The wellbeing of those participating in the Inquiry is important to us. There is a range of services available to those affected provided by both the Ministry of Defence and external organisations. It is important that all those involved in the Inquiry feel safe and supported.
If you are unable to keep yourself safe, or are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide that you may act on, please consider the following emergency options:
- Go to any Hospital or A&E department or book an emergency appointment with your GP
- Call 999 and ask for an ambulance or for non-emergency health advice call the NHS on 111.
- If you need urgent support but don’t want to contact the health service call the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123.
Military personnel, veterans and families support
Forcesline is a free and confidential helpline for serving personnel, veterans and their families. the service is provides by the military charity SSAFA.
You can call them on 0800 260 6767.
The Army Welfare Service (AWS) provides confidential and comprehensive support to service personnel, families and the Chain of Command. Personal support services can provide help and advice on a range of matters such as; stress and anxiety, domestic abuse, relationship difficulties and emotional well being. You can call them on 01904 882503/504.
If Army personnel are not content with how they are being treated they can tell the Army’s Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Team. Telephone 01264 381 922 (civillian) or 94391 7922 (military).
Defence’s Military mental health helpline
Service personnel and their families can call Defence’s Military mental health helplines administered by Combat Stress on 0800 323 4444;
Civilian personnel
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
A confidential helpline designed to assist civilian personnel, or military line managers of civilians with personal or professional problems that could be affecting their home or work life, health and general well being. The service provides a complete support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of issues. It offers not only reactive support when someone needs it, but also proactive and preventative support to deliver the best possible outcomes. You can call them on 0800 345 7047.
The Civil Service Charity provides a variety of support to current and previous Civil Servants. You can call them on 0800 056 2424 Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm or alternatively via email hello@cfcs.org.uk.
Veterans support
Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.
The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides a professional help and advice service to veterans or anyone supporting a veteran, their families and dependants.
Change Step offers support for veterans and families in Wales. You can contact them on 0300 777 2259.
There are a number of organisations available in Scotland to assist Veterans. You can contact Veterans Scotland on 0131 550 1569.
Mental health and substance abuse support
The Samaritans are available 24/7 if you’re having a difficult time. Their freephone number is 116 123.
A national mental health charity providing advice and support to anyone with a mental health problem. Their information line is 0300 123 3393.
Relate offers support for a variety of issues. They have a number of centres that offer in person services across the UK as well as offering counselling via phone, email or live chat.
If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS talking therapies services for anxiety and depression. A GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself directly without a referral.
WithYou offer free, confidential support to members of the armed forces community who are experiencing issues with drugs and alcohol. They also support friends and family members who are affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use.
If you need help with a drinking problem either phone the national helpline free on 0800 9177 650 or you can find a local helpline using their ‘Find a Meeting tool’.
Bereavement support
Cruse volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you’re feeling right now. Their phone number is 0808 808 1677.
The National Bereavement Service provides a support helpline, counselling referral and befriending service. Their helpline is 0800 0246 121.
Domestic abuse support
An independent charity dedicated to those who have been the victim of crime or other traumatic incidents, they are available to contact whether you have reported a crime or not. Further information is available on their website and their helpline is 0808 168 9111.
Refuge are a specialist provider domestic abuse support services in England and run the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is the gateway to accessing specialist support across the country. Their 24/7 helpline is 0808 2000 247.
A charity that offers advice and support specifically for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them including family and friends and frontline workers. E-mail and webchat support services are available on their website and their emergency helpline is available on 0808 8010327.
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. As a federation we provide life-saving services across England while building a future where domestic abuse is not tolerated. You can conact them on 0808 200 0247.
Financial support
Citizens Advice can offer general support on 0800 144 8848 (England) or 0800 702 2020 (Wales).
A charity specifically geared to provide advice and support for those struggling with debt. They help provide solutions and services depending on your circumstances. Online advice is available on their website or you can call the helpline on 0800 138 1111.
The Inquiry does not formally endorse these organisations nor is this an exhaustive list of organisations that could provide you with support. We are aware there may be other organisations better placed to help you, and encourage you to reach out to wherever you are most comfortable sourcing assistance.