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Armed forces
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Support for our armed forces
We are proud to support our armed forces community, as signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and members of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
This page outlines the main ways we show our appreciation and provides details of the support available to serving and ex forces personnel living in Tewkesbury Borough.
Armed forces community
The military community comprises regulars, reservists and veterans from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Army and Royal Air Force, together with their families.
We have a strong military presence in the area including Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) at Ashchurch and Allied Rapid Reaction Corps at Innsworth.
As of 2021, we have over 4800 armed forces veterans, both regulars and reservists, from every continent of the world living in the borough. (2021 Census, ONS)
Armed Forces Covenant
In our Council Plan 2025-2028, we set out a commitment to review and enhance our offer to the armed forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Covenant exists between the people of the UK and the armed forces community. It is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served, whether regular or reserve, and their families, are treated fairly.
It makes clear that they should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens and that, in some cases, special consideration is appropriate. As a Covenant signatory, we pledge to support the armed forces community in our borough.
View the signed Gloucestershire Armed Forces Covenant.
Celebrating Armed Forces Day
Ahead of Armed Forces Day, held annually on the last Saturday in June, we hold a flag raising ceremony outside the Public Services Centre. We do this to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who put their country before themselves to protect our way of life. Officers from across the council are joined by armed forces personnel, veterans, representatives from the Royal British Legion and the mayor’s chaplain.
Support and resources for serving and ex-forces
The Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme will produce an online toolkit for use by service providers in the commercial, statutory, and charitable sectors, helping transform service provision for female veterans. The toolkit will be supported by a communications package raising knowledge and awareness across the sectors.
The three-year, UK-wide programme is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, and NHS England, in partnership with the Cobseo Female Veterans Cluster and the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association.
The Forces Employment Charity was formed from two of the UK’s largest and most respected military charities; RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity and the Officers’ Association. Founded in 1885 and 1920 respectively, we have the experience and specialist knowledge to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment.
We provide life-long, life changing support, jobs and training opportunities to veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
The Forces Employment Charity is made up of many veterans and Service family members across the UK. When you speak to us, you are talking to people who can relate to you and both empathise and empower.
The NOVA partner referral form is for use by any statutory or non-statutory organisation.
Please complete if you want to make a referral to initiate contact and seek appropriate support and advice for a veteran in the justice system.
We will contact the person who has been referred for an initial discussion within two working days of receiving the referral.
Visit: NOVA partner referral form | Forces Employment Charity
This directory lists organisations that provide support to veterans of the UK armed forces and their families.
You can filter results by location and select as many areas of support as you need.
This should not be taken as an exhaustive list of all services on offer to veterans and their families in the UK.
The government is not liable for any services that fail to meet an individual’s requirements or standards.
The inclusion of these organisations or services should not be taken as endorsement by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
Talk to an adviser
The Veterans’ Gateway helpline can provide information and referral support by telephone.
Phone: 0808 802 1212
Monday to Sunday: 8am to 8pm
Visit: Find support for veterans and their families – GOV.UK
We at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are a member of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance. This means we are committed to providing quality NHS care for people who serve, or have served, in the UK Armed Forces and their families.
How the NHS can help if you’re in the British armed forces or are a veteran, a reservist or a family member of someone who is serving or who has served.
The trust is committed to supporting veterans and the armed forces community, and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
Find out how the NHS can help if you’re in the British armed forces or are a veteran, a reservist or a family member of someone who is serving or who has served.
There is useful information on the webpages for Reservists, and also about National support and local support.
Phone: 0300 421 8100
Email: ghccomms@ghc.nhs.uk
Gloucester Community Networking (GCN), is a small ‘Not for Profit Organisation’, that facilitates the networking between individuals and organisations for the betterment of all. The organisation aims to ‘strengthen’ and ‘build networks’ between people in need and potential resources to meet those needs within the diverse communities in Gloucestershire.
GCN runs a monthly Gloucestershire ‘forces hub’ group, to offer social and welfare support to veterans in the county, no matter if they are still serving, Reservists, Veterans and also for their families (including the multinational units and their families).
Meeting day: the last Thursday of each month
Meeting time: 12.30pm to 14.30pm
Address: Building behind the Costcutter shop (opposite Imjin Barracks), Innsworth, Gloucester, GL3 1ET.
Phone: Chris Auker-Howlett – 07535 335804
The Tewkesbury Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC) is the heart of veteran camaraderie, often referred to as Tewkesbury AFVBC.
As a proud member of the worldwide network of Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs, we are dedicated to fostering connections, offering support, and providing a welcoming and safe space for veterans in the Tewkesbury area. Join us at the Tewkesbury Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, where the spirit of ‘By Veterans For Veterans’ thrives.
