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.

Office for Veteran’s Affairs (OVA)

The OVA is part of the Cabinet Office and has the aim of leading the Government’s efforts to make the United Kingdom the best place to be a veteran anywhere in the world, helping the nation fulfil its lifelong duty to those who have served in the Armed Forces

The OVA sits at the heart of government, work supporting veterans is the responsibility of the whole of government, and this central position enables the co-ordination functions to ensure the best support for veterans and their families.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs attends Cabinet. This ensures veterans’ interests are championed at the top table, among those leading the country and making the decisions that affect people’s daily lives.

More information and support from the OVA

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.