Support for Veterans

Kirklees Employment Service team empathise with those who have served in the armed forces, in any position, for however long, and the challenges that can arise for them and their families when transitioning back to a civilian Lifestyle.

We offer our support to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces and will create tailored plans with you to help work towards whatever your goals are; whether it be different employment, education, or generally improving your wellbeing.

One of our employment advisers has undertaken the ‘Military Human’ training delivered by Nick Wood. Although we cannot fully understand going through combat, or living and working in the army, this course helps us to understand the ethos, the culture, and the intense emotional human journey undertaken when you have entered into such a unique environment so that we can empathise with those we support and help you break down and work through some of the challenges you may be facing.

We also attend the quarterly Armed Forces Covenant Board for West Yorkshire to ensure that we understand the provision that is available for those living in Kirklees, and are working cooperatively with others to make services more readily available and approachable for veterans.

Find out more about the Military Human Training, delivered by Nick Wood at York St. John University, here

Support in Kirklees

Verd de gris arts have developed a new film + advocacy project with filmmaker Geoff Brokate – exploring aspects of mental health and suicide prevention with ex-military personnel.

The project was commissioned by West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership, and draws on the knowledge and expertise of some of the UK’s leading practitioners and academics working in this field including: Jo Jukes, Founder of For the Fallen; Nick Wood MSc FHEA, Armed Forces & Uniformed Services Manager York St John’s University; Dr Celia Hynes, Senior Engagement Office, College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services University of Central Lancashire; Ian Barber MSc, Project Lead, Lancashire Armed Forces Covenant Hub.

You can find out more about Verd de gris here: verd de gris

Tommy’s Lounge - Huddersfield

Tommy’s is open to the general public, however the main goal is to provide a safe space for veterans and families to go and feel welcome. The décor if full of military memorabilia from individuals who have donated art work or something they had at home from their time in the military. we welcome all to come and add a piece of living memories to Tommy’s wall for all to enjoy.

Tommy’s have a pay forward system in which you are welcome to buy Tommy a brew or meal deal, this then has a personal message from yourself and it put onto a post it note for a veteran to come in and enjoy a warm drink or meal from you.

Signposting and Peer to Peer support is available at Tommy’s, if you’re having a bad day or just a little alone come on in and enjoy a warm welcome and a ear to listen.

Click the Heading to be taken to the Tommy’s Page.

Life Force - Kirklees

A resource for professionals supporting Veterans in Kirklees

Kirklees Council

Kirklees Council have a range of information on support for:

Benefits
Education
Employment
Families
Health
Leisure

and much more

SSAFA - West Yorkshire

SSAFA provide lifelong support to those who are serving or have served in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or the Royal Air Force, and to their families. SSAFA says: ‘Founded in 1885, we’re extremely proud of our long-standing heritage and of all the work we do with inspiring people from West Yorkshire, across the UK and around the world’.

Nationwide Support for those in Kirklees and beyond

Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes supports veterans, their relatives, serving personnel, and people who worked alongside the UK military.

They help people with their physical and mental health needs, and a range of welfare issues, and their support gives people the skills, confidence and knowledge to make a success of life in the civilian world.

Help for Heroes teams can help people get back on their feet, if they are having money problems, need somewhere to live, are struggling to get a job, or don’t know how to apply for benefits.

They run sporting and social activities across the UK, and online, to combat loneliness and isolation. Help for Heroes can also provide financial grants for things such as home adaptations and medical equipment, to help people overcome challenges from illness or injury. They also have free online courses and self-help guides give people life skills so they can live independently.

Help for Heroes Signposting:

Help for Heroes have put together the useful document for signposting to support:

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SSAFA

SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though our focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.

Addiction, relationship breakdown, debt, homelessness, post-traumatic stress, depression and disability are all issues that can affect our members of our Armed Forces community. Many of these problems only become apparent when an individual has to leave their life in the Forces and join ‘Civvy Street’. SSAFA is committed to helping our brave men and women overcome these problems, and rebuild their lives.

Blesma

For veterans who have experienced loss or damage to limbs. Blesma offers general advice and support, and also has information about activities and grants.

British Legion

British Legion support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over. From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life – British Legion can be by their side every step of the way. And it’s not just members of the Armed Forces but their families too.

Kirklees Employment Service

Employment Support for those living with Mental Ill-Health