For seafarers, fishers and family members who are military veterans, Combat Stress may be a valuable source of specialist mental health support when service-related experiences continue to affect daily life, work, relationships or wellbeing.
Who can use the service
Combat Stress support is primarily available to:
- Veterans who have served in the UK Armed Forces.
- Family members, carers and supporters seeking advice about a veteran's mental health.
- Serving personnel and members of the Armed Forces community who need access to the mental health helpline.
- Adult family members and supporters involved in a veteran's treatment programme, subject to consent and service requirements.
The organisation operates throughout the United Kingdom.
Support available
Combat Stress provides a range of specialist mental health services, including:
24-hour mental health helpline
- Free and confidential support.
- Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Open to veterans, serving personnel, family members and carers seeking mental health guidance.
Specialist mental health treatment
- Assessment and treatment for service-related mental health conditions.
- Support focused on PTSD, Complex PTSD and moral injury.
- Access to specialist clinical teams experienced in military trauma.
Family and supporter services
- Family and support network assessments.
- Help for partners, relatives and supporters to understand mental health symptoms and treatment.
- Signposting to additional support services where appropriate. [combatstress.org.uk]
Online self-help resources
- Free self-guided mental health resources.
- Information for veterans and families.
- Guidance on maintaining wellbeing, supporting loved ones and understanding PTSD.
Partner and family programmes
- Educational programmes for partners of veterans.
- Practical coping strategies and skills.
- Support designed to strengthen family resilience and recovery.
Features and benefits
Combat Stress can help eligible veterans and their families to:
- Access specialist support from professionals experienced in military trauma.
- Better understand PTSD, Complex PTSD and related mental health difficulties.
- Receive confidential advice any time through a 24-hour helpline.
- Improve emotional wellbeing and recovery through evidence-based treatment and support.
- Involve family members and support networks in the recovery process.
- Access resources and guidance that can help strengthen relationships and family wellbeing.
How to get help
- Visit the Combat Stress website and review available support options:
- Contact the 24-hour helpline on 0800 138 1619 for confidential advice and guidance.
- Alternatively, text 07537 173 683 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
- Family members or carers concerned about a veteran's mental health can also contact the helpline directly.
- Use the online contact forms for veteran-specific or general enquiries .
Important: Combat Stress advises that its helpline is not an emergency or crisis service. If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance, call 999. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should contact Samaritans on 116 123 for immediate emotional support.
- Confirm that the individual has served in the UK Armed Forces if seeking veteran-specific support.
- Have relevant service details available if requested during contact or assessment.
- If contacting on behalf of a veteran, be aware that Combat Stress may require the veteran's consent before discussing personal matters.
- For family support services beyond the helpline, the veteran's participation or consent may be required.
Useful links