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Sponsors and Organisations that Support The Black Rat Fund
We are extremely grateful to the following organisations who have supported us greatly in the past, and indeed continue to do so.
Without their valuable assistance and financial support we would not be able to put on some of the events we run, or provide the same level of welfare support to the Black Rats.
Please note that this listing is in alphabetical order. To visit the websites of these organisations and companies, please click on their logo.
Resource Links to assist you...
To help you find other resources you might need we’ve created this page which is sorted in alphabetical order. It is not absolutely comprehensive. If you think we have missed out an important organisation, or would like us to add yours, please email us.
Please note the Black Rat Fund is not responsible for the content of linked websites and do not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. We cannot guarantee that these links or external websites will work all of the time and emphasise that we do not endorse, warrant or guarantee in any way the products, services or information offered or provided within them.
Alcohol Helpline
Tel: 0800 917 822
Advice, information and support for anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Tel: 0845 7697555
If alcohol is costing you more than money call in complete confidence.
Army Families Federation (AFF)
Website: www.aff.org.uk
AFF Central Office: 01980 615525
AFF Catterick Garrison: 01748 818266
Army Welfare Service (AWS) (Catterick Garrison)
Tel: 01748 872987
Hipswell Lodge
Smuts Road
Catterick Garrison
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The AWS is a confidential service that provides community support and social and occupational welfare support to all single, married, regular, TA and reservist soldiers and their families. They will also provide the same for ex-service personnel.
Bereavement (Child)
Tel: 0800 282 986
For anyone affected by the death of a child.
SSAFA Bungalows, Cottages & Appartments
Website: www.ssafa.org.uk
SSAFA has 36 purpose built bungalows for disabled ex-Service men and women and their spouses. They are located at Blackpool, Barnsley, Wantage and Ryde. Application for residency should be made to the Housing Department at Central Office.
SSAFA also has 5 one-bedroom apartments for vulnerable widows, widowers, or single ex-Servicemen or women in need of ground floor accommodation that do not need adaptations. Application for residency should be made to the Housing Department at Central Office.
Careline
Tel: 020 8514 1177
Counselling service on a wide range of issues for the general public.
Carers
Tel: 0800 808 7777
Advice and help for Carers. Wednesday/Thursday Only 10am - Noon & 2pm – 4pm
Childline
Tel: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
For children and young people up to the age of 18, who are distressed, in danger, being abused or have any other problems.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Tel: 01748 826532
Local Contact: Mrs Janet Menzies. Dedicated Military service on debt advice (sponsored by The Royal British Legion).
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Website: www.cwgc.org
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is responsible for marking and maintaining the graves of those members of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars, for building and maintaining memorials to the dead whose graves are unknown and for providing records and registers of these 1.7 million burials and commemorations found in most countries throughout the world.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Tel: 0208 939 9552
Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Email: sarah@crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Fax: 0208 948 7638
Anyone can contact Cruse if they want to talk about themselves or someone they know who has been affected by a death.
Defence Housing – York
Tel: 0800 169 6322 or 01904 418000
Disability and Carers Service
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Disability and Carers Service (DCS) is part of the Department for Work and Pensions. We help disabled people and carers to lead independent lives by administering and delivering, disability benefits, providing advice on benefits, and supporting the Government's commitment to increasing the inclusion of disabled people in society. We also work closely with disability and carers' organisations, helping them in their work with disabled people.
Drugs (Frank)
Tel: 0800 776600
Information about drugs and solvents for those who use them and for any concerned person.
EntitledTo
Website: www.entitledto.co.uk
EntitledTo provides free calculators to help you work out your entitlement to benefits and tax credits. Follow the links to see what you could claim.
Gay & Lesbian Helpline
Tel: 020 7837 7324
Support & information for gay men & women.
Help the Aged
Tel: 0808 800 6565
Welfare benefits advice for older people.
HIVE - Catterick Garrison
Tel: 01748 872944
Email: catterickhive@aol.com
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The HIVE is an Information Service for the Armed Forces. The range of information they can provide is extensive, focusing on enquiries about postings, operational deployment, education, training, housing, employment, health care and local area matters.
Holiday Care
Tel: 0845 124 9971
Fax: 0845 124 9972
Website: www.holidaycare.org.uk
Email: info@holidaycare.org
7th Floor, Sunley House
4 BedfordPark
CROYDON
Surrey
CR0 2AP
If you are a disabled or older person with an interest in travel and holidays this site is for you. Our charity has more than 20 years' experience in helping disabled people.
