Support Hub
I have spent a number of years delivering Mental Health training to serving members of the Armed Forces and the wider community, over this time the biggest challenge has always been starting the conversation, due to the associated stigma.
If you can help to create an environment where people feel they can be open and honest around how they are feeling without the judgment, they will be more likely to get involved in those challenging conversations.
You are enough, but everyone needs help sometimes and that's ok. Below are a list of different resources that you can go to if you need them. They cover a wide range of requirements based on the challenges you may be facing:
Combat Stress
Combat stress provides specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.
Their helpline is open 24-hour and is available to all veterans and their families for confidential mental health advice and support.
Call 0800 138 1619
togetherall
Provide support to anyone feeling lonely, stressed or worried. You can join to be part of a community that will provide support 24/7 while staying anonymous.
https://togetherall.com/en-gb/
The Samaritans offer a judgement free listening service without telling you what to do, they will just listen regardless of what you may be going through. You can call them free any time from any phone.
Call 116 123
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Mind
Free mental health support for adults living in England and the Channel Islands. They also have a wealth of information on the website, so if you want to learn more look at their 'Information and advice' section.
YoungMinds
Specifically focussed around helping younger people, either directly or those who work/live with them. Packed with great resources and information tailored to the approach you need.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
National Suicide Prevention Alliance
An alliance of public, private and voluntary organisations in England who care about suicide prevention.
Still serving?
The range of support available for serving soldiers has grown in recent years and includes (but is not limited to):
The Defence annual Mental Fitness Brief (MFB) - Required to be completed by all service personnel each year
Zero Suicide Alliance Training (online suicide prevention package) - Not mandatory but only 25 mins and well worth doing
All units must also have a minimum of 2 Mental Fitness Advocate Instructors (MFAI) who can deliver in house training
All units are encouraged to have a minimum of 2 Mental Resilience Instructors who can deliver in house training (if they don't have them you can request external instructors)
Additional information can be found under ACSO 3218 - Army Stress Management and Resilience Training Policy
This information is accurate for serving members of the Army, there will be some cross over with the RAF and Navy but they will have their own specific direction that will be easy to find if you belong to that service.
If you notice any errors in the page or can suggest new ones, just drop me a message and I'll sort it.
Much love
Jase