Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Veteran Support

 

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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 our online form.

homeless-health

Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

If you live in Bridport, Beaminster, Lyme Regis or the wider West Dorset area, you can speak directly with our Social Prescribers and Care Coordinators - no referral needed.

  • Support with finances
  • Getting Active
  • Hobbies and Interests
  • Connecting to Community
  • Supporting wellbeing
  • Help with Long Term Conditions

 

Strategic & Coordination Support

Armed Forces Covenant (Dorset Council)

Two-year MoD-funded programme coordinating local AFC projects.

Contact: Nick Harper, AFC Programme Coordinator – Email Armed Forces Covenant (Dorset Council)

Armed Forces Champion (DWP, Weymouth)

Statutory benefits advice & guidance for the Armed Forces community.

Contact: Andrew Kerr – Email Armed Forces Champion (DWP, Weymouth)

Healthcare & Wellbeing

Dorset Healthcare Community Veterans Health & Wellbeing Team

Single point of access for health & social care coordination — includes housing & welfare needs.

Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS)

Independent medical welfare charity for serving & ex-serving personnel.

UH Dorset Hospitals NHS FT – Armed Forces Community Advocate

Inpatient support for veterans/families: care navigation & discharge planning.

Contact: Rob Hornby – Email UH Dorset Hospitals NHS FT – Armed Forces Community Advocate

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: Visit the HIVE Information Centres (Bovington & Blandford) website

Citizens Advice

Confidential advice on legal, debt, housing & consumer issues. Local offices across Dorset.

Website: Visit the Citizens Advice website

Mental Health & Wellbeing Charities

SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity

Welfare advisors, financial assistance & casework (offices in Weymouth & Poole + outreach).

Website: Visit the SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity website

The Royal British Legion (TRBL)

Financial, social & emotional support; pension & benefit advice. Branches in Blandford, Dorchester, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster & Wimborne.

Website: Visit the The Royal British Legion (TRBL) website

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.

Employment & Transition

Forces Families Jobs Platform

Employment & training portal for military spouses & partners.

Website: Visit the Forces Families Jobs Platform website

Future for Heroes

Transition support when leaving service (based at Bovington Garrison).

Defence Transition Services (Veterans UK)

Tailored guidance on benefits, healthcare & charities.

Housing & Homeless Support

Helping Homeless Veterans UK (Poole)

Temporary accommodation & the ‘Veterans Build Project’.

Haig Housing Trust (Wimborne)

Charitable rented, adapted housing for veterans in need.

Website: Visit the Haig Housing Trust (Wimborne) website

Alabaré Homes for Veterans

Supported housing in Dorchester & Weymouth.

Social & Community Groups

Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs

Free social meet-ups over breakfast. Locations: Blandford, Sherborne, Christchurch, Weymouth & Portland.

Website: Visit the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs website

Weymouth Veterans Hub

Café, community allotment, gym & drop-in sessions.

Website: Visit the Weymouth Veterans Hub website

Service Dogs UK (South West Hub)

PTSD assistance dogs for veterans & emergency responders.

Website: Visit the Service Dogs UK (South West Hub) website

Heroes Haven (Swanage)

Affordable holiday lodge for injured/disabled veterans & families.

Website: Visit the Heroes Haven (Swanage) website

8. Financial Advice & Benefits

Forces Money Plan (Hants & Dorset)

Free, confidential financial guidance.

Website: Visit the Forces Money Plan (Hants & Dorset) website

Veterans Welfare Service (VWS)

Professional advice on pensions, CTP & welfare schemes.

Website: Visit the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) website

Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee (Dorset)

Local representation on veterans’ issues.

Website: Visit the Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee (Dorset) website

 

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 or call the PCN Admin Team on 01308 801810 and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: August 2025.