Military Personnel and Family Support in Wiltshire
Military life can bring pride, purpose and community, but it can also bring real pressures for families. Frequent moves, time apart, changing routines, and the impact of injury, illness or trauma can all affect everyday life. In Wiltshire, there is a strong network of organisations working together so that serving personnel, veterans, and their loved ones can access the right help at the right time.
Why Carer identification matters in the Armed Forces community
Within military families, many people provide extra support without ever thinking of themselves as a “Carer”. But recognising caring early can make a big difference.
A Carer (in this context) is someone who provides unpaid help to a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without support because of illness, disability, mental health needs,addiction or injury. This could include a partner supporting a veteran with physical injuries, a parent helping an adult child who is unwell, or a young person supporting a parent or sibling.
Being identified as a Carer can help people access advice, emotional support, practical help, and opportunities to take a break, all of which supports wellbeing and helps families stay resilient.
Have a look at the support we offer through Carer Friendly Wiltshire, including the Carers ID card.
Local support you can access in Wiltshire
Carers Together Wilsthire (support for unpaid Carers)
If you are supporting someone and think you may be a Carer, you can contact Carers Together Wiltshire for practical and emotional support, advice, and help to understand what’s available.
📞 01380 710300
📧 enquiries@carerstogetherwiltshire.org.uk
Military family support services and partners
Community support for military families with SEND
Wiltshire Council shares information about community activities and groups for Military families with SEND, including early support that helps families build resilience and improve wellbeing:
Healthwatch Wiltshire / NHS OpCOMMUNITY
If you’re having problems related to health and care — including challenges when moving into the area or navigating local services — Healthwatch Wiltshire explains how the NHS supports military families through OpCOMMUNITY.
SSAFA Wiltshire (The Armed Forces Charity)
SSAFA provides welfare, health and support services for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes provides life-changing physical, mental and financial support to UK veterans and those close to them.
Youth Options (workshops and resources for military families)
Youth Options has launched a programme (supported by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund) to support military families with workshops and tailored resources.
Bereavement support in Wiltshire
Military families can also be affected by bereavement, sometimes in complex or life-changing ways. If you or someone you care about is grieving, there is support available across Wiltshire.
These services aim to support people both in and having left military service, as well as their families and those who care for them. If any of this sounds like your situation, you deserve support and reaching out can be the first step that could make a difference.