Support for Families

Available to veterans and their families and friends, our free mental health Helpline provides confidential advice and support.

If a veteran begins treatment with us, as part of routine clinical care, we offer their family or support network an assessment to help understand the needs of the veteran. In addition to gaining a more rounded assessment to make better treatment recommendations, this also acts as an opportunity to see if they have any needs so that we can signpost them for help as required.

We have a range of free self-help guides, created by our specialist clinical team and veterans, to support former servicemen and women and their loved ones. As part of this series, we have created a specific resource for families. The resource includes tips for caring for you and your family’s mental health, support on talking to children about PTSD, information on Helplines available for the whole family (including children specific support lines) and guidance on how to reconnect as a family. Find out more at: https://combatstress.org.uk/support-for-families-of-veterans

This dedicated programme for the partners of veterans provides educational information about trauma-related mental health problems as well as skills and strategies to help a partner not only support their loved one, but also to take care of themselves and their family.

Families of veterans receiving our treatment can use this service to help them understand mental health symptoms, the treatment Combat Stress is providing and how to help the veteran in their family. The service also provides a way for family members to understand and access the support they might need from other organisations.

Veterans are asked to name a ‘supporter’ who receives advice and support and is involved in their treatment. A dedicated family support worker is the liaison point for this relationship.