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Armed Forces support organisations

Use our map to find NHS Armed Forces contacts in your area and organisations which can help build your support network.

20 September 2023

Networking with other organisations which support the Armed Forces can help you build support for the military community in your workplace and raise your profile as a forces-friendly employer.

Below you can see our map of NHS trusts, ICSs and ICBs across the UK and learn more about their Armed Forces status. You can also find details of national organisations and charities which can provide support for your Armed Forces commitment. 

NHS Armed Forces footprint map

  • Ministry of Defence (MOD)

    The MOD is the ministerial department responsible for the Armed Forces.

    Defence Relationship Management (DRM)

    DRM acts as an intermediary between employers and the MOD. They advise and support employers on matters related to the hiring of members of the Armed Forces community and help organisations to develop a mutually beneficial working relationship with the MOD. Contact your Regional Employer Engagement Director with any queries relating to the Armed Forces.

    Defence Medical Services (DMS)

    DMS is the collective title for the three medical services within the Armed Forces (the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force). Serviced by regulars and reservists, the DMS provide healthcare to the Armed Forces.

    Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

    The CTP is the official provider of Armed Forces resettlement. They have a partnering agreement with the Ministry of Defence and Right Management and offer extensive support to service leavers, including resettlement support, career transition advice and training opportunities. 

    RCFA is comprised of 13 individual associations which support to the MOD and single services at a local level. 

  • NHS England

    NHS England leads and manages seven regional Armed Forces networks, which closely aligned to the military regional structures. The networks meet regularly to streamline work between local and regional NHS organisations, the MOD, local authorities and service charities.

    NHS Health Careers

    The NHS Health Careers website provides information on career paths available within the health sector. Take their careers quiz to see how your skills and experiences align with jobs within the health sector.

    Veteran’s Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA)

    The VCHA recognises hospitals which provide an exemplary service to patients who serve, or who have served, in the Armed Forces.

  • Walking with the Wounded (WWTW)

    WWTW helps vulnerable veterans achieve independence through employment. They assist veterans who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service.

    Forces Employment Charity (FEC) 

    FEC provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

    Forces Families Jobs is the go-to place for training, employment, and volunteer roles for family members of currently serving UK military personnel. 

    The Royal British Legion

    The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support to the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans and their families.

    Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)

    SSAFA provides lifelong support to serving men and women, veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families and dependants.

    Veterans Gateway

    Veterans Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans seeking support. They put veterans and members of their families in touch with the organisations best placed to offer them the information, advice and support required. They cover range of matters, such as housing, employment and finances.

    Combat Stress

    Combat Stress is the leading veteran mental health charity in the UK and provides ex-service personnel with treatment for Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder, anxiety and depression.

    Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)

    DMWS is an independent charity providing support to members of the Armed Forces community who are receiving medical treatment.

    The Royal Foundation

    Established by the Royal Family, the Royal Foundation offers individuals and organisations support to help them to overcome some of the challenges faced by society. The Royal Foundation endorses our Step into Health programme.

    Recruit for Spouses

    Recruit for Spouses helps military spouses to find jobs or start businesses. They ensure military spouses can build successful careers without being disadvantaged by their military status.

    Care After Combat

    Care After Combat is a UK based charity providing support within the justice system for the well-being of former British Armed Forces personnel and their families.

  • The Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force each have their own Families Federations, which support family members of serving personnel, service leavers and veterans.

     

  • Designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families. 

    Op Fortitude is a new dedicated referral pathway for homeless veterans, including those sleeping on the streets. 

    Op Nova provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system. 

    Op Restore seeks to ensure the veteran is seen by the most appropriate clinician for their needs. 

    Age UK’s Op Sterling helps older LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families. 

  • If you cannot find the information listed on our map above, here are the following links to finding your local reserve units for the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy