Support for our Armed Forces Community

• Doncaster Armed Forces & Veteran's Forum - held on the 3rd Thursday of every month, 7pm - 8pm, The Linney Centre, Weston Road (behind the shops) Balby.  Come along to hear about what is happening in Doncaster and have your say about how things could be improved.  

• Military Art Club - Danum Gallery, Library and Museum - 10:30am-12:30pm - Saturday 9th November and Saturday 7th December.  Join for a FREE family art club with local artist Mandy Keating. See your art displayed at the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum!  This session is open to serving military personnel, veterans, cadets, their families and anyone with an interest in military history. Children of all ages are welcome.  Have a go at a range of artistic techniques and styles and create art inspired by Doncaster’s military history.  Selected artworks will be displayed at the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum in 2025.  No need to book, just drop in!

• Armed Forces Family Arts & Crafts Club - Danum Gallery, Library and Museum - Saturday 17th August, 11am-3pm.  Explore arts and history using our collections and get hands on with original museum objects.  Learn something new and share your memories and experiences. 

• Veteran's Café - Danum Gallery, Library and Museum - 10:30am - 12:30pm - Friday 25th October & Friday 22nd November.  26th July 10.30am-12.30pm.  Explore arts and history using our collections and get hands on with original museum objects.  Learn something new and share your memories and experiences.  These relaxed social sessions are open to veterans of any branch of the armed forces. Connect with other veterans and discover stories from Yorkshire’s military past.  Share your military memories and get hands-on with original museum objects. There is also the option to have your memories recorded for our oral history collection.  No booking required, just drop in.

• Doncaster Archives Open Days and Medal Room Tours - City of Doncaster Archives, Chequer Road, DN1 2AE - Discover the fascinating collection of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.  Explore medals awarded across more than 200 years of the regiment’s history and find out more about the lives of the soldiers they were awarded to.  Learn more about researching the military history of your ancestors.  FREE, no booking required.
• Open Days - 2nd Wednesday of the month, starting 11th September 2024 - 10am - 4pm
• Medal Room Tours - 4th Wednesday of the month, starting 23rd October - 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm

• Medal Identification Workshop - City of Doncaster Archives, Chequer Road, DN1 2AE - 10am - 12pm - Wednesday 6th November -Find out more about identifying medals of the British Army and researching why they were awarded using examples from the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Collection.  Please note, the event is free to attend, but booking is required through the following website:   www.heritagedoncaster.org.uk 

• Online Military History Research Surgeries - Online Event - Slots between 10am - 3.30pm - Monday 21st October and Monday 18th November - Not sure where to start with researching your army ancestors? Hitting a brick wall with your research? Book a 30-minute video call with our military history curator.  Please note, these sessions are free to attend online, but booking is required through the following website:   www.heritagedoncaster.org.uk 

Please note, the information above is correct as as far as we are aware.  If you believe any information to be incorrect or you have any information to add, please contact us via:  armedforcescovenant@doncaster.gov.uk 

• Veteran's & Armed Forces Walk & Talk, Mexborough - The first Monday of every month, 10am - 12pm, meeting at the Old Market Hall Wetherspoons, Market Street, Mexborough, S64 9QA.  All members of the Armed Forces community welcome.

 

Please note, the information above is correct as as far as we are aware.  If you believe any information to be incorrect or you have any information to add, please contact us via:  armedforcescovenant@doncaster.gov.uk 

• Veteran's Support Group, Woodlands - Every Tuesday, 10am - 12pm, Woodlands Library, Windmill Balk Ln, Woodlands, Doncaster DN6 7SB.  Support for the whole Armed Forces community including a NAAFI break and quiz.

 

Please note, the information above is correct as as far as we are aware.  If you believe any information to be incorrect or you have any information to add, please contact us via:  armedforcescovenant@doncaster.gov.uk 

• Royal Army Service Corps / Royal Corps of Transport / Royal Logistics Corps - Last Wednesday of every month - 7pm - Doncaster Comrades of the Great War Club, 2 Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AD.  All are welcome to attend these bi-monthly meetings.

• Doncaster REME Association - 2nd Wednesday of every month - 7.30pm - Castle Park Rugby Club, Armthorpe, DN2 5QB - All Cap Badges welcome.

 

Please note, the information above is correct as as far as we are aware.  If you believe any information to be incorrect or you have any information to add, please contact us via:  armedforcescovenant@doncaster.gov.uk 

• Doncaster Armed Forces & Veteran's Forum - held on the 3rd Thursday of every month, 7pm - 8pm, The Linney Centre, Weston Road (behind the shops) Balby.  Come along to hear about what is happening in Doncaster and have your say about how things could be improved.  

• Veteran & Family Walk & Talk, Intake - 1st Thursday of every month, 10.30am - 12.30pm.  Starting at 10.30am at Intake Library, Montrose Ave, Doncaster DN2 6PL, walk and talk and NAAFI Break.  Open to the whole Armed Forces community.

 

Please note, the information above is correct as as far as we are aware.  If you believe any information to be incorrect or you have any information to add, please contact us via:  armedforcescovenant@doncaster.gov.uk 

No content - please let us know if you are aware of anything we could add.

• Fit Forces – Every Saturday – 9am until 11am At the Foundation Fitness Suite, Eco Power Stadium, DN4 5JW For more information, call 07523 905254 or email: fitrovers@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk

• Doncaster Central Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club – Every Saturday – 9.30am until 12.30pm Cheswold Lodge (Brewer’s Fayre), Herten Way, Bawtry Road, DN4 7NW For more information visit: www.afvbc.net or telephone: 01302 533000.

• Barnby Dun Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club – Every Saturday – 10am until 12pm The Barnby Dun Farm Shop, High Street, Barnby Dun, DN3 1DU For more information visit: www.afvbc.net or telephone: 07845 089799.

• REME Breakfast Club – 2nd Saturday of every month – 9am -  Toby Carvery, Eastwood Trading Estate, Rotherham, S65 1EN.

 

Please note, the information above is correct as as far as we are aware.  If you believe any information to be incorrect or you have any information to add, please contact us via:  armedforcescovenant@doncaster.gov.uk 

No content - please let us know if you are aware of anything we could add.

Local

Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust (DCLT)

DCLT offer a number of leisure activities at discounted rates for current and former members of the Armed Forces.

Proof is required:

• A valid Armed Forces ID card
• A discharge document (stating the name, address and service details)
• Copy of the Veterans badge letter

 Tel: 01302 370777

 

Doncaster Same Day Health Centre

A same day service that can give advice and treatment on minor illnesses and injuries if you are unable to see your GP.

The Centre is open 7 days a week, from 8am – 8pm at Cavendish Court, South Parade, DN1 2DJ.

0300 123 3103

www.doncasterccg.nhs.uk/your-care/doncaster-same-day-health-centre/

 

Op Courage

A service to support veterans and their families. The team offers mental health assessment by a specialist veterans mental health practitioner who is sensitive to military culture and has good local knowledge.

0300 373 33 32

OpCourageNORTH@cntw.nhs.uk 

 

Clouds Counselling Services

Provides Free, Professional, Confidential, Community Counselling with a Person Centred Approach.

07962 907053

www.cloudsccs.com 

 

Open Minds Counselling Services

A counselling service based in Doncaster that provides a counselling service accessible to all. 

07765 224 564

www.counsellingdoncaster.com/

 

Aspire – Drug and Alcohol Services

Aspire support people with drug and alcohol problems and their families to beat their addictions, and go on to successfully lead fulfilling, independent lives within their communities.

01302 730956

www.aspire.community  

 

Andy’s Man Club

Andy’s Man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend, peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online.  Andy’s Man Club want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.  Visit the website for the nearest group.

 www.andysmanclub.co.uk 

 

Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub

For advice, information and support on any Domestic Abuse related issues in Doncaster, please contact the hub, Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm.

01302 737080

Email: dahub@doncaster.gov.uk  

 

National

NHS – Healthcare for the Armed Forces Community

For information on how the NHS can help if you are in the British Armed Forces, a Veteran, a Reservist or a Family Member of someone who has served, visit the website for information on:

• Mental Health Support

• Veterans, Service Leavers, and non-mobilised reservists

• Information and support for families

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community

 

Help for Heroes

Provides life changing support to veterans with mental and physical support needs.

They provide support for those who are feeling lonely and are socially isolated.

Hidden Wounds program offers therapists for those suffering with anxiety, depression, and anger management.

www.helpforheroes.org.uk

0300 303 9888

 

PTSD Resolutions

Provides therapists for those suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

www.ptsdresolution.org

0300 302 0551

 

Combat Stress

Provides a range of community outpatient and residential mental health services for those with complex mental health problems.

www.combatstress.org.uk

Veterans: 0800 1381 619

Serving Personnel: 0800 323 4444

helpline@combatstress.org.uk

 

Op Restore

Op Restore is the Veterans’ Physical Health and Wellbeing Service.  It is the NHS service that provides specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the Armed Forces.

Please note, Op Restore does not provide mental health support, this is provided by Op Courage (details above).

You can be referred through your GP even if you have not been medically discharged.

Your GP can do this by emailing: imperial.oprestore@nhs.net

 

Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service

The Veterans' Orthopaedic Service is an NHS Service exclusively for veterans with arthritis.  The service is led by Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer and is open to those who have served with the UK military, including National Service, and treats arthritic lower limb problems, especially those requiring hip and knee replacements.

