What you need to know
If you’re currently serving in or have served in the UK Armed Forces, you have free access to mental health services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in addition to those provided by Defence Medical Services and the National Health Service.
What you need to do
Please find information below on different mental health support options:
Get support from like-minded people and express what you’re really feeling at Togetherall (which used to called the Big White Wall): an online community for people who are experiencing mental health problems. Members can choose to vent and express how they feel in a variety of ways, using various tools and techniques.
Members can express themselves using words through Togetherall ‘Talkabout’ tool or with images by making ‘Bricks’. They can share issues with members of the community or trained professionals called ‘Wall Guides’ who are online at all times. Members can also have tests to help them understand common issues such as depression and anxiety and access lots of useful information.
Togetherall has professionally-led guided groups designed to help people deal with issues from work stress to getting a better night’s sleep. They also produce a free fortnightly email, with hints and tips for members of the Armed Forces community about topical, everyday issues that may affect them – for example, how to deal with stress, relationship problems, money issues or simply how to think about things differently to make positive change. There is no need to join BWW to receive this.
If you want to contact them then call 0203 405 6196 or email theteam@togetherall.com
Samaritans provide a safe place to talk about anything that’s bothering you 24/7. Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, for anyone who is struggling to cope. You can talk to them at any time and in your own way about anything that’s getting to you.
You can contact them for free on:
- telephone: 116 123 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- email Jo@samaritans.org
SSAFA’s Forcesline is a free confidential helpline and email service providing advice and information for Regulars, Reserves and their families. As an independent charity, SSAFA is not part of the military chain of command.
Forcesline can be accessed from anywhere in the world. They are open 0900-1700 hours Monday to Friday. The number to call is:
- UK 0800 731 4880
- Cyprus 800 91065
- Falkland Islands #6111
- Rest of the World +44 (0)207 463 9292
- Operational Theatres use Paradigm’s phone system and dial the appropriate access number then enter *201 at the PIN prompt.
HeadFIT is an online suite of tools to improve your drive, confidence and mood. It aims to give you practical help on how to manage stress and promote good mental health and wellbeing. It is accessible for the whole Defence Community, including families and veterans, by visiting the headfit website.