All services are welcome Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines etc (serving or veterans).
Meeting day: Second Saturday of the month
Meeting time: 9.30am onwards
Address: Wheatpieces, 2 Clifford Avenue, Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, GL20 7RW.
Phone: 01684 272094
Visit: Tewkesbury Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs | Tewkesbury AFVBC | By Veterans For Veterans
Council tax reduction
Council tax reduction is a discount for council taxpayers on a low income, which may include armed forces veterans.
It doesn’t matter if you made the transition from military service to civilian life recently, or did so some time ago. If you are on a low income, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax bill. Council tax reduction cannot be backdated, so you should apply as soon as possible.
If you are a council taxpayer suffering extreme financial hardship, we may be able to provide you with short-term help through the Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief (Section 13a) fund.
Apply for council tax support.
Universal Credit
If you’re on a low income, out of work or cannot work, you may be eligible for Universal Credit – a payment from the UK Government to help with your living costs.
Household Support Fund
We’ve received funding from Gloucestershire County Council to provide help with food, fuel and other essential supplies to those who need it across the borough.
Get help with food, fuel and essential supplies.
Discretionary Housing Payment
You can apply for a discretionary housing payment if you receive housing benefit or housing costs through Universal Credit and you need extra help paying the rent.
Discretionary housing payments cannot be awarded for charges due to heating, lighting, water, sewerage, meals, laundry and other day-to-day expenses. Payments are temporary and paid for a short time only.
Discretionary Housing Payment application – Tewkesbury Borough Council
Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief (Section 13a)
Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief (Section 13a) is intended to provide short term help to council tax payers who are suffering extreme financial hardship.
You must be a Council Tax payer in Tewkesbury Borough Council area to qualify. You can only apply for discretionary relief on your current council tax bill, and it will not reduce any existing arrears on previous year’s bills.
Council-Tax-Discretionary-Relief-Policy.pdf (pdf, 113KB)
Council-Tax-discretionary-hardship-relief-privacy-notice.pdf (pdf, 144KB)
Application for Council Tax Discretionary Hardship Relief – Tewkesbury Borough Council
Our Housing Advice team can take extra measures to prioritise support for armed forces households.
If you need housing advice or are threatened with homelessness, please get in touch.
Phone: 01684 272212
Free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including legal, debt, benefits and welfare, consumer, housing, and other problems, is available from the Gloucester and District Citizens Advice Bureau.
Phone: 0808 189 6280
Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4pm
Visit: gloscab.org.uk
Drop-in sessions
Drop-in sessions are held at two locations in the borough. You do not need to book to attend, however please be aware that this service does get busy so availability may be limited.
Bishop’s Cleeve (local residents only)
Monday 10am to 12pm
Address: Bishops Cleeve Parish Council Offices, Church Road, Bishops Cleeve, Tewkesbury. GL52 8LR.
Tewkesbury (open to everyone)
Thursdays 10am to 3pm
Address: Public Services Centre, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury. GL20 5TT.
Book an appointment
Appointments with an advisor are also available to book at our Public Services Centre and at Brockworth Community Centre.
To book an appointment at our Public Services Centre, Tewkesbury:
Phone: 0808 189 6280
To book an appointment at Brockworth Community Centre:
Phone: 01452 863123
Address: Brockworth Community Centre, Court Road, Brockworth, Gloucester. GL3 4E.
SSAFA, the armed forces charity otherwise known as Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association, is a UK charity that provides practical, financial and emotional support for service personnel, veterans and their families.
Need help or support?
Phone: 0800 260 6780
Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm.
Friday 9am to 4pm.
Address: SSAFA Gloucestershire, Army Reserve Centre, Came Place, Gloucester. GL4 3BD.
Visit: ssafa.org.uk/gloucestershire
You may be entitled to a free veteran’s bus travel card, to support you to work and seek employment in the county, if you are:
- A registered veteran, and
- Registered as seeking employment, and
- Claiming Universal Credit or a DWP benefit, and
- Aged 16+
Your bus travel card allows you to travel free of charge for up to 50 journeys on local bus services in Gloucestershire. Bus travel is not possible across county boundaries.
For more information about where, when and how to use the card, participating bus operators, and how to apply, visit: gloucestershire.gov.uk/veteranstravelcard
Rugby for Heroes supports serving and ex-forces personnel to transition from military service back to civilian life through rugby. They also provide financial and personal support to help ex-servicemen and women overcome the challenges that this transition presents.
Transition Through Rugby (TTR) course
The charity runs Transition Through Rugby (TTR), a certified Level 2 England Rugby Coaches Association (ERCA) training course. It has been designed to provide the skills and knowledge required to coach at grassroots level, including mini, junior and senior rugby.
