Citizens Advice Portsmouth wins funding

Jan Thomas reports that Citizens Advice Portsmouth has received a generous grant from the Armed Forces Covenant fund to offer advice to local members of the armed forces, veterans and their families who are struggling with debt or housing issues and who often face mental health challenges due to trauma and social isolation, need for housing and adjustment to civilian life.

This significant funding will enable us to provide specialist support to those who have served our country and their families, ensuring they receive the help they need when facing financial and housing difficulties.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. It recognizes that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families, and it sets out how they should expect to be treated.

Why this funding is important:

Members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families often face unique challenges when transitioning to civilian life or dealing with the aftermath of service. These challenges can include:

• Difficulty adjusting to civilian employment
• Housing problems and homelessness
• Debt and financial difficulties
• Mental health issues related to service
• Social isolation and relationship problems
• Accessing benefits and support services

What the funding will provide:

This grant will enable us to offer:

• Specialist advice services: Dedicated support for armed forces personnel and veterans
• Housing support: Help with housing applications, disputes, and homelessness
• Debt advice: Specialist support for financial difficulties
• Benefits guidance: Help accessing the support they're entitled to
• Mental health support: Referrals to appropriate services and ongoing support
• Family support: Advice for partners and children of service personnel

Who can access this service?

This specialist service is available to:

• Current members of the armed forces
• Veterans (those who have left the armed forces)
• Reservists and their families
• Partners and children of service personnel
• Widows and widowers of service personnel

How the service works:

Our specialist advisers will:

1. Assess your situation: Understand your specific needs and challenges
2. Provide tailored advice: Offer support that takes into account your military background
3. Connect you with services: Refer you to other specialist organizations where appropriate
4. Provide ongoing support: Be there for you throughout your journey

Common issues we can help with:

Housing problems:

• Homelessness and housing applications
• Housing benefit and council tax support
• Disputes with landlords or housing associations
• Adaptations for disabilities

Financial difficulties:

• Debt management and bankruptcy
• Budgeting and money management
• Accessing benefits and financial support
• Pension and compensation issues

Employment and benefits:

• Finding civilian employment
• Understanding employment rights
• Accessing benefits and support
• Career transition support

Mental health and wellbeing:

• Referrals to mental health services
• Support with PTSD and other conditions
• Accessing veteran-specific support
• Family and relationship support

How to access the service:

If you're a member of the armed forces, a veteran, or a family member, you can access this specialist service by:

• Contacting Citizens Advice Portsmouth directly
• Being referred by other military support organizations
• Asking your GP or other healthcare provider to refer you
• Self-referring through our website or phone line

What to expect:

When you contact us:

• We'll ask about your military background and current situation
• We'll provide advice tailored to your specific needs
• We'll work with you to develop a plan to address your problems
• We'll provide ongoing support as needed

Partnership working:

We work closely with other organizations that support the armed forces community, including:

• Veterans' organizations
• Mental health services
• Housing providers
• Employment support services
• Healthcare providers

Confidentiality and understanding:

Our advisers understand the unique challenges faced by the armed forces community and provide a safe, confidential space where you can discuss your problems without judgment. We recognize the sacrifices you've made and are here to support you.

Don't suffer in silence:

If you're struggling with debt, housing, or other issues, don't suffer in silence. This specialist service is here to help, and our advisers understand the specific challenges you face.

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We're here to support you and your family through whatever challenges you're facing.

Contact Citizens Advice Portsmouth today to find out how we can help you.