Veteran family support Durham

Veteran family support Durham. Veteran Family Support in County Durham: Help, Activities, and Community Support

When someone leaves the Armed Forces, the transition into civilian life can affect more than the individual veteran.

Partners, children and other family members can also experience changes in routine, relationships, finances, social connections and everyday life.

That is why veteran family support is an important part of building stronger communities.

For veterans and military families living in Consett and across County Durham, SMARTT Veterans CIC provides a range of community activities, information, support and opportunities designed to help veterans and their families feel connected and supported.

SMARTT Veterans CIC is a veteran-led organisation based in the North East of England. Its mission includes supporting UK veterans of all ages and their families as they transition from military to civilian life.

Veteran Family Support in County Durham: Help, Activities, and Community Support

When someone leaves the Armed Forces, the transition into civilian life can affect more than the individual veteran.

Partners, children and other family members can also experience changes in routine, relationships, finances, social connections and everyday life.

That is why veteran family support is an important part of building stronger communities.

For veterans and military families living in Consett and across County Durham, SMARTT Veterans CIC provides a range of community activities, information, support and opportunities designed to help veterans and their families feel connected and supported.

SMARTT Veterans CIC is a veteran-led organisation based in the North East of England. Its mission includes supporting UK veterans of all ages and their families as they transition from military to civilian life.

Veteran Family Support in County Durham: Help, Activities and Community Support

When someone leaves the Armed Forces, the transition into civilian life can affect more than the individual veteran.

Partners, children and other family members can also experience changes in routine, relationships, finances, social connections and everyday life.

That is why veteran family support is an important part of building stronger communities.

For veterans and military families living in Consett and across County Durham, SMARTT Veterans CIC provides a range of community activities, information, support, and opportunities designed to help veterans and their families feel connected and supported.

SMARTT Veterans CIC is a veteran-led organisation based in the North East of England. Its mission includes supporting UK veterans of all ages and their families as they transition from military to civilian life.

What Is Veteran Family Support?

Veteran family support means helping not only the person who served but also the people around them.

Every family is different.

Some families may need help with employment or training. Others may be dealing with financial pressures, housing concerns, social isolation or changes in family life.

In other situations, a family may simply be looking for positive activities where they can spend time together and meet other people.

Family support can include opportunities such as:

• Community activities
• Family fitness
• Information and advice
• Employment and training guidance
• Health and wellbeing support
• Social activities
• Breakfast club activities
• Physical activities
• Volunteering
• Signposting to appropriate services
• Opportunities to meet other veteran families

The right type of support depends on each family’s circumstances.

Veteran family support Durham: Why Do Military Families Sometimes Need Support?

Military life can be very different from civilian life.

Service personnel and their families may experience changes involving:

• Moving location
• Changing schools
• Separation from family members
• Changes in employment
• Leaving military accommodation
• Adjusting to civilian routines
• Changes in social networks
• Financial pressures
• Finding new community connections

When a veteran leaves the Armed Forces, the entire family may need time to adjust to a new way of life.

This does not mean every military family will experience difficulties.

However, knowing where to find support can make a transition easier.

Supporting Families After Military Service

Leaving the Armed Forces can be an important new chapter.

For some veterans, civilian life may bring exciting opportunities.

For others, the transition may involve uncertainty about work, finances, housing, relationships, health or finding a new sense of community.

Family members can also be affected by these changes.

That is why community-based veteran organisations can play an important role.

SMARTT Veterans CIC aims to create a welcoming environment where veterans and families can access information, community activities and opportunities to connect with others.

Family Activities for Veterans in Consett

One of the best ways to bring families together is through positive community activities.

SMARTT Veterans currently supports activities designed to encourage veterans and their families to meet, participate and become more connected.

These include:

• Family fitness
• Breakfast club activities
• Walking football
• Community events
• Drop-in sessions
• Social opportunities
• Volunteering
• Wider veteran community activities

Recent funding has specifically helped SMARTT Veterans strengthen family support, family activities, weekly physical activity and community engagement in Consett and County Durham.

