War Widows Support Directory
We have put together a comprehensive directory of useful links that can help to support or inform our members and the wider UK Military Bereaved Family.
The links are categorised into relevant groups – use the tabs to discover the types of support you may be able to access.
If there are resources you would like to see included, please email administrator@warwidows.org.uk and we will add them as soon as we can.
ABF - The Soldier's Charity
The Soldiers’ Charity is the national charity of the British Army, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.
Army Widows' Association
Offering comfort, support and friendship to the widows and widowers of service men and women.
National Council of Women
At the National Council of Women we want to ensure that women play a full role in our society. Our aim is to make women more interested in local, regional and national affairs and to get them more involved in decision-making.
Officers' Association
To provide officers and their families with the support they need to thrive outside the Armed Forces.
Royal British Legion
We’re here through thick and thin – ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten. We’ve been here since 1921 and we’ll be here as long as they need us.
Women’s Royal Army Corps Association
Maintaining contact between former members of the QMAAC, ATS and WRAC and women still serving in the Army, fostering mutual friendship between them and providing for social gatherings. (Incorp. the QMAAC & ATS old Comrades Assoc.)
RAF Widows' Association
For women and men who have lost their spouse or partner whilst serving in the RAF at the time of their death or who died within two years of leaving the RAF.
Royal Naval Association
Whether we are catching up with friends at our regular social events, fundraising, advising on welfare and employment matters, or just providing an arm around the shoulder, our natural willingness to help others stems from the tradition and camaraderie that only Naval Service life can instil.
White Ensign
Our mission, as a Naval Charity, is to inform and provide guidance to all serving and former members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, their Reserves and also to their families. We are an unbiased, confidential and free advice service.
Help for Heroes
Helping wounded veterans and their families to recover and get on with their lives.
Royal Navy and Royal Marines Widows' Association
Supporting widows with the aim of bringing friendship, support, guidance and comfort to those who have experienced the trauma of bereavement.
British Armed Forces Federation
The British Armed Forces Federation is the only independent, all-ranks, tri-service representative staff association open to serving members of any branch of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army or Royal Air Force, including the reserves.
Jolly Dollies
Our main objective is to help widows regain a social life through friendship and social events. Our aim is to connect widows locally and nationally, reaching those who want and deserve a full, happy and supportive social life.
The Not Forgotten
To act generally for the benefit of service and ex-service personnel with disabilities or who are wounded, including the organisation or provision of items or facilities for leisure and recreational activities, travel, holidays and outings.
RAF Hive
The RAF HIVE Service provides an information and welfare referral service to the Armed Services community, including serving Personnel, their families, veterans, Reservists, and civilians on Station.
Supporting the Unsung Hero
We support serving Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans, Reservists and their families by providing quality courses designed to enhance personal and professional development, translating knowledge and experience into nationally and internationally recognised qualifications which can be transferred into their role within the Armed Forces and their future careers.
War Memorials Trust
(Formally Friends of War Memorials) The War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve war memorials in the UK. The charity provides free advice to anyone as well as running grant schemes to support repair and conservation projects. You can find a range of resources on this website to help you engage with our unique war memorial heritage.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) honours the 1.7 million men and women who died in the armed forces of the British Empire during the First and Second World Wars, and ensures they will never be forgotten.
Forces War Records
With more than 24 Million Commonwealth military records and military history experts waiting to hear from you, we are the starting point for your UK military history research.
National Memorial Arboretum
The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK’s year-round centre of Remembrance; a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in our country. It is a living and lasting memorial.
Lady Grover's Fund
Our health insurance provides help in meeting the unexpected costs of illness for your dependants.
Forces Pension Society
An independent, not-for-profit organisation that acts as the pension watchdog for the entire military community.
St Andrew's Society for Ladies in Need
We help ladies who are either retired or unable to work through illness or disability. We give priority to ladies who are trying to maintain their own home although an increasing part of our work is concerned with helping towards a shortfall in care home fees.
RAF Benevolent Fund
The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity with a proud tradition of looking after its own. We are there for all serving and former members of the RAF as well as their partners and dependent children.
Army Dependents' Trust
A charity which provides discretionary cash grants to defendants/next of kin of soldiers who die in Service, from whatever cause, to relieve immediate financial hardship for the member’s family.
Department of Work and Pensions
Up to date information from the Government including guidelines, application forms and legislation.
Citizens Advice
We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem. Our network of charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
Widowed and Young (WAY)
WAY is a UK charity that offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who’s lost a partner before their 51st birthday – married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation.
MOD Purple Pack
Advice and Support for relatives and partners of members of the Armed Forces who die in service.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
We exist to meet the needs and overcome the isolation experienced by people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide.
National Bereavement Service
The National Bereavement Service is here help those in need of support during the difficult time of bereavement.
Road Peace
The aftermath of a road crash is devastating. We help bereaved families cope and build resilience through peer support, our local group network, befriending service and trauma support programmes.
