Military Personnel and Family Support

Military life can be very rewarding, but it can also bring unique challenges, especially for families. Frequent moves, periods of separation, physical or mental health needs, and the transition into civilian life can place extra pressure on both service personnel and their family.  

Across Dorset, there is a strong commitment to ensuring that military families, veterans and unpaid Carers are recognised, supported. 

Carers within the Military Community – Why Identification Matters 

Many people in military families supporting a loved one don’t always see themselves as Carers but they are. 

A Carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who could not manage without help due to illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction or injury. Within the Armed Forces community, this might include: 

• Partners supporting veterans with physical injuries or PTSD 

• Parents caring for injured or unwell service leavers 

• Young people helping to support a parent or sibling 

Being recognised as a Carer is important. Carer identification helps people access: 

• Financial and wellbeing support 

• Discounts and concessions 

• Information, advice and community services 

• Recognition for the vital role they play 

• Early identification can make a real difference, helping Carers stay well and continue supporting their families without reaching crisis point. 

Help and care if the lead Carers service in Dorset and BCP Carer Support in the BCP area. It is important to register with them.  In addition, there are several other important organisations there to help.  

The Armed Forces Covenant in Dorset 

The Armed Forces Covenant Programme in Dorset brings together local councils, health services, charities and community organisations to make sure members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and have access to the support they need. 

Support available includes: 

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing support 
• Employment and skills assistance 
• Help with housing, finances and benefits 
• Community engagement and peer support 

You can explore what’s available through the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant directory.

If you’d like to speak to someone directly, you can contact the Dorset Armed Forces Covenant Programme: Email: dorsetafc@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 
Address: Armed Forces Wellbeing Team, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester 
Dorset, DT1 1XJ 

Help for Heroes – Practical and Welfare Support 

Help for Heroes provides one-to-one support for veterans, serving personnel, and their families, including those who worked alongside the UK military or are relatives of someone who served. 

Their Welfare Service can help if: 

• You’re struggling with money or cost-of-living pressures 

• You need support applying for benefits 

• Your home is difficult to manage due to disability 

• You’re having problems with the War Pension Scheme 

Veteran Hubs, Sheds and Breakfast Clubs 

Social connection is just as important as practical support. Dorset has a range of welcoming spaces for veterans and their families: 

Veteran Hubs 

Safe, friendly places offering advice, company and refreshments for serving and ex-service personnel and their families. 

Sheds 

Part of the Men’s Sheds movement, these groups offer veterans of all ages the chance to learn practical skills, share experiences and build friendships. 

Breakfast Clubs 

Informal meet-ups for veterans who enjoy catching up regularly. You usually just pay for your breakfast, with no pressure or formal support required. 

For a full overview of what’s available locally, visit the Dorset Forces Charity Network.

Bereavement Support in Dorset 

Sadly, some military families experience bereavement, whether during or after service. Support is available, and no one has to face grief alone. 

Dorset offers a wide range of bereavement support services, including emotional support, counselling and practical guidance. You can find up-to-date information through Help and Kindness Directory ,  BCP Bereavement Support and Leonardo Carer Support 

Whether you are serving, a veteran, a family member who is an unpaid Carer, help is available across Dorset and BCP. Recognition, early support and strong community connections can make a real difference to wellbeing, resilience and family life. 

If you think you might be a Carer, or if you’re supporting someone in the Armed Forces community, reaching out can be the first step towards feeling more supported and less alone.