24/7 helplines and local support for the Armed Forces community over Christmas and New Year

The festive season can be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for others we know that it can be challenging.

For many people, the holidays can also bring moments of loneliness, worry, or stress. For those who have served, or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, this time of year can sometimes stir up memories, pressures, or emotions connected to military life.

It's important to remember support is always available and nobody is alone.

Across the country, national and local Armed Forces charities and support services are ready to offer a listening ear, practical guidance, or just a friendly conversation - 24 hours a day, every day, even over Christmas and New Year. Many services also provide text and online chat options if you prefer a quieter way to reach out.

If you are supporting requires urgent help during the festive period, the following services are available:

National Helplines for the Armed Forces Community

• NHS 111 - ask for the local mental health crisis team or Op COURAGE (Veterans' Mental Health Service)
• Op Courage (NHS veteran mental health line) - 24/7
Call: 0300 323 0137
• Samaritans (support for military & Armed Forces community) - 24/7
Call: 116 123
Or download the Samaritans Veteran App: Samaritans Veterans app | How we can help | Samaritans
• Combat Stress Veterans' Mental Health Helpline
- 24/7
Call: 0800 138 1619
• Royal British Legion - 8:00am to 8:00pm, 7 days a week
Call: 0808 802 8080
• SSAFA Forcesline - 24/7
Call: 0800 731 4880

Homelessness Support

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, your local district council is there to help:
• Worcester City Council: 01905 722589
• Wychavon District Council: 01386 565000
• Malvern Hills District Council: 01386 565000
• Wyre Forest District Council: 01562 732928
• Redditch Borough Council: 01527 534069 during office hours. Outside of office hours 01527 67666
• Bromsgrove District Council's service is managed by BDHT on: 0800 0850 160

If you are worried about someone sleeping rough, StreetLink can connect them to Worcestershire's Rough Sleeper Outreach Teams for immediate help: StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local services.

Local support is available either side of the festive break from our Armed Forces charities:

• .STEPWAY
  Closed: 19 December 2025 - 6 January 2026,
  They will be returning with a first Banter and Brew of the year at the Worcester Wellbeing Hub, Trinity, WR1 2NP on Tuesday 6 January 2026
  If you require assistance upon our return, please leave a message on 01905 745 253, and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible after we reopen.
• SSAFA Worcestershire
  Closed: 24 December 2025 - 5 January 2026
  West Midlands Region Helpline: 020 4566 9116
  SSAFA Forces helpline available 0800 260 6780