supports women who are currently in prison and through their Women's Centres, providing a safe and non-judgemental space where women can access the support they need.
Find out more about:
- Support services for those who are in prison on the WIP website.
- The WIP Women's Centres on their website.
The charity has support and guidance for those who have been or are affected by the criminal justice system, and those who are supporting a loved one who is affected.
Read support and guidance on the Women In Prison website.
Get in touch
Visit the Women in Prison website or:
- Telephone: 02073 596 674
- Email: [email protected]
Drop-in sessions for the Armed Forces community
There are many drop-in sessions run for people in the community focusing on many aspects of health and wellbeing in the community. These drop-in sessions can also provide spaces for those with shared experiences to come together, find support and build community networks.
Read more about health, wellbeing and community drop-in sessions on the RBL Knowledge Base website.
