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Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Veteran Support
Veteran Support
This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that others have found helpful.
We’re here to support Veterans, serving personnel and their families in Dorset. This resource sheet groups key services, organisations, and contacts into logical sections for easy reference.
If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via secure online form.
Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery
No Need for a referral, contact us directly to see if we can support you
- Telephone 01308 428943
- Contact us via secure online form
- Support with finances
- Getting Active
- Hobbies and Interests
- Connecting to Community
- Supporting wellbeing
Strategic & Coordination Support
Armed Forces Covenant (Dorset Council)
Two-year MoD-funded programme coordinating local AFC projects.
Contact: Nick Harper, AFC Programme Coordinator – Nicholas.Harper@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Armed Forces Champion (DWP, Weymouth)
Statutory benefits advice & guidance for the Armed Forces community.
Contact: Andrew Kerr – Andrew.Kerr1@dwp.gov.uk
Healthcare & Wellbeing
Dorset Healthcare Community Veterans Health & Wellbeing Team
Single point of access for health & social care coordination — includes housing & welfare needs.
- Telephone: 01202 584428
- Email: dch.dorsetveterans@nhs.net
- Website: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors
Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)
Independent medical welfare charity for serving & ex-serving personnel.
- Local Officer: Rebeka Weaver – rweaver@dmws.org.uk
- Website: www.dmws.org.uk
UH Dorset Hospitals NHS FT – Armed Forces Community Advocate
Inpatient support for veterans/families: care navigation & discharge planning.
Contact: Rob Hornby – Rob.Hornby@uhd.nhs.uk
Welfare & Advice Centres
Unit & Garrison Welfare Officers (Bovington, Blandford Camp)
Primary welfare support for serving personnel & their families.
Army Welfare Service (AWS, MoD Corsham)
Professional welfare services to enhance operational effectiveness.
HIVE Information Centres (Bovington & Blandford)
Free local info on benefits, housing, schools, and community groups.
Website: armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com
Citizens Advice
Confidential advice on legal, debt, housing & consumer issues. Local offices across Dorset.
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Mental Health & Wellbeing Charities
SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity
Welfare advisors, financial assistance & casework (offices in Weymouth & Poole + outreach).
Website: www.ssafa.org
The Royal British Legion (TRBL)
Financial, social & emotional support; pension & benefit advice. Branches in Blandford, Dorchester, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster & Wimborne.
Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk
Combat Stress
Specialist mental health support for veterans.
- 24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
- Referral: via Dorset Healthcare Veterans Team
We Are With You
Free support for drug, alcohol & mental health challenges.
- Veterans Lead: John McBride – john.mcbride@wearewithyou.org.uk
- Website: www.wearewithyou.org.uk
Employment & Transition
Forces Families Jobs Platform
Employment & training portal for military spouses & partners.
Website: www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk
Future for Heroes
Transition support when leaving service (based at Bovington Garrison).
- Telephone: 07702 596226
- Website: www.f4h.org.uk
Defence Transition Services (Veterans UK)
Tailored guidance on benefits, healthcare & charities.
- Email: support@mod.gov.uk
- Via: Career Transition Partnership – ctp.org.uk
Housing & Homeless Support
Helping Homeless Veterans UK (Poole)
Temporary accommodation & the ‘Veterans Build Project’.
- Telephone: 07342 284530
- Email: hq@hhvuk.org.uk
- Website: www.hhvuk.org
Haig Housing Trust (Wimborne)
Charitable rented, adapted housing for veterans in need.
Website: www.haighousing.org.uk
Alabaré Homes for Veterans
Supported housing in Dorchester & Weymouth.
- Email: veterans@alabare.co.uk
- Website: www.alabare.co.uk
Social & Community Groups
Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs
Free social meet-ups over breakfast. Locations: Blandford, Sherborne, Christchurch, Weymouth & Portland.
Website: www.afvbc.net
Weymouth Veterans Hub
Café, community allotment, gym & drop-in sessions.
Website: www.theveteranshub.co.uk
Service Dogs UK (South West Hub)
PTSD assistance dogs for veterans & emergency responders.
Website: www.servicedogsuk.org
Heroes Haven (Swanage)
Affordable holiday lodge for injured/disabled veterans & families.
Website: www.heroes-haven.org.uk
8. Financial Advice & Benefits
Forces Money Plan (Hants & Dorset)
Free, confidential financial guidance.
Website: www.forcesmoneyplan.org
Veterans Welfare Service (VWS)
Professional advice on pensions, CTP & welfare schemes.
Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee (Dorset)
Local representation on veterans’ issues.
Website: www.gov.uk/government/veterans-advisory-and-pensions-committee
Further Information
While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.
If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form and tell us about your support offering.
Last updated: August 2025.