Housing Advisory Service
Tel: 020 7463 9398
(Salisbury Military Ext. 2400)
Fax: 01722 436577
SSAFA Forces Help's Housing Advisory Service
c/o JSHAO
HQ Land Command
Wilton
Salisbury
SP2 0AG
The Housing Advisory Service provides information and advice on a wide range of housing matters, for ex-Service personnel, their families and dependants. It holds extensive information on housing providers and the housing strategies of every Local Authority in the UK. It also has a database listing establishments and organisations that have an affiliation to the ex-Service community. Clients in need of housing assistance should complete an Information Proforma. This is available from the Housing Officer (Information).
Immigration Advisory Service
Tel: 020 7378 9191
Service for people who have any immigration problems.
Joblinks
Website: www.joblinks.org.uk
Joblinks is a campaign run by the Occupational Benevolent Funds Alliance, a network of charities who provide a wide range of support services for people with connections to particular industries, trades and professions.
Local Authorities
Richmondshire District Council Tel: 01748 829100
Darlington Borough Council Tel: 01325 380651
Merchant Navy Welfare Board
Tel: (02380) 337799
Fax: (02380) 634444
Chief Executive: Captain D A Parsons
Email: enquiries@mnwb.org.uk
Website: www.mnwb.org.uk
30 Palmerston Road
Southampton
SO14 1LL
Co-ordinates the work of charities caring for Merchant Navy and Deep Sea Fishermen and their families. Can advise on the services of all its members (including length of service required); acts as clearing house for grant applications and elderly seafarers' accommodation. Does not itself provide financial support to individuals.
Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office
Tel: 01452 712612 ext 8149
Website:www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/
AFPAA (JPAC)
MOD Medal Office
Building 250
RAF Innsworth
Gloucester
GL3 1HW
Lost and stolen medals can be replaced.
National Blood Service
Tel: 08457 711 711
Donor enquiries and enrolment.
National Debt Line
Tel: 0808 808 4000
For anyone with money problems.
National Domestic Violence Helpline
Tel: 0808 2000 247
Run in partnership with Refuge and Women’s Aid provides accommodation for women experiencing domestic violence.
National Rail Enquiries
Tel: 08457 48 49 50
For all train timetables, fare and general enquiries.
NHS Direct
Tel: 0845 4647
Confidential health advice and information.
NSPCC
Tel: 0800 800 5000
For anyone concerned about a child or young person at risk of abuse.
Parentline
Tel: 0808 800 2222
Support for anyone in a parenting role.
Passport Adviceline
Tel: 0870 521 0410
Website: www.passport.gov.uk
Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. A single point of contact for advice on passport issues or problems.
RAF & Dependants Disabled Holdiay Trust
Email : ddht@blueyonder.co.uk
Website : www.rafddht.org.uk
The Trust exists to make it possible for serving and ex-RAF personnel, or members of their families and dependants, who are severely disabled, to take holidays at home or overseas on equal terms with able-bodied people.
Regular Forces Employment Association
Tel: 0121 2360058
Tel: 08700 940795
Website: www.rfea.org.uk
HEAD OFFICE
RFEA LIMITED
1st Floor Mountbarrow House
6-20 Elizabeth Street
London
SW1W 9RB
This national association, with some twenty four Branches throughout UK, exists to help men and women leaving the Armed Forces to find employment throughout their working lives.
Royal Air Force Funds
Tel: (0116) 266 5224
Email: tricia.freer@rafa.org.uk
Website: www.rafa.org.uk
Cental Headquarters
117½ Loughborough Road
Leicester
LE4 5ND
Incorporated for the promotion of welfare by charitable means for those serving or who have served in HM Air Forces and their dependants. Advice and assistance are given to all who are eligible on all aspects of welfare, pensions, disability awards, civilian employment. Welfare facilities include a Nursing and Convalescent Home, Supportive and Sheltered Housing. Honorary Welfare Officers act as a link with the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.
Royal Naval Association
Tel: (Reception).02392 723823
Website: www.royal-naval-association.co.uk
Fax: 02392 723371
Association Headquarters
Room 209
SemaphoreTower
PP70
HM Naval Base
PORTSMOUTH
PO1 3LT
Grants up to £1000, Pensions advice, Publications, Welfare, Social Clubs. Applications should be submitted through the General Secretary.
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Funds
Tel: (02392) 547201
Fax: (02392) 547207
Email: admin@royalmarinesregimental.co.uk
Website: www.royalmarinesofficialsite.co.uk
HMS EXCELLENT
WhaleIsland
Portsmouth
PO2 8ER
The principal purpose of the Fund is to benefit all ranks who are serving or who have served in the Royal Marines, or their dependants, to relieve need, hardship or distress. Matters concerning Officers and serving Royal Marines and their dependants should be referred to the RM Corps Secretary. Matters concerning retired Warrant Officers, NCOs and Marines and their dependants should be referred to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust.
Samaritans
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Confidential emotional support helpline for anyone in crisis.