Veteran family support DurhamActive in Consett: The Family Way

One of the key family-focused initiatives is Active in Consett: The Family Way.

It is a fully funded weekly fitness programme for veterans and their families at Belle View Stadium in Consett.

The programme is designed to allow:

• Veterans
• Partners
• Children
• Families

to participate in physical activities together.

The sessions are planned as 90-minute weekly sessions throughout the year and are free to participate in.

What Activities Can Families Enjoy?

The programme is designed to be accessible and enjoyable rather than highly competitive.

Activities can include:

• Fitness circuits
• Agility games
• Dodgeball
• Tag rugby
• Team games
• Family fitness challenges
• Indoor fitness activities
• Movement-based games

During warmer weather, activities can make use of outdoor facilities.

During colder or unsuitable weather, sessions can move indoors.

This means families have an opportunity to stay active throughout the year.

Why Family Fitness Can Be Valuable

Family fitness is about more than exercise.

It can provide opportunities for families to:

Spend Quality Time Together

Busy family life can make it difficult to find activities everyone can enjoy.

A shared fitness session creates time to participate together.

Meet Other Families

Community activities can help veteran families meet people who may have similar experiences.

Build Confidence

Trying new activities together can help both adults and children develop confidence.

Create a Routine

A regular weekly activity can give families something positive to look forward to.

Stay Active

Regular movement can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Build Community Connections

Families can become more connected to the wider veteran community in Consett.

Veteran Family Support Through Community Connection

Sometimes people do not need a specific service.

They simply need somewhere to go.

A welcoming place where they can:

• Have a conversation
• Meet other people
• Drink a coffee
• Take part in an activity
• Ask a question
• Find information
• Make a new friend

This type of informal community connection can be particularly valuable for people who may feel isolated.

SMARTT Veterans’ recent funding is helping support drop-in sessions, breakfast club activities, family support, physical activity and community engagement.

Veterans Breakfast Club and Family Community

The Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club provides another opportunity for serving personnel, veterans and their families to meet.

The club is open to serving members and veterans, does not require membership and meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM.

For families, community events like this can provide an opportunity to:

• Meet other veterans
• Reconnect with old friends
• Make new connections
• Share experiences
• Learn about available support
• Become part of the local Armed Forces community

You can read more in our guide to the Veterans Breakfast Club in Consett.

Employment and Training Support for Veteran Families

Employment can have an important impact on family life.

A veteran may need help understanding how military experience translates into civilian employment.

SMARTT Veterans provides information and support around employment and training, including transferable skills, career development and training opportunities.

Training can help veterans:

• Gain new qualifications
• Improve employability
• Explore different careers
• Develop confidence
• Build civilian workplace skills

For a family, improved employment opportunities can also contribute to greater financial stability and a clearer sense of direction.

Financial and Practical Support

Financial pressure can affect the entire household.

Families may experience difficulties related to:

• Household costs
• Food
• Employment
• Housing
• Unexpected expenses
• Cost-of-living pressures

SMARTT Veterans’ wider support work includes food poverty initiatives and practical support for veterans and families.

Its recent funding programme also includes information, advice and support around financial pressures and accessing other services.

If your family is struggling financially, reaching out early can help you understand what support may be available.

Housing Support for Veteran Families

Housing is another area that can have a major impact on family wellbeing.

A stable home provides security for the whole family.

Veterans and their families may sometimes need information about:

• Housing options
• Housing difficulties
• Accommodation support
• Homelessness prevention
• Accessing appropriate services

SMARTT Veterans identifies housing assistance as one of its core support areas.

If housing is becoming a problem, contacting an appropriate support organisation early can be an important step.

Health and Wellbeing Support

Family wellbeing can be affected when a veteran is experiencing difficulties with their mental or physical health.

SMARTT Veterans identifies mental health support as one of its core areas and also promotes community activities and physical activity as part of wider wellbeing.

Activities such as walking football and family fitness can provide opportunities for:

• Social interaction
• Routine
• Physical activity
• Community connection
• Positive experiences

However, community activities are not a replacement for professional medical or mental health care when that is required.

If someone is experiencing significant mental or physical health difficulties, they should seek appropriate professional support.

