Help and support for armed forces
Help is available for members of the armed forces community. The support is provided in areas including:
- education and family well-being
- having a home
- starting a new career
- access to healthcare
Council services which can help
Housing
There are several housing options to consider if looking for accommodation. Find out the options on Island HomeFinder. Further information on housing services provided by us can be found on our Housing support for priority and vulnerable groups webpage.
Jobs
Find out about Council job vacancies.
Veterans Outreach Support (VOS)
VOS began as a volunteer support group based in Portsmouth. The founding members were Falklands veterans who wanted to provide others with means of support.
Drop in centres for Veterans are held at the Riverside Centre in Newport, on the Isle of Wight. A monthly service ensures on-the-spot general welfare, wellbeing and mental health support. All VOS’s services are free to service users. Former members of all British Armed Forces and Reserves, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy are all welcome.
Find out more about Veterans Outreach Support.
Veterans Gateway
This service aims to improve access to welfare services and speed up the time it takes for veterans to receive the access and support they deserve.
Veterans and their dependents will be able to access support services in areas including:
- physical health
- financial support
- assistance with independent living
- housing
- mental well being
- employment
To find out more visit Veteran's Gateway.
Veterans hearing support
Access to the Royal British Legions Veterans Hearing Fund (VHF) allows ex-service men and women to get help with hearing related difficulties. The application process and service are free.
For more information, please visit Veterans Hearing Support.
Accessing NHS healthcare
The NHS provide specialist healthcare services if you're military service personnel or you are a veteran. To learn more about these service visit NHS Armed Forces healthcare.