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Armed Forces resettlement frequently asked questions

We have compiled the following frequently asked questions to help the resettlement of Armed Forces personnel.

Who do I contact in the council to organise council tax?

Visit the council tax page

Who do I contact about registering to vote?

Visit the how to register to vote page

Who can I contact about utility suppliers as I am moving into the area from abroad?

Visit the Uswitch website

How do I get myself and my family somewhere to live in the area?

Visit our housing advice pageand our Housing allocations Policy

I am a veteran facing housing difficulties, who can I contact?

If you are a veteran facing housing difficulties, call the veterans' helpline on 0808 191 42 18.

Once I find somewhere to live where is the best site that gives me all the information I need on primary, secondary high schools including what their catchment area is?

Search our school directory

And their latest Ofsted reports?

Visit the Ofsted website

If I can't get a school placement is there anything that supports the service community to appeal against the decision?

For general advicevisit the GOV.UK appealing a school decision page

For service families visit the Service Children's Education website

Where do I go for information on getting employment in the area?

Visit the GOV.UK finding a job page

Local jobs can be found on the Sentinel’s website.

Where is the nearest Forces resettlement centre in case I need advice whilst in transition?

Visit the143 (WM) Bde Personnel Recovery Unit website

My wife is unemployed, where does she go for advice on all the allowances or benefits she is entitled to and information on gaining employment?

Visit our benefits page

How do I get myself and my children registered with a dentist?

Visit theNHS Choices how to find an NHS dentist page

How do I get myself and my family registered with a GP?

Visit theNHS Choices GP practice page

Is there any special provision, due to my service, for myself or my family to access mental wellbeing facilities to address a problem we are having?

Visit the GOV.UK - Support for war veterans page

Is there somewhere I can go for information on good tradesmen who can work on my house?

Search the Trader Register

My wife doesn't drive and I am going to be away a lot, where can I find information on local transport?

Visit our public transport section

Where do I go for information on pre-school childcare including childminders and nurseries?

Search the childcare directory

Where can I go for career personal development, more training or gaining qualifications locally?

  • Visit the adult and community learning webpages
  • Visit the Jobs, Enterprise and Training (JET) webpage
  • Visit the Staffordshire University website
  • Visit the Step up to Higher Education webpage
  • Visit the Stoke on Trent College website
  • Visit the workers educational association website

Where do I get information on local events and leisure facilities and if they offer discounts?

  • Visit our events page
  • Visit the leisure webpages

If I or a member of my family is disabled where do I go for advice on benefits, adaptations or special provisions that may be available to me, for example getting a blue badge or ramps to my property?

Visit the social care section

How do I get in touch with SSAFA or Royal British Legion for advice on charity support to me and my family?

  • Visit the SSAFA website
  • Visit the Royal British Legion website

I am a single service person coming back to the area how do I get accommodation and employment?

Visit theGOV.UK finding a job page

I am a widow, how do I get in touch with someone who can help with information on things like my husband’s war pension or who can help me with a problem I am having?

  • Visit the SSAFA website
  • Visit theRoyal British Legion website

I am an ex-serviceman/woman and need some help with an old injury or one which is degenerating - who can I go to for help?

Visit the GOV.UK - Support for war veterans pageand Citizens Advice - Healthcare for people injured in the Armed Forces and veterans page.

I am an ex-serviceman/woman who wants to put something back into the community - where should I go to offer my services?

Visit the volunteer in Staffordshire website
Visit the VAST website
Search the Do-it volunteering website
Visit the volunteering for sports webpage

Where can I find business premises to buy or rent in the city?

For further advice visit the where can I find a council owned property for sale page.

Where can I find help in starting my own business?

Visit the Business advice page, the start your business page, the North Staffs Chamber of Commerce websiteand the Start2Great website.

How can I join the army?

Go to

Related pages

  • Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme
  • Stoke-on-Trent Armed Forces Corporate Covenant

Help can also be available from:

  • British Army - Transition to civilian life
    Armed Forces Day
  • Big White Wall Mental health initiative supported by Help for Heroes and Combat Stress
  • British Army
  • Civvy Street
  • Combat Stress
  • GOV.UK - Support for war veterans
  • Help for Heroes
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Ministry of Defence - Service personnel and veterans agency publications
  • NHS Choices - Military healthcare - Healthcare information for military personnel and veterans, including getting treatment and contacts
  • Recruit for Spouses - Employment for spouses of the British forces
  • Rewards for Forces - A national and local discounts/benefits website for Veterans, Serving Forces and their families
  • Royal Air Force
  • Royal Air Force - Visit a careers office
  • Royal Navy
  • Royal Navy - How to join, talk to us
  • The Rifles
  • The Royal British Legion - Staffordshire
  • SORTED! - Comprises of seven charities, which provide a wide range of employment related services and support for the Forces community (including spouses/partners and dependents)
  • SSAFA Forces Help
  • Veterans World