Veterans facing homelessness often encounter complex challenges that require specialist support, that often standard local authority services aren’t always equipped to provide.
Contributing factors can include:
A lack of tailored support for ex-service personnel.
Mental health issues leading to relationship breakdowns, social isolation, or unemployment.
Difficulties adjusting to civilian life after institutional service.
Inadequate resettlement support after discharge.
Harmful drinking cultures during service.
Exposure to trauma or combat-related violence.
Stigma surrounding mental health.
A culture that discourages seeking help
At Arc, we’ve been working directly with veterans across Somerset since 2018. In March 2023, we launched our first Armed Forces Hub at Victory House, with a second hub based at ARK at Egwood a rural, therapeutic setting in South Somerset. These developments were supported by NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, which funded an Armed Forces Link Worker for each Hub to help meet the growing needs of our Armed Forces community.
Armed Forces Hubs in Somerset
In Somerset, we’re proud to support a large and diverse Armed Forces community — including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. With two military bases in the county and a veteran population higher than the national average (1 in 20, compared to 1 in 25 nationally), around 9% of Somerset’s population is connected to the Armed Forces.
To meet the unique needs of this community, the hubs are open to all members of the Armed Forces community, offering safe and welcoming spaces for advice, support, and connection. Whether you're actively serving, a reservist, a veteran, or a family member, you can drop in for one-to-one guidance, information, and help accessing services. Visitors can access practical advice, personalised support, and opportunities to connect with others from the military community.
We work closely with serving personnel, veterans, and their families to provide timely and holistic support to those in need. Acting as a conduit for partner organisations, we bring together a wide range of services — whether financial, physical, emotional, or psychological — and always ensure the needs of the entire family are taken into account.
The hubs also provide clear information to help individuals navigate complex systems and access the services they need.
Some of the key areas we support include:
Housing and homelessness
Physical and mental health
Education and employment
Navigating the justice system
Accessing military charity funding
Coping with trauma and chronic conditions
Armed Forces Hubs in SomIn Somerset, we’re proud to support a large and diverse Armed Forces community — including serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. With two military bases in the county and a veteran population higher than the national average (1 in 20, compared to 1 in 25 nationally), around 9% of Somerset’s population is connected to the Armed Forces.
Some of the key areas we support include:Housing and homelessnePhysical and mental health
MMeet Sam
Meet Sam
Samantha Jones, our Armed Forces Link Worker, joined the team in July. With 12 years’ experience in the Royal Air Force Police, including two active tours in Afghanistan and postings in Cyprus, Sam brings deep lived experience and understanding to her role. She provides advice, emotional support, and opportunities to connect with others from the military community — ensuring that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
Get in touch:
📞 07376 090 383
📧 [email protected]
Military personnel, their families, veterans or reservists can self-refer into the service or be referred in by their GP, local village agent, health coach, friends or family.
You can find more information about both Hubs here
Met SaSamantha Jones, a former Royal AirWhether you're a veteran, a family member, currently serving or a reservist, you can refer yourself or be referred by a GP, health coach, village agent, friend, or family member.Force Policewoman with 12 years of service and two tours in Afghanistan, joined our team in July. She offers one-to-one support, advice, and opportunities to connect with the wider community. Sam understands the challenges of military life and is passionate about making sure no one faces them alone.