Helping Veterans Feel Less Isolated

Social isolation can affect veterans and their families for many different reasons.

After leaving the Forces, a veteran may lose contact with people they previously worked and lived alongside.

Family members can also experience changes in their own social networks.

Community activities can provide a bridge back into social life.

A simple conversation at a breakfast club or a family fitness session can sometimes be the beginning of a new friendship.

That is why community connection is such an important part of veteran family support.

Volunteering as a Family and Community Connection

Volunteering can also provide meaningful opportunities.

SMARTT Veterans offers volunteering opportunities, including:

• Event and community support
• Peer support and mentoring
• Skills-based volunteering

Examples include helping at Armed Forces Day, supporting social groups, assisting with community hubs, coaching, mentoring, IT and training delivery.

For veterans, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and an opportunity to use existing skills.

For families and community members, it can also be a way to support those who have served.

How Family Support Can Help Veterans Move Forward

There is no single solution for every veteran family.

Sometimes the most useful approach is a combination of different types of support.

For example:

A veteran may need employment advice.

↓

Their partner may want to meet other military families.

↓

Their children may enjoy family activities.

↓

The family may benefit from regular community connection.

↓

Together, these opportunities can help create a stronger support network.

That is the value of taking a family-focused approach.

Who Can Access Veteran Family Support?

Support and activities can be relevant to different members of the Armed Forces community, including:

• UK veterans
• Serving personnel
• Partners
• Children
• Military families
• Families transitioning from military to civilian life

The type of support available will depend on the programme and individual circumstances.

If you are unsure whether a particular activity or service is suitable for you, contact SMARTT Veterans CIC directly for current information.

Veteran Family Support in County Durham

County Durham has a significant veteran population.

SMARTT Veterans states that the 2021 Census estimated 22,615 veterans in County Durham, representing 5.2% of the population.

This highlights the importance of having accessible local support and community activities.

Veterans and families should not have to travel far simply to find people who understand the Armed Forces community.

Local organisations can help create stronger connections between veterans, families and the wider community.

Why Local Support Matters

National organisations can provide valuable services.

However, local community support offers something different.

It gives people an opportunity to meet others in their own area.

For families in Consett and County Durham, local activities can mean:

• Less travel
• More regular participation
• Local friendships
• Familiar surroundings
• Stronger community connections
• Easier access to information

SMARTT Veterans’ base at Belle View Stadium, Consett provides a local community setting for veteran support and activities.

You Do Not Have to Face the Transition Alone

Military-to-civilian transition is different for every family.

Some people may adjust quickly.

Others may need more time.

There is no shame in asking for support.

Whether you need information about employment, training, family activities, physical activity, wellbeing, housing, food support or community opportunities, taking the first step can help you understand what options are available.

You do not have to know exactly what you need before making contact.

Sometimes simply starting a conversation is enough.

How to Get Support From SMARTT Veterans

If you are a veteran or part of a military family living in Consett, County Durham or the surrounding area, you can contact SMARTT Veterans CIC to find out more about current activities and available support.

SMARTT Veterans CIC

Belle View Stadium
 Consett AFC
County Durham
DH8 7BF

Phone: 01207 588886
Mobile: 07592 628674
Email: info@ smarttveterans.org

You can ask about:

• Family activities
• Active in Consett
• Breakfast Club
• Walking Football
• Employment support
• Education and training
• Mental health support
• Housing assistance
• Food support
• Volunteering
• Other available community opportunities

Final Thoughts

Veteran support should not only focus on the person who served.

Families matter too.

When veterans transition from military to civilian life, their partners and children may also experience changes.

Providing opportunities for families to connect, stay active, find information and meet other people can help build stronger communities.

From family fitness and breakfast clubs to training, employment support and community activities, there are different ways for veterans and families to get involved.

For veterans and military families in Consett and County Durham, SMARTT Veterans CIC aims to provide a welcoming place where people can connect, find support and move forward together.

Supporting the veteran. Supporting the family. Strengthening the community.

What Is Veteran Family Support?

Veteran family support means helping not only the person who served, but also the people around them.

