Self-help resources
Explore self-help guides to help you find work, manage your finances or improve your mental health and wellbeing. Practical tools for whatever you’re facing.
Gambling Support Service
This service from Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian is open to anyone experiencing gambling harms, whether you gamble yourself or are affected by another person’s gambling: such as partners, carers, family members.
T: 0800 328 1131Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm
Navigating Festival Season with Anxiety or PTSD
Practical tips to help you enjoy live events in a way that works for you
Research into the needs of the bereaved Armed Forces community
Alma Economics was commissioned by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to explore the needs, experiences, and priorities of the bereaved Armed Forces community, as well as to map the scope of support currently available.
Substance Misuse Self-Help Guide
Developed by the Clinical team at Combat Stress, this six-part guide explains what substance misuse is, how it can affect you, what you can do to improve your wellbeing, and who you can contact for more help or information.
Self-Help Guide: Alcohol
Developed by the Clinical team at Combat Stress, this six-part guide explains what alcohol misuse is, how it can affect you, what you can do to reduce your alcohol intake, and who you can contact for more help or information.
Anxiety Triggers Worksheet
Forces Children Scotland provide a worksheet a young person can fill in to help them recognise and cope with their anxiety triggers.
Recommended Reads from Reading Force
Reading Force offer a list of recommended books for children of all ages. Their shared reading initiative encourages families to read, talk, and scrapbook about a book.
Support for coping with serious illness, death and bereavement
Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief list a range of organisations that provide information and support to people who are affected by death, dying and bereavement.
Getting financial support as a veteran
Find out about financial support available to veterans and their families.
Armed forces pensions
Information related to the Armed Forces Pension Schemes.
Career advice from Forces Employment Charity
From the latest industry insights to expert careers advice, transition stories to employer case studies, Forces Employment Charity share all the information you need to get job ready.
Support available to children of veterans
This article from Help for Heroes explains the unique challenges children can face when a parent serves in the military and shares the types of support available to help them thrive.
Financial assistance for veterans – where to find help
Help for Heroes explain the types of financial support available for veterans in the UK, including grants that you might be able to claim based on your financial situation.
Tips for coping with chronic pain
This article from Help for Heroes shares some useful tips to help manage pain and improve your overall wellbeing.
Managing and recovering from physical injuries
This guide from Help for Heroes offers practical steps and sources to help you navigate recovery and manage its lasting impact.
Veteran’s railcard
Information on the benefits of a veteran’s railcard and how to apply. You can buy a veteran’s railcard online and choose between a one-year card or a three-year card.
How to start saving money
Places for People offer practical tips for building savings and boosting your income.
Pension and compensation schemes for the armed forces, veterans and their families
Information and tools for armed forces pension schemes and compensation schemes.
Myths about armed forces and mental health
Change Mental Health explain some of the myths surrounding armed forces and mental health. There’s also helpful information of where to find support and how to support others.
What to do if you notice a change in your vision
Blind Veterans UK explain steps you can take to help protect your sight and information on where to find the right support if you notice changes in your vision.
Five ways to wellbeing
Five ways to improve your wellbeing and lists of fun groups you can join to connect with others.
Managing Stress and Mental Health as a Veteran
Care After Combat share a practical guide exploring how stress affects veteran mental health and what can genuinely help.
Defence LGBT Restorative Action Stakeholder Pack
Information on the Restorative Action being taken to address the historic injustices experienced by LGBT personnel who served in the Armed Forces during the ban on homosexuality between 27 July 1967 and 12 January 2000.
Midlothian Council Veterans Support
As part of their pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, Midlothian Council offers a range of support services to veterans in the community.
Toolkits for tough times from SSAFA
Learn how to understand, take control of, and effectively overcome anxious thoughts using a range of information, podcasts and helpful resources from SSAFA.
Information about sight loss from Sight Scotland
Find guidance and tips for living with sight loss. Whether it’s for you or someone else, explore advice on sight loss conditions, managing visual impairments and improving everyday life.
SSAFA Forcesline live chat and helpline
A free, confidential live chat service and helpline providing emotional support for veterans and members of the Armed Forces community. For if you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or just need to talk.
