At Veterans UK, we understand that despite it being the festive season there is still a need to support the veterans community at this time of year. Veterans UK can help direct people to a range of agencies and organisations that offer help, advice, information and support with issues such as health and wellbeing, housing, benefits and pensions.
Opening times for the Veterans UK helpline 0808 1914 2 18 over the Christmas and New Year period are:
Monday 22 December to Wednesday 24 December: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Thursday 25 December to Sunday 28 December: closed
Monday 29 December to Wednesday 31 December: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Thursday 1 January: closed
Friday 2 January: 7:30am to 5:00pm
Please note that on Christmas’ Eve and New Year’s Eve, the lines may close earlier subject to call volumes.
You can leave a message out of hours or you can email us at veterans-uk@mod.uk
Urgent out of hours help
If you need urgent help out of hours, you can still call the Veterans UK helpline and select to be routed to the Combat Stress mental health helpline or The Samaritans. These helplines operate 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Help from partner organisations
Veterans UK also works in partnership with the Department of Health/NHS, The Royal British Legion, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) and Combat Stress to provide support for veterans. Some of these helplines can be contacted outside of office hours or when the Veterans UK helpline is closed.
Medical Assistance (NHS)
For veterans in England: NHS 111 service / NHS Choices. Call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency.
For veterans in Scotland: NHS 24 or call 111.
For veterans in Wales: NHS Direct Wales or call 0845 46 47.
For veterans in Northern Ireland: Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. Telephone contacts are available from the website.
The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion (TRBL) provides a comprehensive online Knowledge Base aimed at all members of the armed forces past and present, and their families. The Knowledge Base is an extensive resource providing information and advice to help you understand and access the different types of support that you or your family may need.
TRBL helpline: 0808 802 8080. The helpline is usually open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Over the Christmas period, opening hours are:
Christmas Eve: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Christmas Day: closed
Boxing Day: closed
27 December to 30 December: 8:00am to 8:00pm
31 December: 8:00am to 5:00pm
New Year’s Day: closed
Also see: Urgent help for veterans in a crisis