Christmas; it’s a lovely time of year but it’s not always easy. Here are some useful tips and links if you need help over the festive season.

Please take a moment to keep fire safety in mind. Christmas decorations, candles, and seasonal cooking can increase the risk of fire if not used carefully.

Safety Reminders

• Never leave lit candles unattended. Keep them well away from decorations, curtains, and wrapping paper. Extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Ensure Christmas lights are in good condition and switched off overnight. Avoid overloading electrical sockets.
• Make sure smoke alarms are working and test them regularly.

A little caution goes a long way in keeping everyone safe. Thank you for helping to ensure a happy, safe and fire free Christmas.

Support

Support for veterans and their families is a Government website with sources of help with housing , mental wellbeing, finances and more (this replaces the Veterans Gateway website)

The helpline can provide information and referral support by telephone.
Call 0808 802 1212
Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 8 PM.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading Veterans’ mental health charity and is available 24/7
Free helpline: 0800 138 1619
Text: 07537 173683
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk

Samaritans
Call 116123
Download the Samaritans Veterans app

Foodbanks

Find your nearest foodbank

Keeping warm

‘Warm Banks’ are community spaces and you can find your nearest one here ‘Warm Welcome Campaign’.

Armed Forces and Breakfast Clubs – these are free and you can search here for your local club

AGE UK’s Silver Line Helpline 24/7, 365 days a year Telephone Friendship Service. Their team will help you with a friendly conversation, providing information and links with local groups and services

Royal Star and Garter has a free Telephone Friendship Service which offers support and a friendly voice to veterans and their partners who may be feeling lonely, isolated or would just like a chat

Help with debt

If think you might get into difficulties paying your rent, speak to your landlord as soon as you can. Haig Housing’s Income Team can be reached on
020 8685 5777
incomes@haighousing.org.uk

Help prioritise rent payments by filling out this form Household Income and Expenditure Form and send completed form to incomes@haighousing.org.uk

MoneyHelper provides some great information and links

Citizens Advice has information to help with debt and budget for the cost of living

Royal British Legion Cost of Living Grant – Apply here

Every little helps – Savings for Veterans

Veterans’ Railcard 1/3 off rail travel for Veterans
Blue Light Card Big savings on brands for Veterans (£4.99 for 2 years)
Defence Discount Service Official MoD discount service for Veterans and the Armed Forces Community (£4.99 for 5 years’ registration)

Your health

Make sure that your GP is aware that you have served in the Armed Forces. Specialist help is available

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service has contacts, links and advice

Op RESTORE: Working alongside Op COURAGE, the Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service is an NHS service that provides specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the Armed Forces