We offer advice and support to all members of the armed forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.
Where to start
You can find a wide range of support services covering:
- finances
- healthcare
- employment
- housing
- social care
Support information links:
- Visit the Armed Forces Covenant website
- Find support for veterans on GOV.UK
- Call the Veterans’ Gateway helpline: 0808 208 1212 (8am–8pm, daily)
Additional support
Blue Badge scheme
Disabled veterans and armed forces members may be eligible for a Blue Badge.
If you are currently serving and living outside the UK, you or a household member can apply via the Ministry of Defence.
Pensions advice
Information about pension and compensation schemes for the armed forces, veterans and their families:
Citizens Advice – armed forces pensions
School admissions for armed forces families
All school admissions in England follow the school admissions code.
Section 2.21 ensures that children of UK service personnel and crown servants can apply for school places in advance of moving to the area.
- Applications can be made using a unit or quartering address
- Councils must find a school place, but cannot guarantee preferred schools
School information links:
Healthcare for the armed forces community
The Veteran-Friendly GP Accreditation Programme
The Veteran-Friendly Practices Accreditation Programme was launched on the 5 June 2019. As members of the programme, practices are better able to identify and treat veterans and refer them where appropriate to dedicated NHS services.
Accredited practices will:
- ask patients registering with the surgery if they have ever served in the British armed forces
- have a clinical lead on veterans in the surgery. This will either be a registered health care professional, nurse or paramedic
- have a CQC 'good' rating or higher
All Hartlepool GP practices are veteran-friendly accredited practices.
The Veteran Friendly Framework (care homes)
The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) is a collaborative project led by the Royal British Legion (RBL), Royal Star and Garter (RSG), and the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA). The initiative aims to improve social connection and deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for over 25,000 veterans living in care homes across England.
Work is ongoing with care homes in Hartlepool to promote sign-up to the framework.
Local associations and groups
There are many armed forces associations and groups in Hartlepool that meet regularly. Details are available in the: