Help for Her: Supporting Women Beyond Service

Help for Her: Supporting Women Beyond Service

A new campaign has been launched to improve access to life-changing support for ex-servicewomen. Help for Heroes’ first “Help for Her” campaign is designed to tackle the unique challenges women face when transitioning from military to civilian life.

Help for Heroes has long provided holistic support to veterans and their families, from mental health care and physical rehabilitation to financial assistance and community connection. Their work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: that everyone who has served should have the opportunity to live well after service. The “Help for Her” initiative builds on this by shining a much-needed light on the experiences of ex-servicewomen, ensuring they receive the recognition, understanding, and support they deserve.

“Help for Her” recognises that women’s experiences in the military and beyond can differ significantly, and that support must be tailored accordingly. Research behind the campaign highlights that many women do not identify with the label “veteran,” often due to stigma, trauma, or a lack of visibility. Women are also more likely to experience medical discharge and face unique health and social challenges during and after service. By addressing these barriers, the campaign opens the door to a wide range of practical help tailored specifically to women’s needs.

Through Help for Her, women can access mental health support, including help with trauma, anxiety, and the challenges of transition, alongside physical and clinical support for those recovering from injury or illness. Welfare support is also available, covering housing, finances, employment, and navigating civilian life.

Importantly, the programme connects women into communities and peer networks, helping to reduce isolation and build a sense of belonging with others who understand their experiences. Help for Heroes also offers opportunities for skills development, training, and pathways back into work, empowering women to rebuild confidence and independence after service.

At Help for Heroes, 75% of the charity’s employees are women, and of those staff who have served their country, 53% are female reflecting a strong commitment to representing and supporting women in the Armed Forces community.

Alongside the campaign, the charity has launched a dedicated web page for ex-servicewomen and developed a new leaflet aimed at women who have served, which is being distributed to GPs and hospitals nationwide. There are also plans for a women-only Community Sports Series event, offering taster sports in a safe and supportive environment.

Together, these efforts are helping to ensure that ex-servicewomen feel seen, supported, and empowered in life beyond service.