Every family is different.

Some families may need help with employment or training. Others may be dealing with financial pressures, housing concerns, social isolation or changes in family life.

In other situations, a family may simply be looking for positive activities where they can spend time together and meet other people.

Family support can include opportunities such as:

• Community activities
• Family fitness
• Information and advice
• Employment and training guidance
• Health and wellbeing support
• Social activities
• Breakfast club activities
• Physical activities
• Volunteering
• Signposting to appropriate services
• Opportunities to meet other veteran families

The right type of support depends on each family’s circumstances.

Why Do Military Families Sometimes Need Support?

Military life can be very different from civilian life.

Service personnel and their families may experience changes involving:

• Moving location
• Changing schools
• Separation from family members
• Changes in employment
• Leaving military accommodation
• Adjusting to civilian routines
• Changes in social networks
• Financial pressures
• Finding new community connections

When a veteran leaves the Armed Forces, the entire family may need time to adjust to a new way of life.

This does not mean every military family will experience difficulties.

However, knowing where to find support can make a transition easier.

Supporting Families After Military Service

Leaving the Armed Forces can be an important new chapter.

For some veterans, civilian life may bring exciting opportunities.

For others, the transition may involve uncertainty about work, finances, housing, relationships, health or finding a new sense of community.

Family members can also be affected by these changes.

That is why community-based veteran organisations can play an important role.

SMARTT Veterans CIC aims to create a welcoming environment where veterans and families can access information, community activities and opportunities to connect with others.

Family Activities for Veterans in Consett

One of the best ways to bring families together is through positive community activities.

SMARTT Veterans currently supports activities designed to encourage veterans and their families to meet, participate and become more connected.

These include:

• Family fitness
• Breakfast club activities
• Walking football
• Community events
• Drop-in sessions
• Social opportunities
• Volunteering
• Wider veteran community activities

Recent funding has specifically helped SMARTT Veterans strengthen family support, family activities, weekly physical activity and community engagement in Consett and County Durham.

Active in Consett: The Family Way

One of the key family-focused initiatives is Active in Consett: The Family Way.

It is a fully funded weekly fitness programme for veterans and their families at Belle View Stadium in Consett.

The programme is designed to allow:

• Veterans
• Partners
• Children
• Families

to participate in physical activities together.

The sessions are planned as 90-minute weekly sessions throughout the year and are free to participate in.

What Activities Can Families Enjoy?

The programme is designed to be accessible and enjoyable rather than highly competitive.

Activities can include:

• Fitness circuits
• Agility games
• Dodgeball
• Tag rugby
• Team games
• Family fitness challenges
• Indoor fitness activities
• Movement-based games

During warmer weather, activities can make use of outdoor facilities.

During colder or unsuitable weather, sessions can move indoors.

This means families have an opportunity to stay active throughout the year.

Why Family Fitness Can Be Valuable

Family fitness is about more than exercise.

It can provide opportunities for families to:

Spend Quality Time Together

Busy family life can make it difficult to find activities everyone can enjoy.

A shared fitness session creates time to participate together.

Meet Other Families

Community activities can help veteran families meet people who may have similar experiences.

Build Confidence

Trying new activities together can help both adults and children develop confidence.

Create a Routine

A regular weekly activity can give families something positive to look forward to.

Stay Active

Regular movement can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Build Community Connections

Families can become more connected to the wider veteran community in Consett.

Veteran Family Support Through Community Connection

Sometimes people do not need a specific service.

They simply need somewhere to go.

A welcoming place where they can:

• Have a conversation
• Meet other people
• Drink a coffee
• Take part in an activity
• Ask a question
• Find information
• Make a new friend

This type of informal community connection can be particularly valuable for people who may feel isolated.

SMARTT Veterans’ recent funding is helping support drop-in sessions, breakfast club activities, family support, physical activity and community engagement.

Veterans Breakfast Club and Family Community

The Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club provides another opportunity for serving personnel, veterans and their families to meet.

The club is open to serving members and veterans, does not require membership and meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM.

