Armed forces community and relationships

We're proud of our armed forces community. We know the importance of healthy relationships and being part of our wider communities.

Armed Forces Walkway

Our Armed Forces Walkway is a space to remember our armed forces personnel. It's been created with Barnsley College.

The walkway is on Westgate in the college gardens. It's a great place for families and friends to sit and think of those who have served and are serving.

You can find out how to apply for a stone on the Armed Forces Walkway webpage.

Bereavement support

Events

See our celebrate and support our armed forces community page for details of how you can get involved with armed forces events in your local area. You'll be able to meet like-minded people of all ages and enjoy some social time. You'll also be able to make new friends and get involved in your community.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)

SSAFA is an armed forces charity. They provide life long support to those who are serving or have served in the forces. They also provide support to the families of those who have served or are serving. 

SSAFA also offer a mentoring service to support those transitioning from military to civilian life. Find out more about transitional mentoring for service leavers.

You can call SSAFA South Yorkshire on 07483 214925 or 01226 289517. You can also email ross.waterlow@syorks.ssafa.org.uk. You can also contact the North East Regional hub contact Callum Crane on 020 4566 9117 or at callum.crane@ssafa.org.uk.

Find out more about SSAFA South Yorkshire.

Support for armed forces families

Working in the forces affects not only the person themselves, but also their family and children.

Families and children can be affected by:

  • mobility - moving from one place to another
  • interrupted learning - moving from one school to another and changing their learning style
  • anxiety - due to the serving person being away from home for long periods of time
  • isolation - family members can often feel isolated from parents and serving members
  • taking on extra responsibility - this may happen when a parent leaves for active duty.

Here are some services that may be able to help: 

Childcare support

The Army Families Federation offers advice about:

  • how to register for day nurseries, nannies or childminders
  • childcare options
  • free early years education
  • moving schools

Veteran’s Gateway

Offers advice and information related to families’ transition from military to civilian life.  Together with further advice and signposting for veterans and their families.  Call 0808 802 1212 or visit Veteran's Gateway.

Little Troopers

Support and advice for parents and families.  This is to deal with specific and unique challenges of being an armed forces family.  Visit Little Troopers.

Naval Families Federation

Information, advice, guidance, and support for Royal Navy and Royal Marine families. Call 02392 654374 or visit Naval Families Federation. 

Army Families Federation

Advice, information, and signposting for Army families.  Call 01264 554004 or visit Army Families Federation

RAF Families Federation

Information, advice, guidance, and support for RAF families.  Call 01780 781650 or visit RAF Families Federation

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Support for spouses, partners, dependent children and carers of RAF serving personnel and veterans.  Call 0300 102 1919 or visit Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Army Benevolent Fund 

Support for serving army army families.  Call 020 7901 8900 or visit Army Benevolent Fund.  

Royal Navy Benevolent Fund 

Financial assistance and support for navy families.  Visit Royal Navy Benevolent Fund.  

SSAFA

Supports families of all armed forces personnel and veterans.  Offering immediate or long term support.  Call 0800 260 6767 or visit SSAFA.

Royal British Legion

Supports families of armed forces personnel and veterans.  Visit Royal British Legion

Blind Veterans UK

Support for carers and loved ones of blind veterans. Call 0300 111 22 33 or visit Blind Veterans UK.  

The Army Welfare Service

Personal and community welfare support for Army serving personnel and their families. They offer a range of personal support services including help with personal development opportunities for military personnel and their families.  Visit Army Welfare Service

RAF personal support and social work service 

Support for RAF serving personnel and their families, provided by SSAFA . Offering a range of personal services.  Visit RAF personal support and social work service

The Royal Air Forces Association 

Welfare advice and support for currently serving members of the RAF, RAF veterans, and their families.  Call 0800 018 2361 or visit RAF Association

Royal Navy Family and People support

Support for Royal Navy serving personnel and their families. Helping to navigate the unique challenges of Navy life.  Visit Royal Navy Family and People Support.

Help for Heroes

Practical and wellbeing support for veterans and their families.  Visit Help for Heroes.  

Royal Marines Charity

Transition, welfare, financial, wellbeing, employment, and education advice. Support for serving and retired Marines, and their families. Call 023 9298 1920 for more details.

Veterans Outreach Project

The Veterans Outreach Project gives a voice for veterans across the county. It does this with the support of our local councils and by using their outreach trailer. 

The outreach trailer is used to:

  • provide support to veterans and their families across the county
  • promote drop-in sessions and meet-ups in the region
  • support veterans to help them reach their goals

You can find out how you might be able to book the outreach trailer online.

Barnsley Family Hubs

Barnsley Family Hubs deliver services to help children, young people, and families. Visit Barnsley Virtual Family Hubs to find out more and explore what support and activities are on offer in your area.