Self Help

Supporting Veterans and their families deal with lifes challenges

Tommy's Lounge CiC Team

The team of volunteers who run the drop-in sessions at Tommy's Lounge are all trained mental health first aiders. They are trained to assist you and help you at your own pace through signposting, referals and peer support.

At Tommy's Lounge CiC drop-in sessions you can seek information about many different aspects of life which may be affecting you and your family or simply join us for a coffee and a chat.

Financial signposting
Food Bank information
Mental Health information
Local NHS Services
Veterans Services
A friendly chat and supportive ear
Preventing social isolation
Assistance with application forms
Employment application support
Signposting for council services

If you are unable to come into Tommy's Lounge for our drop-in sessions we can also arrange hospital and care home visits for Veterans, simply contact us for more information.

Veteran Friendly Mental Health Assistance

We know that taking the first step in getting support and even understanding that things are not as they are supposed to be can be one of the hardest things you've ever had to undertake. We have curated a series of short videos based on known issues which affect Veterans and their families.

These videos are made using known, trusted techniques and information from sources such as the NHS website. They have been adapted by other veterans who have used the information in the videos themselves to improve their own lives and situations. When watching them you'll be reassured that what we talk about is proven to work with other veterans.

If you watch any of the videos and they make you realise that things may be different in your life than they have been and things may be a little difficult then please reach out to the Tommy's Lounge CiC Team and we can signpost you to services in your area which can offer you specific support to your situation. You didn't attack the enemy on your own in the military so don't fight your battles alone now.

Registered Safe Space

Tommy's Lounge is a ASDIC Registered Safe Space. Whilst at one of our drop-in sessions you'll be in safe hands and able to discuss things freely and safely.

Important Information

Self help is not the complete answer

Whilst self help can assist with many different situations it is always recommended that you speak to a trained medical professional.

If there is an imminent threat to life contact the emergency services in the first instance on 999.

The information provided on this page is not intended to replace a trained medial professional.

VETERANS GATEWAY

Veterans Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans. Contact them 24/7 for help across housing, mental wellbeing, finances and more. Get in touch with their friendly helpline team by phone, chat, text and email.

Call: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Text: 81212

Live Chat with Veterans Gateway

Email Veterans Gateway via their website

OP COURAGE

Op COURAGE is a new overarching name for the following veterans mental health services within the NHS. It combines:

the Veterans' Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS)
the Veterans' Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS)
the Veterans' Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS)

The new name was created to make it easier for veterans and those leaving the military to find help.

OP COURAGE NHS website

Useful Contacts

If you don't feel comfortable coming to Tommy's Lounge but feel you need some support and advice you can contact the organisations via the website links below. All these are external sites and we take no responsibility for them. They are broken up into several sections. Specialist Organisations, Army Regimental Associations, Royal Air Force Associations, Royal Navy & Royal Marine Associations. Whilst the list is not exhaustive, we have tried to include as many as we are aware of.

Specialist Organisations

Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Army Families Federation https://aff.org.uk

Blesma (limbless veterans) https://blesma.org

Blind Veterans https://www.blindveterans.org.uk

Bravehound Scotland (support dogs) https://www.bravehound.co.uk

Breathing Space Scotland https://breathingspace.scot

Change Mental Health https://changemh.org

Combat Stress https://combatstress.org.uk

Defence Medical Welfare Services (including Veterans) https://dmws.org.uk

Fighting with Pride (LGBT+ Veterans) https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk

Head Fit (General MH) https://headfit.org/home/