Basingstoke Veterans Hub

08/09/2026

September marks World Su***de Prevention Month, with World Su***de Prevention Day taking place on 10 September each year.

It is an opportunity to raise awareness of su***de, challenge the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and encourage people to look out for one another.

In the UK, su***de continues to be a significant public health issue, and this is particularly important when considering the experiences of military veterans. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in 2021, 253 su***des in England and Wales were among UK armed forces veterans, with 237 of those deaths (93.7%) being male.

The figures are particularly concerning among younger male veterans: those aged 25–34 had a su***de rate of 38.2 per 100,000, compared with 18.0 per 100,000 among males of the same age in the general population, while veterans aged 35–44 had a rate of 33.5 per 100,000, compared with 18.8 per 100,000 in the general population.

These figures highlight why su***de prevention, early intervention and accessible mental health support remain so important within the Armed Forces veteran community.

World Su***de Prevention Month is ultimately about reminding people that starting a conversation, listening without judgement and encouraging someone to seek support can make a life-saving difference.

04/09/2026

What do we do?

While our name may suggest that we support veterans exclusively, our work extends across the wider Armed Forces community. We support serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families. We were initially established to support veterans, but as needs within the community evolved, so did our services to ensure we could support serving members and their families too.

We work closely with local and national charities, organisations, councils and government services to connect people with the right support. Where appropriate, we refer and signpost individuals to specialist organisations that can provide the support they need, while also working collaboratively with other services to improve outcomes for the Armed Forces community.

A key part of our role is bringing people and organisations together within the local community. We work alongside national charities to deliver community events, build strong local connections and help develop and shape support services. Our aim is to make sure that members of the Armed Forces community can access the right opportunities, information and support when they need it.

We run a monthly drop-in session, attended by a Department for Work and Pensions Armed Forces Champion. Defence Employer Recognition Scheme employers and other support organisations also attend on an ad hoc basis, providing information and opportunities around training, employment, volunteering and other ways to rediscover purpose and build new connections.

The drop-in is open to veterans of all ages, and spouses and partners are very welcome. You don't need to have a particular need or issue to attend — you can simply come along for a cup of tea or coffee, a chat and the opportunity to meet others.

We also run a monthly breakfast, which is purely a social event, as well as organising trips, activities and events for veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces community.

All of our services are provided free of charge.

03/09/2026

It's that time of the month again.

This coming Tuesday.

Free bottomless brews.

Just turn up.

30/08/2026

29/08/2026

➡️ The hidden crisis in security ⬅️

Nearly 40% of UK security officers show symptoms of PTSD.

That's the finding of the largest study of its kind, from the University of Portsmouth: 750 officers surveyed, almost four in ten showing signs of post-traumatic stress. Ten per cent are threatened with violence daily. Nearly a third report a physical assault at work each year. Meanwhile the British Retail Consortium's latest Crime Report recorded 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers every single day this past year, still more than three times the pre-pandemic rate.

A high proportion of the UK's 350,000+ licensed security officers are veterans, many already carrying the effects of service. For them, the shop floor or the door can become a second front line, often with little support waiting on the other side of it.

That's why PTSD Resolution works closely with the sector, in partnership with ASIS UK, the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, the Security Institute and the City Security Council, to make sure that support exists and is used.

Human Givens therapy, delivered free by 200 accredited therapists nationwide, gets veteran security officers seen within an average of 12 days. Real recovery needs a real relationship. That's what we provide.

📢 Help for veterans: free, prompt and effective.

www.ptsdresolution.org | 0300 302 0551 | Charity No. 1202649

28/08/2026

We have been kindly gifted an experience for six veterans (or serving members) to go and have a day out on a Thames Narrow boat with a wonderful veteran formerly of 7Para RHA. The date of this is 16th September 2026 departing at 1100 from Shepperton Lock. A group will be travelling by train from Basingstoke, details tbc. You will have to fund your own travel, otherwise the day is completely free. Please submit interest via email to [email protected].

27/08/2026

Our thoughts are with the people of Rasuwa and all affected areas in Nepal following the devastating floods yesterday. With the loss of life and people still missing, the scale of this tragedy is immense. We send our deepest sympathies to all those affected.

The UK Government is providing consular support details on photo

27/08/2026

Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are for those in Nepal caught in the devestation of the floods. Thoughts to those here who have family and friends who are victims of this.

Please see the attached numbers on the original post for assistance.

27/08/2026

We were incredibly honoured and privileged to be invited to a landmark event today for the official launch of the Forcer Protocol at the Metropolitan Police Service.

The Forcer Protocol is a life-saving preventative measure for UK veterans and serving personnel, including reservists. Pre-share vital details, including health conditions, triggers and safe places, and if you’re ever reported missing, this can help speed up the search and help you access the right support.

Please register at: https://forcerprotocol.org/.

Well done to Claire Lilly, the team, Safe and Found Online and supporters nationally for this milestone achievement which has already saved hundreds of lives.