For families, community events like this can provide an opportunity to:

• Meet other veterans
• Reconnect with old friends
• Make new connections
• Share experiences
• Learn about available support
• Become part of the local Armed Forces community

You can read more in our guide to the Veterans Breakfast Club in Consett.

Employment and Training Support for Veteran Families

Employment can have an important impact on family life.

A veteran may need help understanding how military experience translates into civilian employment.

SMARTT Veterans provides information and support around employment and training, including transferable skills, career development and training opportunities.

Training can help veterans:

• Gain new qualifications
• Improve employability
• Explore different careers
• Develop confidence
• Build civilian workplace skills

For a family, improved employment opportunities can also contribute to greater financial stability and a clearer sense of direction.

Financial and Practical Support

Financial pressure can affect the entire household.

Families may experience difficulties related to:

• Household costs
• Food
• Employment
• Housing
• Unexpected expenses
• Cost-of-living pressures

SMARTT Veterans’ wider support work includes food poverty initiatives and practical support for veterans and families.

Its recent funding programme also includes information, advice and support around financial pressures and accessing other services.

If your family is struggling financially, reaching out early can help you understand what support may be available.

Housing Support for Veteran Families

Housing is another area that can have a major impact on family wellbeing.

A stable home provides security for the whole family.

Veterans and their families may sometimes need information about:

• Housing options
• Housing difficulties
• Accommodation support
• Homelessness prevention
• Accessing appropriate services

SMARTT Veterans identifies housing assistance as one of its core support areas.

If housing is becoming a problem, contacting an appropriate support organisation early can be an important step.

Health and Wellbeing Support

Family wellbeing can be affected when a veteran is experiencing difficulties with their mental or physical health.

SMARTT Veterans identifies mental health support as one of its core areas and also promotes community activities and physical activity as part of wider wellbeing.

Activities such as walking football and family fitness can provide opportunities for:

• Social interaction
• Routine
• Physical activity
• Community connection
• Positive experiences

However, community activities are not a replacement for professional medical or mental health care when that is required.

If someone is experiencing significant mental or physical health difficulties, they should seek appropriate professional support.

Helping Veterans Feel Less Isolated

Social isolation can affect veterans and their families for many different reasons.

After leaving the Forces, a veteran may lose contact with people they previously worked and lived alongside.

Family members can also experience changes in their own social networks.

Community activities can provide a bridge back into social life.

A simple conversation at a breakfast club or a family fitness session can sometimes be the beginning of a new friendship.

That is why community connection is such an important part of veteran family support.

Volunteering as a Family and Community Connection

Volunteering can also provide meaningful opportunities.

SMARTT Veterans offers volunteering opportunities including:

• Event and community support
• Peer support and mentoring
• Skills-based volunteering

Examples include helping at Armed Forces Day, supporting social groups, assisting with community hubs, coaching, mentoring, IT and training delivery.

For veterans, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and an opportunity to use existing skills.

For families and community members, it can also be a way to support those who have served.

How Family Support Can Help Veterans Move Forward

There is no single solution for every veteran family.

Sometimes the most useful approach is a combination of different types of support.

For example:

A veteran may need employment advice.

↓

Their partner may want to meet other military families.

↓

Their children may enjoy family activities.

↓

The family may benefit from regular community connection.

↓

Together, these opportunities can help create a stronger support network.

That is the value of taking a family-focused approach.

Who Can Access Veteran Family Support?

Support and activities can be relevant to different members of the Armed Forces community, including:

• UK veterans
• Serving personnel
• Partners
• Children
• Military families
• Families transitioning from military to civilian life

The type of support available will depend on the programme and individual circumstances.

If you are unsure whether a particular activity or service is suitable for you, contact SMARTT Veterans CIC directly for current information.

Veteran Family Support in County Durham

County Durham has a significant veteran population.

SMARTT Veterans states that the 2021 Census estimated 22,615 veterans in County Durham, representing 5.2% of the population.

This highlights the importance of having accessible local support and community activities.

Veterans and families should not have to travel far simply to find people who understand the Armed Forces community.

Local organisations can help create stronger connections between veterans, families and the wider community.

