SUPPORT IS HERE

Welfare & Benevolence

The AAC Regimental Committee acts as the Trustee Board for the AAC Charity (Charity Commission No 1184333), which provides the basis for welfare and benevolence in the Corps and for AAC Veterans.

If you are aware of somebody in need who may require help or advice, please direct them to their local Royal British Legion, SSAFA Regional Office, or the Officers’ Association, (or Veterans Aid in London), in the first instance.

These organisations give advice and will task caseworkers where appropriate.

Advice may be sought from either the AAC Welfare Assistant or the Army Air Corps Secretary – you can contact the team via this email address:

AACHQ-RHQ-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Serving personnel may access support through their Unit Welfare staff or the service-related charities below.

SSAFA

0800 731 4880 from 9.00 to 17.30 weekdays. At other times a message can be left.

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The Royal British Legion

0808 802 8080 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

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The Officers’ Association

020 7808 4175

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Veterans’ Aid

0800 012 6867 or 0207 8282468

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Veterans Gateway

Veterans Gateway can put veterans in touch with organisations dealing with healthcare, housing, employment and more. 0808 8021212.

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Veterans Welfare Service

The Veterans Welfare Service is part of Veterans UK. It is there to assist and to advise veterans and dependents. The information below may be of interest to the wider Hawkeye readership.

The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) is committed to enhancing the quality of life for veterans and beneficiaries of Veterans UK pensions and compensation schemes, and all their dependents.

Support is provided to enable the seamless transition from service to civilian life, assist bereaved families or respond to life events that present welfare needs. We achieve this by facilitating access to all appropriate services.

VWS caseworkers offer one to one professional help and guidance by telephone, or if needed, during a home visit.

Under Veterans UK, the VWS works in partnerships with the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, ex-service charities, statutory and non-statutory bodies, local community service providers and the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees to provide a quality welfare service that promotes independence, maintains dignity and provides continuous support through life.

VWS protocols

VWS protocols for referral of service leavers who have severe physical or psychological disablement or are considered to have an enduring welfare need with which they will require support post service.

Contact - The VWS has 4 Veterans Welfare Centres, providing advice and support across the UK.

Centurion (London, SE and SW England) Tel 02392 702232

Email: veterans-uk-vws-south@mod.uk
Kidderminster (South and Central Wales, Midlands and East England)

Tel 01562 825527
Email: veterans-uk-vws-wales-mid@mod.uk

Norcross VWC (NW England, Yorkshire and Humber, North Wales and IOM) Tel 01253 333494

Email: veterans-uk-vws-north@mod.uk Glasgow (Scotland, NE England, NI and ROI)

Tel 0141 2242709
Email: veterans-uk-vws-scot-ni@mod.uk

If you are supporting a veteran and need further advice, the VWS may be able to help. To locate your nearest centre, call our Veterans UK helpline on 0808 1914 2 18.

Veterans UK

Veterans UK administers the armed forces pension schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service.

Welfare support is provided for veterans of any age, and their families through the Veterans Welfare Service and the Veterans UK helpline: 0808 1914 2 18.

The Operational Legacy Support Team

Guidance and support are available to serving and retired Army personnel who are engaged in the various legal processes arising from legacy operations. The Operational Legacy Support Team within the Army Personnel Services Group is a small, dedicated group which provides support and advice to veterans and serving personnel on matters relating to legacy operations. Their purpose is to aid personnel affected by the legacy processes arising from operations.

Contact details for the support team and other organisations that can help are available.

Find out more

Our Team

The AAC RHQ operates out of HQ AAC which is based at Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

As well as being the point of contact for Welfare & Benevolence enquiries, the team, led by AAC Secretary Lt Col Bernie Fowler, administers the AAC Charity, the AAC Veterans' Association (AACVA), produces the AAC Association's monthly newsletter, liaises with Colonel-in-Chief AAC and co-ordinates the annual drumbeat of commemorative and Remembrance activities on behalf of the Corps.