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Supporting Somerset's Armed Forces Community

Veterans facing homelessness often encounter complex challenges that require specialist support, that often standard local authority services aren’t always equipped to provide.

Contributing factors can include:

A lack of tailored support for ex-service personnel.
Mental health issues leading to relationship breakdowns, social isolation, or unemployment.
Difficulties adjusting to civilian life after institutional service.
Inadequate resettlement support after discharge.
Harmful drinking cultures during service.
Exposure to trauma or combat-related violence.
Stigma surrounding mental health.
A culture that discourages seeking help

At Arc, we’ve been working directly with veterans across Somerset since 2018. In March 2023, we launched our first Armed Forces Hub at Victory House, with a second hub based at ARK at Egwood a rural, therapeutic setting in South Somerset. These developments were supported by NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, which funded an Armed Forces Link Worker for each Hub to help meet the growing needs of our Armed Forces community.

Armed Forces Hubs in Somerset

In Somerset, we’re proud to support a large and diverse Armed Forces community — including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. With two military bases in the county and a veteran population higher than the national average (1 in 20, compared to 1 in 25 nationally), around 9% of Somerset’s population is connected to the Armed Forces.

To meet the unique needs of this community, the hubs are open to all members of the Armed Forces community, offering safe and welcoming spaces for advice, support, and connection. Whether you're actively serving, a reservist, a veteran, or a family member, you can drop in for one-to-one guidance, information, and help accessing services. Visitors can access practical advice, personalised support, and opportunities to connect with others from the military community.

We work closely with serving personnel, veterans, and their families to provide timely and holistic support to those in need. Acting as a conduit for partner organisations, we bring together a wide range of services — whether financial, physical, emotional, or psychological — and always ensure the needs of the entire family are taken into account.

The hubs also provide clear information to help individuals navigate complex systems and access the services they need.

Some of the key areas we support include:

Housing and homelessness
Physical and mental health
Education and employment
Navigating the justice system
Accessing military charity funding
Coping with trauma and chronic conditions

Armed Forces Hubs in SomIn Somerset, we’re proud to support a large and diverse Armed Forces community — including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. With two military bases in the county and a veteran population higher than the national average (1 in 20, compared to 1 in 25 nationally), around 9% of Somerset’s population is connected to the Armed Forces.

Some of the key areas we support include:Housing and homelessnePhysical and mental health

Full Name:
Date of Birth:	Today
Gender:
Contact Number:
Email Address:
National Insurance Number:
Do you have a local connection to the area?:
If yes, please explain:
Are you currently:	Homeless (Rough Sleeping) Homeless (Sofa Surfing) Living in Support Housing Living with Family or Friends Living in a Council Property Living in Housing Association Accommodation In Private Landlord Accommodation Other
How long have you been homeless for?:
If you are not already homeless, when do you expect to become homeless?:
Please give the reasons you are homeless:
Previous Accommodation details:	Please include date from, date to, type and location of accommodation, and the reasons for leaving
Are you currently claiming any benefits?:
If yes, please state what you are claiming:
Date of next payment (if claiming):	Today
Do you have any debts/rent arrears?:
If yes, please give details:
Do you have any savings?:
If yes, please give details:
Do you have any physical health or accessibility needs?:
If yes, please give details:
Do you have a history of, or any current mental health issues?:
If yes, please give details:
Do you have a history of, or current substance misuse?:
If yes, please give details:
Do you have a history of violence or aggressive behaviour?:
If yes, please give details:
Do you have any history of Criminal Offending or Custodial Sentences?:
If yes, please give details:
Are you engaging with Social Services?:
If yes, please give details:
Are you engaging with any Support Services?:
If yes, please give details:
Are you registered with a GP?:
If yes, which practice are you registered with?:
Are you on any medication?:
If yes, please give details:
Do you have any pets?:
If yes, please give the pet's details:
Please give any other information which you think may help us to find the right accommodation and support for your needs:

Supporting Somerset's Armed Forces Community

Some of the key areas we support include:Housing and homelessnePhysical and mental health

PAWS Project

Victory House