Suffolk Military Covenant: Welfare Support

Customer First is the initial point of contact for social services in Suffolk. They can be contacted: Free Telephone: 0808 800 4005 (weekdays from 8am-18.45pm) or Email customer.first@suffolk.gov.uk

Suffolk InfoLink is an online directory of community information; local clubs, societies, community and voluntary organisations, childcare providers and services.  It also provides the Warm Handover Scheme which enables statutory and voluntary sectors services to collaborate and support welfare needs of individuals.  Visit the Suffolk Info Link website.

A new searchable directory listing government and charity support for veterans and their families, allows veterans to find help in their local area. Initially the directory will list COBSEO members and current referral partners.  Online support guides to help veterans find information by need, including on housing, employment, health, compensation, bereavement, care needs and more.  Visit The Veterans Online Directors of Services.

We provide free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.  

Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 218

Visit the Veterans UK webpage

Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence.

At SSAFA we provide lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force. We are here for you and your family, whenever and wherever you need us. Forcesline is our free and confidential telephone helpline (0800 731 4880) and a Live Chat service can be found on the Forceslines website.

If you have served in the UK Armed Forces, or are the dependent of someone who has served, our services are available to help you. We support the whole Armed Forces Family including those currently serving. Our telephone helpline (0808 802 8080) is open to everyone, 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week and Live Chat service.  Visit The Royal British Legion website.

We are a Suffolk based Social Enterprise, using coffee as a social and wellbeing engagement tool. The Coffee Cell is in Northgate Street Ipswich is where we serve coffee, and you can have a chat. Our Outreach workers have conversations with Veterans and their families and can support them with their mental health and wellbeing and we can refer into other services that can wrap around them. We train aspiring baristas and support the skills and community engagement of veterans in custody. We attend community events with our Combat2Coffee mobile units. Changing the world with one sip at a time!

For further information visit our website and links to social media.

Op NOVA helps veterans who are in contact with the justice system by providing emotional and practical support, enabling veterans to access specialist support in areas such as health, housing and employment. The support is available pre and post custody across all of England.

The service supports veterans who have self-referred or been referred by specialist police teams or other statutory organisations. Op NOVA caseworkers are Armed Forces Aware and undertake a needs assessment to establish what support is required by the individual, followed by practical support offered through a network of partners and local charities.

For more information visit Op NOVA - Forces Employment Charity.

Op NOVA Freephone 0800 917 7299 or by email at opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk

Referrals can be made to Op NOVA via the secure justice email address for Police, Probation Service and Liaison and Diversion use opnova@forcesemployment.cjsm.net or via the online referral form forcesemployment.org.uk/opnovareferral.

We help ex-Service men and women of every generation rebuild their lives after sight loss. Since 1915 we’ve provided rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support to tens of thousands of blind veterans., Many of the blind veterans we support suffer from social isolation.  Visit the Blind Veterans website or Telephone: 0300 111 2233.

If you have served in the British Armed Forces and have suffered life changing injury, either during or after your service you may be eligible for Blesma Membership. Blesma has a commitment to help limbless veterans live independent and fulfilling lives after suffering the loss of limbs, use of limbs, sight, speech or hearing. Visit The BLESMA website.

If you are a member of the Suffolk Armed Forces community, serving or veteran (ex-service) and have a caring role or you are caring for someone who is part of the community, you may be entitled to additional support.  Visit the Suffolk Family Carers Armed Forces community support webpage.

We are able to assist with essentials such as food shopping (including pet and baby products where required), utilities support, clothing and footwear, household items and single appliances, smartphones/tablets and calling credit/data. To make a self-referral or to refer from another organisation, please complete the application form on our website.

Our organization is committed to upholding a sense of duty towards those who have served in the British Armed Forces as Commonwealth soldiers, recognizing their significant contributions and sacrifices made during their service.  We aim to address and fulfill a wide range of welfare needs for veterans and their families such as healthcare, educational opportunities, employment assistance, mental health support, or other essential services.  Stay in contact via our Facebook Group.

We provide a varied programme of social activities, outings, respite and challenge breaks for veterans and wounded serving personnel which improve physical and mental health, address isolation and loneliness, and promote a sense of community and balance - including Televisions, Television Licences and Tablets.  Visit The Not Forgotten website.

Fighting With Pride supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families – in particular those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces prior to January 2000. Contact Matt Souter LGBTQ+ Veterans Community worker - East of England or Visit the Fighting with Pride website.

This service supports veterans with dementia has recently extended into East Anglia. See their webpage on the Royal British Legion website for more and contacts. Visit the Admiral Nurses Service webpage.

Give Us Time takes commercially let accommodation donated by owners of holiday groups, hotels, holiday homes and timeshares, and matches them with serving and veterans military families in need. They support * families who are in need by virtue of: bereavement, physical or mental injuries, financial need, or having been separated for long periods of time due to deployment and send them away with their families to rest, reconnect and reaffirm their family bonds.

*Serving members of the UK Armed Forces and their families
*Veterans and their families

Please initially register and view the website Give us time

A registered charity providing respite holidays and short breaks to ex-members of the armed, merchant and emergency services, their spouses and widows/widowers. Overlooking the seafront in south Lowestoft the Grade 1 listed building is open from April to October, has ten en-suite twin bedded rooms and stays can be on a bed and breakfast or half board basis.

Duane Ashworth

Tel: 01502 573564

Email: enquiries@kitchenerslowestoft.co.uk
Website: Kitchener's Lowestoft
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