The Compassionate Friends
TCF offers many different kinds of support for bereaved families. Whatever the cause of your loss, wherever you are in the UK, and whatever your circumstances – we are here to help.
The Coroners’ Court Support Service (CCSS)
The Coroners’ Court Support Service (CCSS) is an independent voluntary organisation whose experienced volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others when attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court.
Children’s Education Advisory Service
Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS) supports operational effectiveness through the provision of educational support to service and eligible MOD civilian families.
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK helps children, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We support children and young people up to the age of 25 who are facing bereavement, and anyone affected by the death of a child of any age.
Forces Children's Trust
As a charity we are devoted to working together to help children in need whose father or mother has died, or has sustained life-changing injuries, whilst serving as a member of the British Armed Forces or Civilian Forces (i.e. Police, Fire and Ambulance Services).
Scotty's Little Soldiers
A charity dedicated to supporting bereaved British Forces Children aged 0-18 years. Support is available to families from the British Army, Royal Navy or RAF, regular and reserves and is not limited to those killed in action.
Winston's Wish
We support children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling.
Family Activity Breaks
Family Activity Breaks (FAB) is a tri-service charity, providing fun and challenging activity camps around the UK for bereaved military families.
Care for the Family
Care for the Family is a national charity which aims to promote strong family life and to help those who face family difficulties.
Family Lives
If you would like support and advice, you can contact us about any family issue, big or small.
We listen, support and never judge.
Home Start
We’re there for parents when they need us the most, because childhood can’t wait.
RAF Families Federation
The RAF Families Federation provides an independent voice for all personnel (single, married or in a partnership) and all of your families.
Army Families Federation
The independent voice of army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families around the world – on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle.
Naval Families Federation
Our vision is for all Naval Service Families to: be able to have their views heard by those in positions of power; feel valued and be treated with fairness and respect; and thrive in their communities of choice.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
We understand the unique demands of service life, whether it’s on UK soil or overseas. Support is available for people at any stage in their military career; from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran – no one’s service is ever forgotten.
Togetherall (Formerly Big White Wall)
Commissioned by over 150 organizations globally, we’re an online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues.
Combat Stress
We are Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For over a century, we’ve helped former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Homeless Veterans
Get help finding somewhere to live if you’ve left or are about to leave the military and have nowhere to stay.
Sight Scotland Veterans
Provides former members of the armed forces, who have a significant visual impairment, assistance that will enable them to live independent and fulfilling lives.
Veterans Gateway
We put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the advice and support they need.
Veterans UK
We provide free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline, Veterans Welfare Service and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.
St Andrew's Society for Ladies in Need
We help ladies who are either retired or unable to work through illness or disability. We give priority to ladies who are trying to maintain their own home although an increasing part of our work is concerned with helping towards a shortfall in care home fees.
Royal Homes Wimbledon
Accommodation now is available to members and former members of all ranks of the Armed Forces and their families; including those currently serving, veterans and reservists.
The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society
We have been providing housing, residential and nursing care to former seafarers, their widows and dependants for more than 150 years.
The Royal British Legion – Care Homes
We have six care homes across the country for the Armed Forces community and their families.
Our homes, including five with specialist dementia care, are designed to be a home from home for our residents and visitors.
Mesothelioma
Asbestos.com provides the best online resource on mesothelioma and its treatment because our information is scientifically researched, and top doctors medically review everything we provide you and your loved ones.
King Edward VII Hospital
Our charitable conscience keeps us dedicated to providing the highest levels of subsidised care to Veterans of The Armed Forces.
Victory Services Club
We offer accommodation, dining and respite for members and former serving members of the Armed Forces.
Union Jack Club
FULL members of the War Widows’ Association are afforded the privilege of being able to be a Temporary Honorary Member of the Union Jack Club (UJC) allowing Full Members access to the club’s facilities although it does not allow you to take guests.
Defence Discount Service
Defence Discount Service is home of the Defence Privilege Card, the vetted discount card that can be used in stores, restaurants and venues to obtain armed forces discounts. This discount card allows Veterans and the Armed Forces Community to have a card that can allow them to receive military discounts.
Lord Kitcheners Memorial Holiday Centre
Kitchener’s is a unique Suffolk charity overlooking the sea in south Lowestoft, offering hotel style holiday accommodation to British and Commonwealth ex-armed service men and woman; British ex-merchant service men and women; and recently to British ex-emergency service men and women, and their spouses or partners, widows and widowers.
HM Forces Railcard
Forces personnel, including Volunteer Reservists, and their spouses/civil partners can save 1/3 on most rail fares by buying the HM Forces Railcard. The Railcard is valid for 12 months and it can make your off-duty travel much more affordable.
Veterans Oyster Photocard
If you served in the armed forces, you could get free and discounted travel on our transport services with a Veterans Oyster photocard.
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