T: 0800 260 6767Cost: Free
Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm; Friday , 9am – 4pm
Gambling support live chat service from GamCare
A free 24-hour live chat and WhatsApp chat service for people experiencing difficulties with gambling and those impacted by someone else’s gambling. Also includes an online peer support forum.
Cost: FreeMonday to Sunday, 24 hours a day
Ways to stay safe when gambling
Explore practical advice and tips to help you stay safe while gambling, and how to reach out for support if things become difficult.
GambleAware tools and support
Access self-help tools designed to help you understand and reduce the harms linked to gambling and manage your spending.
Military skills in the workplace
Find information and videos on the value Service Leavers and veterans bring to the civilian workforce, and how you can use your military skills in the workplace.
Using your military skills and qualifications
Explore advice and videos on what your Armed Forces qualifications equate to, and how to make the most of your military skills and experiences.
Research on transitioning to civilian life and veteran wellbeing
Read up on current research into the experiences of Service Leavers and veteran health and wellbeing from the Centre for Military Research Education and Public Engagement.
Advice and support for older veterans from Age Scotland
Discover information about the support available for older veterans in Scotland, including dedicated tips for older LGBTQI+ veterans.
Self-help guides and tools from Salute Her UK
Explore self-help guides and tools for women who have served in the Armed Forces and Women At Sea, on topics including sleep hygiene, dealing with suicidal thoughts, and processing trauma.
Veterans news and communications hub
The hub showcases the contributions of the veteran community, providing a space for forces-friendly organisations to share news, insights, and opportunities.
Combat Stress veterans helpline
Call, text or email to access 24-hour confidential mental health support for veterans, serving personnel and their families.
T: 0800 138 1619E: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
Cost: Free
Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day
Help for Heroes helpline
Call or fill out an online form for mental health support for veterans and their family members. You don’t need to have served in a conflict, and it’s never too late to reach out.
T: 0300 303 9888Cost: Free
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Shelter homelessness prevention helpline
For urgent housing advice if you are homeless, about to become homeless, or you or someone in your home is vulnerable or at risk of harm.
T: 0808 800 4444Cost: Free
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Tips for veterans and families affected by the justice system
Find non-judgemental, rights-based information and support for anyone affected by the justice system, including veterans and their family members.
BFBS Scotland radio and news for veterans and families
BSBF deliver radio and news content to entertain, inform, connect and champion the UK armed forces, their families and veterans.
Scottish housing guide for people leaving the Armed Forces and ex-service personnel
Find information about housing options and organisations that can help veterans find a home in Scotland that suits your needs.
Service Leavers’ guide
A guide to your entitlements on a range of topics including healthcare, pensions and finance, and support to find a job or housing for veterans and Service Leavers.
Support for veterans and their families
Find advice on a range of topics including managing your health and wellbeing as a veteran, money and pensions information, and support available if you are disabled or caring for a veteran.
Support services for military and defence personnel and their families
A list of advice and guides designed for the Armed Forces community, including veterans and their families. Topics include employment, finance, housing, and health and wellbeing.
Using your HM Armed Forces Veterans Card
Learn how you can use your HM Armed Forces Veterans Card to prove your veteran status and access services and discounts.
Statutory guidance on the Armed Forces Covenant Duty
This guide is for public bodies to understand their legal duties to support the Armed Forces community. It may help you understand your rights to support as a veteran or family member.
Information on the Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise to ensure that those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of their service. Find out more on the Covenant’s website.
Charter of rights for people affected by substance use
The Charter aims to help people affected by substance use to know their rights and to know what support they can therefore expect to receive. It includes information about advocacy and support available.
Self-help guides from Combat Stress
Explore step-by-step guides that help you manage whatever you’re facing and stay well. The guides cover a range of topics, from anxiety to PTSD, grief, substance use, and more.
Help for Heroes resource hub
Practical support and guidance for veterans and families, covering key areas like health, mental wellbeing, building skills and connections in your community.
GamCare gambling recovery toolkit
Find self-guided tools and support to change your relationship with gambling, including how to exclude yourself from gambling websites or apps.
Emotional health and wellbeing information for veterans from Samaritans
Samaritans offer tips and advice to help you navigate the emotional challenges that can come with life after the Armed Forces, empowering you to better support yourself and others.