Why Local Support Matters

National organisations can provide valuable services.

However, local community support offers something different.

It gives people an opportunity to meet others in their own area.

For families in Consett and County Durham, local activities can mean:

• Less travel
• More regular participation
• Local friendships
• Familiar surroundings
• Stronger community connections
• Easier access to information

SMARTT Veterans’ base at Belle View Stadium, Consett provides a local community setting for veteran support and activities.

You Do Not Have to Face the Transition Alone

Military-to-civilian transition is different for every family.

Some people may adjust quickly.

Others may need more time.

There is no shame in asking for support.

Whether you need information about employment, training, family activities, physical activity, wellbeing, housing, food support or community opportunities, taking the first step can help you understand what options are available.

You do not have to know exactly what you need before making contact.

Sometimes simply starting a conversation is enough.

How to Get Support From SMARTT Veterans

If you are a veteran or part of a military family living in Consett, County Durham or the surrounding area, you can contact SMARTT Veterans CIC to find out more about current activities and available support.

SMARTT Veterans CIC

Belle View Stadium
 Consett AFC
County Durham
DH8 7BF

Phone: 01207 588886
Mobile: 07592 628674
Email: info@smarttveterans.org

You can ask about:

• Family activities
• Active in Consett
• Breakfast Club
• Walking Football
• Employment support
• Education and training
• Mental health support
• Housing assistance
• Food support
• Volunteering
• Other available community opportunities

Final Thoughts

Veteran support should not only focus on the person who served.

Families matter too.

When veterans transition from military to civilian life, their partners and children may also experience changes.

Providing opportunities for families to connect, stay active, find information and meet other people can help build stronger communities.

From family fitness and breakfast clubs to training, employment support and community activities, there are different ways for veterans and families to get involved.

For veterans and military families in Consett and County Durham, SMARTT Veterans CIC aims to provide a welcoming place where people can connect, find support and move forward together.

Supporting the veteran. Supporting the family. Strengthening the community.

What Is Veteran Family Support?

Veteran family support means helping not only the person who served, but also the people around them.

Every family is different.

Some families may need help with employment or training. Others may be dealing with financial pressures, housing concerns, social isolation or changes in family life.

In other situations, a family may simply be looking for positive activities where they can spend time together and meet other people.

Family support can include opportunities such as:

• Community activities
• Family fitness
• Information and advice
• Employment and training guidance
• Health and wellbeing support
• Social activities
• Breakfast club activities
• Physical activities
• Volunteering
• Signposting to appropriate services
• Opportunities to meet other veteran families

The right type of support depends on each family’s circumstances.

Why Do Military Families Sometimes Need Support?

Military life can be very different from civilian life.

Service personnel and their families may experience changes involving:

• Moving location
• Changing schools
• Separation from family members
• Changes in employment
• Leaving military accommodation
• Adjusting to civilian routines
• Changes in social networks
• Financial pressures
• Finding new community connections

When a veteran leaves the Armed Forces, the entire family may need time to adjust to a new way of life.

This does not mean every military family will experience difficulties.

However, knowing where to find support can make a transition easier.

Supporting Families After Military Service

Leaving the Armed Forces can be an important new chapter.

For some veterans, civilian life may bring exciting opportunities.

For others, the transition may involve uncertainty about work, finances, housing, relationships, health or finding a new sense of community.

Family members can also be affected by these changes.

That is why community-based veteran organisations can play an important role.

SMARTT Veterans CIC aims to create a welcoming environment where veterans and families can access information, community activities and opportunities to connect with others.

Family Activities for Veterans in Consett

One of the best ways to bring families together is through positive community activities.

SMARTT Veterans currently supports activities designed to encourage veterans and their families to meet, participate and become more connected.

These include:

• Family fitness
• Breakfast club activities
• Walking football
• Community events
• Drop-in sessions
• Social opportunities
• Volunteering
• Wider veteran community activities

Recent funding has specifically helped SMARTT Veterans strengthen family support, family activities, weekly physical activity and community engagement in Consett and County Durham.

Active in Consett: The Family Way

One of the key family-focused initiatives is Active in Consett: The Family Way.

