Armed forces community

If you are in the armed forces, or the spouse of someone who is, visit the Register to vote (armed forces) page on the GOV.UK website to:

• apply to register to vote online as an ordinary voter  
• apply to register to vote online as a service voter. This will give you a registration for up to five years. You’ll get a reminder when it’s time to renew. 

You can find out more information on the Hart District Council Registering to vote pages.

We don’t own any houses but we do provide a housing register for people who want to rent a housing association home in Hart.

Applicants to the register are usually required to have a local connection with the district, but there are some exemptions for armed forces personnel and their families.

We may also consider applications from members of the armed forces community without a local connection such as veterans and immediate family of service personnel who have died.

For further information, visit our pages on finding a home in Hart.

Further housing support

The Defence Transition Services team is the MOD’s tri-service focal point to provide service personnel and their dependants with civilian housing information for those:

• wishing to move to civilian accommodation at any time in their career
• during resettlement to assist with the transition to civilian life.

For more information, visit the government's information and guidance on civilian housing website.

Military housing support

The Defence Infrastructure Organisations is part of the Ministry of Defence and has overall responsibility for providing service families with homes.

They have given Pinnacle a contract to run the National Service Centre, which is where you call regarding any issues with your home or about home allocations.

Website: www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk 

Haig Housing

Haig Housing is the leading UK provider of rental housing for ex-service people

If you care for someone who is in receipt of the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) you may be entitled to a discount on your Council Tax. The AFIP is a financial support scheme for service personnel and veterans who have been seriously injured due to their service.

More information is available on our discounts and exemptions page.

Hampshire County Council is responsible for schools, listed on the Hampshire County Council website.

The county council's website also has lots of useful information about the school admissions process.

• Armed forces access to Jobcentre Plus
  As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, there are initiatives to help current and former armed forces personnel and their families access Jobcentre Plus services.
   
• The Career Transition Partnership
  This is the official resettlement service for the armed forces. The Career Transition Partnership brings together expert personal support, employers and training providers to help those who serve resettle into civilian life.
   
• Forces Employment Charity
  This is the leading military employment charity. It helps thousands of veterans each year.
   
• Lifeworks Families
  A free support service to help veterans and family members of serving armed forces personnel find a job.
   
• Forces Families Jobs
  This offers training and employment for family members of current armed forces personnel. It also helps people who have left the armed forces within the last 12 months. It supports bereaved spouses and partners for up to two years post service.

Please visit the healthcare for the armed forces community pages on the NHS website for information about access to healthcare.

Connect to Support Hampshire is a directory of support services.

Mental health

If you have a concern about your mental health or of a family member who is a serving regular, reservist or veteran, please speak to your NHS GP.

The NHS offers support including its Op COURAGE - veterans' mental health and wellbeing service.

You can also contact one of the following organisations:

• Togetherall - Provides safe, anonymous support to anyone struggling with a range of common mental health issues, or who feels burdened by everyday worries and concerns. It is free for all serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
   
• Combat Stress - The veterans' mental health charity - Offers a 24-hour free phone helpline on 0800 138 1619. The charity provides emotional support, a listening ear and signposting service.
   
• Help for Heroes - Hidden Wounds - Provides free and confidential support to ex-service personnel, their families and the families of those still serving, who are living with anxiety, depression, stress, anger or who want to change their drinking habits.

• Adjusting to Life After the Armed Forces is an e-learning resource to help service leavers, veterans and their families adjust to life outside the armed forces.
   
• Op NOVA, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system, enabling them to access the services they need.
   
• Forces Connect App links the armed forces community to local and national organisations offering help and support across a wide range of services, from crisis support to searching for a dentist, starting a business to advice on housing.
   
• The Ripple Pond is a self-help support network for the adult family members of physically, or emotionally injured service personnel, and veterans.
   
• The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, reservists, veterans, and their families.
   
• SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) offers welfare advice and specialised support for bereaved families and those who are wounded, injured or sick.
   
• Here for Hart directory is an online directory of services with 21 different categories, including Care & Support, Armed Forces, clubs, and community services.
   
• HM Armed Forces Veteran Card is a way to prove that you served in the UK armed forces. The card can make it quicker and easier to apply for support as a veteran, and it also offers discounts on travel and leisure activities.
   
• Defence Discount Service is home of the Defence Privilege Card, the veteran discount card that can be used in stores, restaurants and venues to obtain armed forces discounts. 

Joining one of the cadet forces is a great way to build confidence, learn new skills and be part of a supportive team. They offer exciting opportunities like outdoor activities, leadership training and community events, all while helping you develop discipline and resilience.

• Army Cadets - Army Cadets
• Army Cadets Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
• Royal Navy - Royal Navy Cadets
• Air Cadets - Air Cadets