Support for armed forces families

Get help and advice

Here are a few organisations that can help you:

• The Forces Connect app helps armed forces veterans and their families find organisations offering immediate help and support across a wide range of services. To download the app, search "Forces Connect" in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Discover what Forces Connect app can do for you in this video.
• GOV.UK has dedicated support guidance for veterans. 
  • Support for veterans and their families can help veterans find the information they need categorised by life stages - housing, employment, mental and physical health support, illness or injury, bereavement, care needs and more.
  • A searchable directory lists both government and charity support available to veterans and their families, allowing veterans to find help locally and nationally. Search by topic and location for easy access to appropriate support.
• Defence Discount Service is a discount scheme for members of the armed forces community.
• Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provide lifelong support and casework for people who are serving or have served in the armed forces.
• Kent & Medway Armed Forces Network works with health services to ensure the armed forces community can access the services they need.
• Army Families Federation, Naval Families Federation and RAF Families Federation are the voices of the service families and provide help, support and advocacy.

You can also read more about the  Armed Forces Community Covenant document (PDF, 150.3 KB).

Service children

The Armed Forces Covenant extends to families of armed forces personnel. One of the most challenging things about military life can be moving at short notice and getting children into school. We have admissions processes in place and work closely with schools to make it as straightforward as possible for armed forces families to get a place at a local school. Read about moving to a different school.

If you have any problems with school admissions as a result of being in the Armed Forces, email armedforces@kent.gov.uk