It is a fully funded weekly fitness programme for veterans and their families at Belle View Stadium in Consett.

The programme is designed to allow:

• Veterans
• Partners
• Children
• Families

to participate in physical activities together.

The sessions are planned as 90-minute weekly sessions throughout the year and are free to participate in.

What Activities Can Families Enjoy?

The programme is designed to be accessible and enjoyable rather than highly competitive.

Activities can include:

• Fitness circuits
• Agility games
• Dodgeball
• Tag rugby
• Team games
• Family fitness challenges
• Indoor fitness activities
• Movement-based games

During warmer weather, activities can make use of outdoor facilities.

During colder or unsuitable weather, sessions can move indoors.

This means families have an opportunity to stay active throughout the year.

Why Family Fitness Can Be Valuable

Family fitness is about more than exercise.

It can provide opportunities for families to:

Spend Quality Time Together

Busy family life can make it difficult to find activities everyone can enjoy.

A shared fitness session creates time to participate together.

Meet Other Families

Community activities can help veteran families meet people who may have similar experiences.

Build Confidence

Trying new activities together can help both adults and children develop confidence.

Create a Routine

A regular weekly activity can give families something positive to look forward to.

Stay Active

Regular movement can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Build Community Connections

Families can become more connected to the wider veteran community in Consett.

Veteran Family Support Through Community Connection

Sometimes people do not need a specific service.

They simply need somewhere to go.

A welcoming place where they can:

• Have a conversation
• Meet other people
• Drink a coffee
• Take part in an activity
• Ask a question
• Find information
• Make a new friend

This type of informal community connection can be particularly valuable for people who may feel isolated.

SMARTT Veterans’ recent funding is helping support drop-in sessions, breakfast club activities, family support, physical activity and community engagement.

Veterans Breakfast Club and Family Community

The Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club provides another opportunity for serving personnel, veterans and their families to meet.

The club is open to serving members and veterans, does not require membership and meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM.

For families, community events like this can provide an opportunity to:

• Meet other veterans
• Reconnect with old friends
• Make new connections
• Share experiences
• Learn about available support
• Become part of the local Armed Forces community

You can read more in our guide to the Veterans Breakfast Club in Consett.

Employment and Training Support for Veteran Families

Employment can have an important impact on family life.

A veteran may need help understanding how military experience translates into civilian employment.

SMARTT Veterans provides information and support around employment and training, including transferable skills, career development and training opportunities.

Training can help veterans:

• Gain new qualifications
• Improve employability
• Explore different careers
• Develop confidence
• Build civilian workplace skills

For a family, improved employment opportunities can also contribute to greater financial stability and a clearer sense of direction.

Financial and Practical Support

Financial pressure can affect the entire household.

Families may experience difficulties related to:

• Household costs
• Food
• Employment
• Housing
• Unexpected expenses
• Cost-of-living pressures

SMARTT Veterans’ wider support work includes food poverty initiatives and practical support for veterans and families.

Its recent funding programme also includes information, advice and support around financial pressures and accessing other services.

If your family is struggling financially, reaching out early can help you understand what support may be available.

Housing Support for Veteran Families

Housing is another area that can have a major impact on family wellbeing.

A stable home provides security for the whole family.

Veterans and their families may sometimes need information about:

• Housing options
• Housing difficulties
• Accommodation support
• Homelessness prevention
• Accessing appropriate services

SMARTT Veterans identifies housing assistance as one of its core support areas.

If housing is becoming a problem, contacting an appropriate support organisation early can be an important step.

Veteran family support Durham: Health and Wellbeing Support

Family wellbeing can be affected when a veteran is experiencing difficulties with their mental or physical health.

SMARTT Veterans identifies mental health support as one of its core areas and also promotes community activities and physical activity as part of wider wellbeing.

Activities such as walking football and family fitness can provide opportunities for:

• Social interaction
• Routine
• Physical activity
• Community connection
• Positive experiences

However, community activities are not a replacement for professional medical or mental health care when that is required.

If someone is experiencing significant mental or physical health difficulties, they should seek appropriate professional support.