Social Services
Richmond Tel: 0845 872374
Northallerton Tel: 01609 779999
SSAFA Forces Help - Bungalows, Cottages & Appartments
Website: www.ssafa.org.uk
SSAFA has 36 purpose built bungalows for disabled ex-Service men and women and their spouses. They are located at Blackpool, Barnsley, Wantage and Ryde. Application for residency should be made to the Housing Department at Central Office.
SSAFA also has 5 one-bedroom apartments for vulnerable widows, widowers, or single ex-Servicemen or women in need of ground floor accommodation that do not need adaptations. Application for residency should be made to the Housing Department at Central Office.
SSAFA Forces Help Stepping Stone Homes
Website: www.ssafa.org.uk
SSAFA Forces Help Longside
Email: longside@ssafa.org.uk
PO Box 82
Blaydon LDO
NE21 6YY
SSAFA Forces Help Gildea
Email: gildea@ssafa.org.uk
PO Box 301
Pinner
HA5 4XN
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There are two "Stepping Stone Homes", Longside House situated in Tyne & Wear, and Gildea House in North West London. They offer temporary accommodation to separated Service and ex-Service families, as well as support, help and assistance in finding a permanent home. They also provide the time and space in which a separated family can reflect before reconciling a difficult marital situation. Other categories of resident can be catered for, including any woman, with or without children, who will be homeless, is about to be evicted with nowhere to go, or is in need of emergency accommodation. Widows of serving or ex-Service personnel also qualify. Further details, including eligibility criteria, leaflets, posters, application forms, and a videotape, are available from the Staff Officer Branch Support at Central Office, to whom all referrals must be directed. Application Forms and leaflets are also held by SSAFA Forces Help Social Workers.
The Pension Service
Website: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Tel: 0845 60 60 265
Tel: 0845 60 60 275 (in Welsh)
Telephone lines open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 60 60 285 (0845 60 60 295 for Welsh language).
This Government website provides information about pensions and pensioner benefits, for those planning for the future, about to retire or already retired.
The Royal British Legion
Tel: 020 7973 7200
Fax: 020 7973 7360
Email: info@britishlegion.org.uk
Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk
48 Pall Mall
London
SW1Y 5JY
The Royal British Legion provides assistance worldwide (except in Scotland) in a number of ways. In England and Wales this assistance is accessed through the CountyField Officers. Advice may also be sought from the Legionline on 0345 725 725.
The Royal British Legion Line
Tel: 08457 725 725 (local rate)
Tel: overseas: +44 (0)20 7973 7200 (full rate)
Legion line is the Legion's Helpline and Information Point which is open to all members of the general public. Lines are manned 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
The Royal British Legion Scotland
Tel: 0131-557 2782
Fax: 0131-557 5819
New Haig House
Logie Green Road
Edinburgh
EH7 4HR
The Royal British Legion Scotland is a separate charity which provides comradeship for ex-Service personnel in Scotland through its network of Branches. It does not provide individual welfare grants; in Scotland these are the province of the Earl Haig Fund
The Royal Homes
Tel: 020 8946 5182
Website: www.theroyalhomeswimbledon.org
Email: rhowd_qac@ssafa.org.uk
The Manager
Queen Alexandra's Court
St Mary's Road
Wimbledon
London
SW19 7DE
Queen Alexandra’s Court in Wimbledon has 76 self-contained, unfurnished apartments in mansion-style blocks set in 4 acres, for women who are the widows, divorcees or single daughters of Officers or Warrant Officers, or women who are retired Officers or Warrant Officers of all branches of the Armed Forces. Applicants will not normally be admitted before the age of 60, and they must be capable of Independent living. There is a resident Manager and two Assistant Managers (Maintenance and Residents). Residents pay a standard maintenance charge. The less well off may apply to the Royal Homes for discretionary grants.
The Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the Ex Services (SPACES)
Tel: 01748 833797
Fax: 01748 835774
Website: www.spaces.org.uk
Regional Resettlement Centre
St. Aidan's Road
Catterick Garrison
Catterick,
North Yorkshire
DL9 3AY
A project based within the Resettlement / Welfare complex at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. It provides an accommodation placement service for single personnel being discharged from all three services
TV Licensing
Tel: 0844 800 6772
Website: www.tvlicensing.co.uk
Purchase, renew or alter your licence.
Veterans Agency (SPVA)
Tel: 0800 169 22 77
Fax:01253 330561
Website: www.veterans-uk.info
Email: veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk
Norcross
Blackpool
FY5 3WP
The formation of SPVA will gradually lead to the provision of a fully integrated set of ‘through life’ personnel services to our serving and veterans community where a single contact with the Agency will grant access to customer information and advice on pay, pensions, compensation payments, records of service and medal entitlement.
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