Referrals are through your GP.

www.rjah.nhs.uk/veterans

 

Future for Heroes

Offers a residential course at Lake Windemere for service leavers who are struggling with the transition to civilian life.

www.f4h.org.uk

Call: 07702 596226

k.hartley@f4h.org.uk 

 

The Naval Families Federation

Helping RN and RM families to thrive.  The NFF are there to help by providing support, driving change and championing RN and RM serving families as they navigate both serving and civilian life challenges.

www.nff.org.uk/wellbeing/

 

The Royal Air Force Families Federation

The RAFFF work to improve quality of life for the RAF family around the world – at work or at home.  This could include resolving problems with access to education or healthcare, for children and young people; sorting out problems with accommodation, benefits and visas; helping military spouses find meaningful employment.  Additionally, they support in addressing issues that can arise when you live in one place, such as access to bases, repeated separations as a family and finding the right help and advice.

www.raf-ff.org.uk/health/ 

 

Army Families Federation 

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is an independent voice of Army personnel and their families. They work to improve the quality of life for the Army family, wherever you are in the world.

 www.aff.org.uk/advice/health-and-add/

 

The Veteran’s Charity

The Veteran’s Charity provides support to Veterans of the UK Armed Forces. The recipient of our support must be a Veteran of the UK Armed Forces who has completed a minimum of 6 months verifiable service, either as a regular or as a reservist. Verification of service will be required in order to obtain support.  The Veteran’s Charity can provide a rapid response to a range of issues including: Food Support / Utilities Support / Clothing / Communications / Household & Homeware

www.veteranscharity.org.uk

Call: 01271 371001

 

Cruse Bereavement Care

Cruse Bereavement Care is there to support you after the death of someone close.

0808 808 1677           

www.cruse.org.uk

 

Mankind

Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence.

 01823 334244

 

Local

St Leger Homes, Doncaster

St Leger Homes manage approximately 21,000 council homes in Doncaster, have affordable private rented homes to rent and offer housing advice and support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

01302 862 628

www.stlegerhomes.co.uk

 

Housing Options and Homelessness Advice

Ensuring positive housing outcomes, and preventing people from becoming homeless.

01302 736000

 

Advice Aid

St Leger Homes offer a range of advice and support whether you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the future.  There are lots of ways to help you stay in your current home.  to find out more about your housing options, use the St Leger 24/7 homelessness advice service tailored to your circumstance on the Advice Aid site.

www.stleger.adviceaid.uk 

 

Council Homeless Support

This is an emergency out of hours contact number and will act as a referral point for other services.

01302 323444

(out of hours/weekends)

 

Council Adaptations

Housing adaptations & equipment for your home can help you stay mobile, independent, & safe. If you think that you will need any of this work, you will first have to be assessed and advised on how best to meet your needs in accordance with government guidelines.

01302 737391

 

Help 4 Homeless Veterans

Offers support to former members of the Armed Forces facing homelessness.

07586 777856 / 07305 260798

www.help4homelessveterans.org/

 

National

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)

Provides support for those serving in the Armed Forces and veterans on SSAFA homes, housing advice and support for the homeless.

www.ssafa.org.uk  

 

Royal British Legion

Provides support for those serving, veterans and their families, on housing, debt advice, homeless, brown, and white goods. Cost of living crisis.

Visit the website for a range of options to get in touch, including by phone and online chat.

0808 802 8080 8am-8pm

www.britishlegion.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/get-in-touch

 

The Naval Families Federation

Helping RN and RM families to thrive.  The NFF are there to help by providing support, driving change and championing RN and RM serving families as they navigate both serving and civilian life challenges.

www.nff.org.uk/accommodation-2/ 

 

The Royal Air Force Families Federation

The RAFFF work to improve quality of life for the RAF family around the world – at work or at home.  This could include resolving problems with access to education or healthcare, for children and young people; sorting out problems with accommodation, benefits and visas; helping military spouses find meaningful employment.  Additionally, they support in addressing issues that can arise when you live in one place, such as access to bases, repeated separations as a family and finding the right help and advice.

www.raf-ff.org.uk/housing3/

 

Army Families Federation 

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is an independent voice of Army personnel and their families. They work to improve the quality of life for the Army family, wherever you are in the world.

www.aff.org.uk/housing/

 

Forces Homes

Offers support and guidance to purchase a property. 

01748 821 118

www.forceshomes.com/ 

 

The Royal Marines Charity

RMA – The Royal Marines Charity is there to support the entire Royal Marines Family – serving, retired and their dependants. No matter what stage of your career or life.

www.rma-trmc.org

0800 468 1664

Mon – Fri, 8:30 – 16:00

 

Op Fortitude

Op Fortitude is the pathway for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness into supported housing or to keep them in their current home.

www.riv.org.uk/opfortitude

0800 952 0774

 

Local

School Admissions for Service Families information

In 2014, The Schools Admissions Code in England was changed to support Service families, who can apply and be allocated a place before they move into an area. Children can be accepted mid-term and class sizes can be increased beyond the normal maximum to accommodate them.