Veteran family support Durham: Helping Veterans Feel Less Isolated

Social isolation can affect veterans and their families for many different reasons.

After leaving the Forces, a veteran may lose contact with people they previously worked and lived alongside.

Family members can also experience changes in their own social networks.

Community activities can provide a bridge back into social life.

A simple conversation at a breakfast club or a family fitness session can sometimes be the beginning of a new friendship.

That is why community connection is such an important part of veteran family support.

Volunteering as a Family and Community Connection

Volunteering can also provide meaningful opportunities.

SMARTT Veterans offers volunteering opportunities, including:

• Event and community support
• Peer support and mentoring
• Skills-based volunteering

Examples include helping at Armed Forces Day, supporting social groups, assisting with community hubs, coaching, mentoring, IT and training delivery.

For veterans, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and an opportunity to use existing skills.

For families and community members, it can also be a way to support those who have served.

How Family Support Can Help Veterans Move Forward

There is no single solution for every veteran family.

Sometimes the most useful approach is a combination of different types of support.

For example:

A veteran may need employment advice.

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Their partner may want to meet other military families.

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Their children may enjoy family activities.

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The family may benefit from regular community connection.

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Together, these opportunities can help create a stronger support network.

That is the value of taking a family-focused approach.

Who Can Access Veteran Family Support?

Veteran family support Durham: Support and activities can be relevant to different members of the Armed Forces community, including:

• UK veterans
• Serving personnel
• Partners
• Children
• Military families
• Families transitioning from military to civilian life

The type of support available will depend on the programme and individual circumstances.

If you are unsure whether a particular activity or service is suitable for you, contact SMARTT Veterans CIC directly for current information.

Veteran Family Support in County Durham

County Durham has a significant veteran population.

SMARTT Veterans states that the 2021 Census estimated 22,615 veterans in County Durham, representing 5.2% of the population.

This highlights the importance of having accessible local support and community activities.

Veterans and families should not have to travel far simply to find people who understand the Armed Forces community.

Local organisations can help create stronger connections between veterans, families and the wider community.

Why Local Support Matters

National organisations can provide valuable services.

However, local community support offers something different.

It gives people an opportunity to meet others in their own area.

For families in Consett and County Durham, local activities can mean:

• Less travel
• More regular participation
• Local friendships
• Familiar surroundings
• Stronger community connections
• Easier access to information

SMARTT Veterans’ base at Belle View Stadium, Consett provides a local community setting for veteran support and activities.

You Do Not Have to Face the Transition Alone

Veteran family support Durham: Military-to-civilian transition is different for every family.

Some people may adjust quickly.

Others may need more time.

There is no shame in asking for support.

Whether you need information about employment, training, family activities, physical activity, wellbeing, housing, food support or community opportunities, taking the first step can help you understand what options are available.

You do not have to know exactly what you need before making contact.

Sometimes simply starting a conversation is enough.

How to Get Support From SMARTT Veterans

If you are a veteran or part of a military family living in Consett, County Durham or the surrounding area, you can contact SMARTT Veterans CIC to find out more about current activities and available support.

SMARTT Veterans CIC

Belle View Stadium
 Consett AFC
County Durham
DH8 7BF

Phone: 01207 588886
Mobile: 07592 628674
Email: info@smarttveterans.org

You can ask about:

• Family activities
• Active in Consett
• Breakfast Club
• Walking Football
• Employment support
• Education and training
• Mental health support
• Housing assistance
• Food support
• Volunteering
• Other available community opportunities

Veteran family support Durham: Final Thoughts

Veteran support should not only focus on the person who served.

Families matter too.

When veterans transition from military to civilian life, their partners and children may also experience changes.

Providing opportunities for families to connect, stay active, find information and meet other people can help build stronger communities.

From family fitness and breakfast clubs to training, employment support and community activities, there are different ways for veterans and families to get involved.

For veterans and military families in Consett and County Durham, SMARTT Veterans CIC aims to provide a welcoming place where people can connect, find support and move forward together.

Supporting the veteran. Supporting the family. Strengthening the community.