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Veterans Welfare Service
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Bereavement and Death in Service
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Frequently Asked Questions
Seriously Injured Leavers Protocol
Notification of a Seriously Injured Leaver (Welfare 11)
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Gurkha Far East Prisoner Payments
Foreign and Commonwealth Personnel
Ilford Park Polish Home (IPPH)
Frequently Asked Questions
I need help with day-to-day tasks such as getting in and out of bed, dressing and washing. Where can I get help?
Whilst family and friends are normally the first line of support, Social Services Departments within your Local Authority can provide not only advice but also direct help. There can sometimes be a charge for services such as meals-on-wheels and home-help. Private agencies also provide support but these can be costly. As a first step contact your GP and request an assessment of your needs at home.
I often feel isolated and cut-off from people because of my disability. Is there any help available?
Local Authorities often provide day-centres which promote activities and social gatherings. Likewise, some voluntary agencies and local churches have lunch clubs where you can not only meet and mix but can get a meal at a very reasonable cost. Speak with your GP or your local Health Visitor.
Ex-service groups organise outings and can help provide funding for breaks and holidays. Contact your local Veterans Welfare Service office. The address can be found on this site.
I have Rent/Mortgage arrears and am worried about being eviction/repossession
In most cases it is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant without a Court order. As soon as possible you should seek advice from a Housing or Debt advisor at, e.g. CAB, SHELTER.
Talk to your Landlord/Mortgagor about time to pay or a repayment plan. Check that you are receiving all you benefits entitlement. Call 0800 1692277 for advice.
I have difficulties getting up and down the stairs and in and out of the bath. Is there any help available?
There is a wide range of aids and adaptations available to assist with your mobility at home. These include, stair-lifts, hand-rails, walking frames. All are available from a variety of sources including the NHS, Local Authority and a number of Charities. Speak with your GP or local Health Visitor.
I feel that my disability is causing additional difficulties in finding a job. Where can I seek help?
The Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at Jobcentre Plus provides specialist support and advice. If your disability affects the kind of work you can do you are eligible to join one or more of the many Government sponsored work programmes without having to wait for the normal qualifying period. Contact the DEA at your local Jobcentre Plus office. You can also contact The Shaw Trust, a voluntary agency which runs a specialist advisory and support service for those disabled aged under 26.
I’m thinking of setting-up a small business. How do I start?
Business Enterprise Boards exist to help those wishing to start up their own business. These are available in most towns to give advice and information on setting-up as well as the legalities of such. Grants are sometimes available through local business initiatives. Details are usually available on their respective websites.
I live alone and sometimes worry about crime. What steps can I take to ensure my safety?
Contact your local Police Crime Prevention Officer who will call, by prior arrangement, to give advice on security. Additional deterrents and supports include, door locks/chains, lighting porches and access areas as well as checking the identity of callers.
I would like to contact others with a similar disability to mine. Are there any forums?
Keeping in touch with other disabled people can be a good way of getting informal advice and support. Some charities have online discussion forums where you can chat with other people with the same disability. Many also produce magazines and other publications you can subscribe to.
Ouch! - the BBC's disability website, has message boards for general chat, advice on disability issues and answers to frequently asked questions.
Youreable.com is a community-based website for disabled people. It hosts a range of discussion forums on topics including benefits, motoring, health, relationships and equipment.
I was very involved in sports when I was in the Army. Despite my disability I’d like to continue. What is available?
There are several national sports organisations representing types of disability. As well as regional contact lists, they give support and information on equipment, coaching education, award schemes, events and development of the relevant sport. http://www.disabilitysport.org.uk/
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is the national body responsible for developing sport for disabled people in England. It works closely with the six National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) recognised by Sport England to develop sporting opportunities for the 11 million disabled people in England.
I like my independence, but find it more and more difficult to handle driving. Are there any aids available?
You can get your vehicle adapted so that driving is safe and comfortable and getting in and out of the car is easier. There are motoring accessories available for people with upper or lower body disabilities or both. These accessories include hand controls to operate the accelerator and brake, steering wheel knobs that help you turn the wheel more easily and give greater control. There are also accessories to help you get in and out of your vehicle like wheelchair hoists, ramps and tail lifts. if money is a problem when financing the car or adaptations, the Motability Car Scheme may be able to provide a grant through their own charitable fund or the Specialised Vehicle Funds, which they administer for the government.
http://www.motability.co.uk
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