Veterans charities play a crucial role in supporting former members of the UK armed forces and their families. These organisations help provide a vital safety net during the often difficult transition to civilian life, assisting with issues such as finding work, securing housing and mental health support, as well as financial assistance and family services. Whether you’ve recently left the military or are seeking longer-term support, knowing which charities are out there and what they offer can make a huge difference.
This guide highlights ten of the most well-known and respected military charities in the UK, helping you understand where to turn and how to get involved.
According to the most recent census figures, there are over 1,800 charities in the UK offering support to military personnel, veterans and their families. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start if you need help, or want to lend your experience and knowledge.
However, some are especially well-established, widely recognised and offer a broad range of services to veterans and their families. From mental health and housing support to community reintegration and emergency assistance, the following organisations are among the most respected in the sector, all having a unique history and a commitment to improving the lives of those who have served.
Founded in 1921, the Royal British Legion is one of the UK’s most iconic veterans charities and is probably best known for the annual Poppy Appeal. It offers a wide range of services including financial assistance, housing support, care homes, bereavement services and mental health support. It is also a leading voice in veterans’ advocacy, working closely with government and communities across the UK to ensure veterans’ needs are met year-round.
Help for Heroes began in 2007 with a mission to support wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and has rapidly grown to become one of the UK’s most recognised military veteran charities, thanks to high-profile patrons such as Gareth Southgate, Lorraine Kelly, Ross Kemp and Andy McNab. It offers physical rehabilitation, mental health services, employment support and wellbeing programmes for veterans and their families. The charity operates a network of recovery centres and is known for its strong public engagement, including sports-based recovery programmes and community events that promote resilience and inclusion.
SSAFA is the UK’s oldest tri-service military charity, having been in operation since 1885. It provides support to service personnel, veterans and their families in areas such as housing advice, financial aid, social work services, adoption support and mentoring programmes. With a vast network of branches and volunteers across the country, SSAFA is known for delivering highly localised, face-to-face help wherever it’s needed.
Combat Stress places its main focus on supporting the mental health of veterans – and has been doing so since 1919. This makes it the UK’s leading charity for service-related psychological trauma, with the organisation offering specialist treatment for PTSD, anxiety and depression, both through residential care and outpatient support. It maintains close partnerships with the NHS and Ministry of Defence to play a critical national role in providing trauma-informed care for ex-forces personnel facing complex mental health issues.
Founded in 1944, the Army Benevolent Fund – known as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity between 2010 and 2023 – is the national charity of the British Army. It offers immediate, practical financial assistance to soldiers, veterans and their families and, in 2024, assisted over 80,000 people across 52 countries. Its services include help with housing, mobility, education and hardship grants, while the organisation also funds other frontline charities. With a focus on fast, responsive support, ABF ensures veterans receive help quickly when they need it most, no matter their age or length of service.
Blesma has supported limbless and injured veterans since 1932. It provides lifelong practical and emotional support to those who have lost limbs or the use of limbs and eyes during service, or as a result of ageing with a service-related injury. Blesma offers rehabilitation, advocacy and community programmes and is highly regarded for its specialist knowledge in prosthetics and mobility-related care.
RAFA is dedicated to supporting the RAF community, including veterans and their families. It provides a wide range of welfare services including befriending, housing advice, respite care and wellbeing breaks. With a network of branches across the UK, RAFA offers a strong sense of camaraderie as well as practical support, ensuring that no member of the RAF, past or present, is left feeling isolated or forgotten.
Providing a similar set of services as RAFA for those who served at sea, the RNRMC serves the entire Royal Navy and Royal Marines community, including veterans and families. It provides grants to individuals and partner organisations, funding programmes related to mental health, education, hardship support and family welfare. As the principal charity of the Naval Service, RNRMC has national reach and strong ties to both the serving and ex-service naval population.
Founded in 2010, Walking With The Wounded supports veterans who are vulnerable or disadvantaged, particularly those at risk of homelessness or involved with the criminal justice system. Its services include employment support, mental health care and care coordination. The charity is known for its frontline outreach work and high-profile fundraising events, such as expeditions and endurance challenges that engage public attention.
Veterans Aid focuses on crisis intervention for veterans in immediate need and is especially dedicated to helping those at risk of homelessness. Established in 1932, it offers emergency accommodation, addiction recovery support, food, clothing and long-term rehabilitation services. Although based in London, it has provided support to UK veterans across 70 countries. With a rapid-response model and a ‘no wrong door’ approach, Veterans Aid is a key safety net for those at risk.
Each charity has its own unique place within the veterans community, offering different types of support depending on its focus and expertise. It’s important to reach out to organisations that meet your immediate needs, whether that’s housing, mental health support or help finding work.
For those looking to give back, volunteering – whether with any of the charities listed above or the many other UK veterans charities around the country – can be incredibly rewarding. Before getting involved, check that the charity is registered, has a clear mission and aligns with your personal values. Many offer flexible ways to support their work, from taking part in fundraising events and setting up regular donations to volunteering your time or mentoring fellow service-leavers.
If you want to help, many charities also have a presence at VeteranUK career fairs. Find out more about the next event.
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