Join us for On Track, a dedicated wellbeing event recognising the unique experiences and challenges faced by those in and around the armed forces.
It’s designed for all members of the armed forces community – including regulars and reserves, service families, the bereaved, service leavers, veterans, and anyone connected to life in the forces.
The focus is on community, celebrating the power of positive, supportive communities and their impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or someone close to you, or simply want to learn more about the resources available, On Track is here to help.
Programme will be available closer to the event date – check back here for updates!
What to Expect:
- A safe, welcoming space to connect with others in the community
- Organisations and charities offering advice, plus support services at the event and beyond
- An audience led Q&A session, offering attendees the chance to raise topics or share concerns that matter to them and their community
The raffle winner will stay at Billet Doux in Swanage, a beautiful seaside home. Sleeping 2 people (plus a dog), it’s perfect for couples or solo travellers looking for a relaxed getaway.
Find out more about Billet Doux HERE.
Important notes
- The 3-night stay must be taken in Feb, March or April (Excluding Easter, 27th March to 17th April) 2026.
- The property sleeps up to 2 people and accepts a dog.
- £3 per raffle ticket.
To those who proudly protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s commitment to you. The Covenant supports serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, and their families, and is fulfilled by the different groups that have committed to making a difference.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though their focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.
Sign up for our email mailing list to be notified with updates.
Resources
Ministry of Defence – HeadFIT for life
What is HeadFIT and who is it for?
- HeadFIT has been developed in partnership with The Royal Foundation’s Heads Together campaign, the Ministry of Defence and King’s College London.
- HeadFIT is a new online platform, which will provide the military with 24/7 access to self-help tools to help them manage the stresses of everyday life.
- The platform includes tools such as breathing exercises, body posture and relaxation techniques that have been designed for all defence personnel, whether they are new recruits, long-serving personnel, veterans, civilian staff or those in uniform. The techniques are designed so they can be easily integrated into their everyday lives.
Find out more here.
Public Health England have updated their Every Mind Matters campaign. Find out more here.
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust – Armed Forces Community Health and Welfare Team
We can help people in the Armed Forces Community access health and social care services across Dorset (including Bournemouth and Poole).
Our Armed Forces Community Health and Wellbeing Team (AFCT) can help to assess your needs and, if appropriate, liaise with local organisations to ensure you receive support with issues such as health, welfare, housing and employment. Find out more here.
The Armed Forces Community includes:
- Active Army, Navy and Air Force personnel
- Veterans
- Reservists
- Family members
- Bereaved family members.
Additionally, our clinical staff who are veterans themselves can provide treatment for complex PTSD and other mental health issues
Help for Heroes help wounded veterans and their families to recover and get on with their lives. They have collated a series of tools to help.
Find out more here.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity
SSAFA exist to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the armed forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity. Forceline, their free confidential helpline provides contacts for your local branch to organise virtual meetings.
Find out more here.
The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports our Armed Forces community.
We’re here through thick and thin – ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten. We’ve been here since 1921 and we’ll be here as long as they need us.
We are the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 235,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; helping us give support wherever and whenever it’s needed.
Find out more here.
Models for Heroes works nationwide, promoting and creating spaces where model making can be as therapy for mental health. Visit their website to take part in online model sessions and figure painting shows whilst in lockdown.
Find out more here.
The Army Benevolent Fund, formerly ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, is the national charity of the British Army. Since 1944, it has provided a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.
Find out more here
One World Mindfulness – Captain Pat Burgess MBE
Member of the Defence Mindfulness Steering Group and a founder of Fitness Integrated Resilience Skills Training (FIRST). Patrick runs mindfulness classes for both the military and civilians and is currently offering free online workshops through his YouTube channel.
See his YouTube channel here.
Find out more here.
Heads Together
Heads Together is The Royal Foundation’s national mental health initiative lead by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Visit their website to view a selection of resources to help manage your wellbeing during this challenging time
Find out more here
Dorset Mental Health Forum
The Dorset Mental Health Forum is a local peer led charity that exists to improve the lives of everyone affected by mental illness by promoting wellbeing and recovery. Visit their website for recommended wellbeing resources.
Find out more here
LiveWell Dorset
LiveWell Dorset’s Five Ways Challenge has lots of tips and support for looking after your mental health and getting your Five Ways to Wellbeing at this time
Find out more here
Dorset Mind
A pioneering local charity that has been supporting local people with mental health challenges since 1946. We educate, challenge mental health stigma and inequality, and promote recovery by empowering individuals to develop resilience. Our support groups, counselling and accredited befriending service help people regain social skills. We also deliver educational wellbeing programmes for schools and workplaces and provide volunteer opportunities across all areas of our organisation.
Find out more here
The You Trust – You First Domestic Violence
The YOU Trust is a charity that has been supporting vulnerable people across Hampshire, Dorset, Somerset, the Isle of Wight, and West Sussex since 1985. We work across a wide range of specialist areas from Learning Disabilities to Mental Health and Stalking, Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Services and everything we do is about ensuring the people we support can have the life they want.
Find out more here
Al-Anon – Family & Friends of Alcoholics
Al-Anon is a service for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Their helpline remains open and they are still hosting local meetings (virtually) during this time. Visit their website for more details or call their free confidential helpline on 0800 0086 811.
Find out more here
Citizens Advice
Free, independent and confidential advice and information whatever your question. We offer a full range of advice including help with:
- Benefits entitlement and claims
- Debt management and budgeting
- Employment advice including Statutory Sick Pay and rights when laid off work
- Advice for the self employed