This nationally recognised qualification can be used at any rugby club throughout the UK.
Locally, Brockworth RFC hosts the TRR course annually.
Military veterans are eligible for the premium concessions membership at Tewkesbury Leisure Centre.
Includes gym, swim and classes with 15 days advanced booking from the start time of your session.
Proof of eligibility required.
Did you serve in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000? Were you impacted in any way by the ban on LGBT personnel? If so, you might be eligible for restorative measures.
The Government acknowledges that the pre-2000 policy prohibiting homosexuality in the armed forces was unacceptable and wrong.
A range of restorative measures now exist for those impacted, from individual apology letters to permanent amendments to records which remove dishonour from veterans’ records, replacement Certificates of Service, the restoration of medals, and more.
You can learn about the full range of restorative measures available on the UK Government website.
To check if you or someone you know is eligible, visit gov.uk/LGBT-veterans.
Find information and get the right NHS support for a range of mental health difficulties.
This service is available to all veterans, service leavers, reservists, families and carers.
Combat Stress is a specialist national charity that provides highly effective mental healthcare to veterans with complex mental health issues resulting from their experiences during military service.
Treatment complements services provided by the NHS and other charities and is available online, in the community, through outpatient appointments and on a residential basis when required.
Free confidential mental health advice and support is available to all veterans and their families.
Phone: 0800 138 1619
Text: 07537 173683
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
Helpline available 24 hours.
Visit: combatstress.org.uk
Online self-help resources
Online self-guided resources are available to help with various mental health difficulties including PTSD, depression, anxiety, anger, and alcohol and substance misuse.
These guides have been created by specialist clinical teams in partnership with veterans. Guides are also available for veterans’ families and employers of veterans.
Help for Heroes is a leading armed forces and veterans’ charity, providing carefully tailored support for physical and mental health, along with welfare and social needs.
They support anyone who’s served in the military in any capacity for any length of time, and their families. They also help those who served under UK Command, such as civilians who worked as translators during the war in Afghanistan, and embedded journalists.
Phone: 0300 303 9888
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Visit: helpforheroes.org.uk
The Royal British Legion runs free ‘pop-in’ centres in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Lydney, Winchcombe and Tewkesbury.
Free help and advice are available to all serving and ex-service personnel and their dependents. This includes support around war pensions, inquest and compensation claims, welfare help, benefits and money advice, care homes, remembrance travel, and fundraising.
Find your nearest branch in Gloucestershire.
Phone: 0808 802 8080
Young Gloucestershire provides support for young people, including the children of serving and ex-forces personnel.
The charity provides a range of services and opportunities to help develop confidence, friendship, motivation and skills.
Phone: 01452 501008
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Email: getinvolved@youngglos.org.uk
Visit: youngglos.org.uk
Age UK Gloucestershire helps older veterans and their families.
A range of support is available from staying independent and building confidence after a stay in hospital, to advice on benefits, pensions, home share, help with physical activity, computers and phones, housework, and attending social groups.
Read the Gloucestershire Age UK Older Veterans Information Guide for sources of support available across the county.
Phone: 01452 422660
Address: Age UK Gloucestershire, Henley House, Barnett Way, Barnwood, Gloucester GL4 3RT.
Visit: ageuk.org.uk/gloucestershire
Stepway is a local charity that supports all veterans in civilian life, helping them find a sense of belonging and purpose.
A range of advice and support services are available from the 7-step civilian skills programme to wellbeing sessions, free training courses and workshops. Previous community projects have included woodwork, beekeeping, foraging, grow your own produce, and bush craft.
The wellbeing centres are in Worcester, Oldbury and Powick.
Visit: Stepway.org
The Forces Employment Charity provides lifelong, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to service leavers, veterans, reservists, and their spouses, partners and children.
Visit: forcesemployment.org.uk
A range of information, support and resources for current and ex-service personnel and their families is available on the Armed Forces Covenant section of the Gloucestershire County Council website.
Discover Gloucestershire Covenant activities, funding and support.
The Forces Connect app is an easy way for veterans based in or outside Gloucestershire to access local and national information – in a few easy clicks.
Designed specifically for veterans, the smartphone app is based on pathways produced by the Armed Forces Network and currently covers regions across England and Scotland.
Get all the information you need from crisis support to employment, education and training, family support and benefits, health and wellbeing, housing and homelessness, along with peer support.
Download the app on Google Play and Apple App Store.
Alternatively, access the same resources via the Forces Connect website.
The Tell Us Once service allows bereaved residents to inform many government organisations and public sector pension providers about a death with just one communication.
The service was created to reduce the distress caused by the need to repeatedly talk about the loss of a loved one.