You can find out more on page 25 of the Schools Admissions Code.

National

Moving Schools Pack

The Moving Schools Pack is to help service parents’ support their children when moving schools

Moving Schools Pack Gov.uk website

Service Pupil Premium

Information about the Service Pupil Premium, including details of the eligibility criteria

Service Pupil Premium Gov.uk website

Reading Forces

Uses books to bring Service children and families closer together. The shared reading initiative encourages families to read, talk, and scrapbook about a book, improving communication and enriching relationships with books and each other - one page at a time.

Reading Forces website

Children’s Education Advisory Service

Provides expert and impartial advice about the education of service children

Telephone (civilian) – 01980 618244 (Open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm)

Telephone (military) – 94 344 8244

Important: When the helpline is closed or busy, messages can be left on the answering machine or sent via email.

Email – enquiries@ceas.uk.com

Children’s Education Advisory Service website

DWP – Support with finding employment

For support with finding employment, visit the DWP Website:

www.findajob.dwp.gov.uk/

 

Forces Employment Charity

The Forces Employment Charity provides life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities and training to Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists and their Families, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

www.forcesemployment.org.uk

Tel: 0121 262 3058

 

Advance Doncaster

Advance is an exciting, free programme, which offers bespoke career, education, information, advice and guidance to both individuals wanting to progress in their careers and employers wanting to develop and support their workforce.

Advance can offer 1-1 and ongoing support to help people achieve their goals and thrive in their chosen career.

www.advancedoncaster.co.uk

Tel: 01302 735554

 

Doncaster Chamber

Doncaster Chamber of Commerce recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business. Doncaster Chamber will seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant.

www.doncaster-chamber.co.uk

Tel: 01302 640100

 

DWP – Benefits Entitlement  

For information on benefit entitlement and benefit calculators, visit the DWP website.

www.gov.uk/welfare/entitlement

 

Turn 2 Us

Turn 2 Us provide a Benefit Calculator to check your entitlement to means-tested benefits.

www.turn2us.org.uk

 

Entitled To

Free Benefits Calculator.

Entitled to want to make sure everyone who is entitled to benefits is empowered to claim them.

The UK’s benefits system is very complicated. And we know it can feel overwhelming for people using it for the first time or needing to understand the implications of a change of circumstances. So, our task is to simplify the system so people can quickly find out what financial support they may be entitled to.

www.entitledto.co.uk 

 

Royal British Legion

Supports service leavers to find employment and provides advice and guidance to partners and dependants.

www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/employment/

 

Network Training and Resource Solutions

Successfully deliver resettlement training and work experience for forces leavers with little or no experience in industry or network engineering. 

Network Training and Resource Solutions have a mission to provide national engineering and technical education that recognised the unique potential of each candidate, accelerates learning and personal growth, and lends a shared sense of purpose in building successful and rewarding careers.

www.ntrs.co.uk

Tel: 0114 232 8290

 

Forward Assist Recruitment

Offers a consultative and informed recruitment service dedicated to those who have served in the Armed Forces.

www.recruitforspouses.co.uk/

 

Recruit for Spouses

Exists to help military spouses find a job or start a business that works for them.

heropreneurs.co.uk/

 

The Poppy Factory

The employment team offer one to one support to people who have served one day or more in the armed forces or Reserves and consider themselves to have any kind of physical or mental health condition.

https://www.poppyfactory.org/register/

020 8939 1837

support@poppyfactory.org

 

Local

Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust (DCLT) Armed Forces Community Discounts

Offers discounted fitness training and leisure access to all 14 of DCLT’s venues.

Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust website

Heroes Welcome Discount Scheme

A number of local businesses across Doncaster show support for our Armed Forces Community, offering special acknowledgements, discounts and upgrades for serving armed forces personnel.

Heroes Welcome Discount Scheme website

National

Defence Discount Service

The official Ministry of Defence discount service for the Armed Forces, Veterans and the Armed Forces Community. It provides discounts both online and on the high street.

Defence Discount Service website

Rewards for Forces

A free discount card providing discounts with over 1300 companies

Rewards for Forces website

Forces Railcard

Gives 1/3 off most rail fares throughout the UK for a year

Forces Railcard website

Tickets for Troops

Tickets for Troops provides free tickets to members of the Armed Forces for a variety of sporting, musical and cultural events.

Tickets for Troops website

Forces Compare

Forces Compare offers unique discounts on financial and legal services for both serving and veterans.

Forces Compare website

Forces Discounts

Forces Discount works directly with a range of businesses to bring you exclusive Military discounts for anything from your next holiday or day trip out, to a new car and insurance cover. 

Forces Discounts website