Huntingdonshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council are very pleased to be working together to support the armed forces community in Cambridgeshire.
There are many disadvantages that come with military service which can affect not only the serving person but their families too and sometimes these disadvantages or experiences during service can remain with a person or family long after they have completed their service.
This page has been created to provide signposting and support for the armed forces community, including guidance of who actually makes up the community, lists the main national charities as well as local support groups and clubs.
Are you a member of the armed forces community?
Regulars - Individuals currently serving as members of the Naval Service (including the Royal Navy and Royal Marines), Army or Royal Air Force.
Reservists - Volunteer reservists, who form the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marine Reserve, Territorial Army and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and regular reservists, who comprise the Royal Fleet Reserve, Army Reserve and Royal Air Force Reserve.
Veterans - Those that have served at least one day in HM Armed Forces, whether as a regular or reservist.
Their families - The immediate family of the categories listed above. This is defined as spouses, civil partners and children for whom they are responsible, but can extend to parents, unmarried partners and other family members.
The bereaved – The immediate family of service personnel and veterans who have died, whether that death has any connection with service.
If so, you may be eligible for support from many national charities and support organisations.
Forces Connect app
There is a free app called Forces Connect that provides links to and information about local and national support for the Armed Forces Community. You can either search "Forces Connect" in your app store or use the following links:
National support
Below are a list of national agencies that can provide support.
The Royal British Legion (RBL)
Visit The Royal British Legion website
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
SSAFA - Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association
Visit the SSAFA website
Telephone: 0800 260 6767
Veterans’ Gateway
Visit the Veterans' Gateway website
Telephone: 0808 802 1212
RAF Benevolent Fund
Visit the RAF Benevolent Fund website
Telephone: 0300 102 1919
Royal Naval Benevolent Trust
Visit the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust website
Telephone: 02392 690112
Armed Forces and Veteran’s Breakfast/Brunch Clubs
Below are a list of armed forces and veteran's breakfast/brunch clubs.
Ramsey
The club meets on the third Saturday of the month from 9.30am onwards at:
The White Lion, Upwood Rd, Bury, Huntingdon, PE26 2PA
Telephone: 01487 813542
St Ives and Huntingdon
The club meets on the first and fourth Saturday of the month at 9am at:
The Haywain, Constable Road, St Ives, PE27 3EP
St Neots and District Veterans Breakfast Club, Coffee Morning
We are a group of veterans and serving members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces and, like other veteran's breakfast clubs around the country and overseas, our ethos is mutual support. It works because we all have a similar humour and outlook, and the social life we now enjoy is like our service days.
George & Dragon, 267 Great North Road, Eaton Socon, St Neots, Cambs
Email: St_Neots@afvbc.com
Ramsey AFC Support
The support group provides a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment for the armed forces community suffering with mental health Issues like PTSD, OCD, anxiety and/or depression. We encourage, support and assist each other with the many challenges that brings, and so much more. It is not compulsory to share at any of the meetings if you do not want to.
Other clubs and associations
Royal Naval Association
Royal Air Forces Association
Royal British Legion branches and clubs
The RBL have branches in the following areas:
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Brampton
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Buckden
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Earith
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Great Gransden
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Houghton and Wyton
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Huntingdon
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Kimbolton
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Ramsey
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Sawtry
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Somersham
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St Ives
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St Neots
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Stibbington
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Warboys
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Yaxley
Visit the RBL website for further details.