Whether you’re a new veteran making the transition back to civilian life, or you were discharged from your position years ago, peer support is important to support your mental and emotional health.
Many veterans miss the sense of connection that they had in the military and find it challenging to return to regular life. In fact, 41% of veterans seek mental health care every year—showing just how important community support is after service.
Veteran help groups can help you build a support system—a network of friends and fellow veterans who know exactly what you’re going through.
But it can be hard to know where to start. Below, we’ve highlighted some peer support groups specifically for veterans, with both online and in-person services available.
Online Peer Support Groups for Veterans
No matter where you are in the country, you can access helpful resources and programs through these online veteran help groups.
1. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
This nonprofit, nonpartisan organization was created for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Membership is free, and with over 425,000 members, they’re one of the largest veteran support groups around.
There are 6 main issues that they actively address:
- Repealing or reforming authorization of military force (AUMF) that allows us as a country to retaliate against threats to national security.
- Protecting the state of democracy at home.
- Changing the current state of Selective Service so that women will also be required to register.
- Advocating for American allies still living in fear of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
- Increasing access to reproductive care for veterans and members of the military.
- Legalizing cannabis at a federal level as an alternative therapy for those who have served.
Join those who have been in your shoes in supporting each other and building a better tomorrow for future veterans.
2. Together We Served
The largest exclusively military network of its kind, Together We Served allows veterans and active duty personnel to reconnect with those they served with. They prioritize building a community with your fellow veterans and offer a way to create a record of your military service to commemorate it permanently.
They have an extensive database to match you with all the men and women who served in your units. With all five branches of the military included, it’s easy to find those who you may have lost touch with over the years.
3. Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families provide community, understanding, and assistance to military service members, veterans, and their families. They offer online resources and structured programs to foster a sense of connection and support your mental health.
They provide a safe and supportive environment where you can tell your story and connect with others who have been through similar experiences.
4. PTSD Coach App
While not strictly an online community, we’re including a special mention for the PTSD Coach app, available for both Apple and Android users. This app was created by Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for PTSD and the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Center for Telehealth & Technology to improve the lives of veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Although it’s not a replacement for therapy, it can be a useful support, giving you the tools you need to manage your symptoms.
It contains:
- Reliable information on treatments that work
- Methods to track and manage your symptoms
Direct links to help
In-person Peer Support Groups for Veterans
If getting out of the house and meeting your fellow veterans face-to-face sounds more up your street, then there are plenty of options in the Virginia area.
Their goal is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activities. They promote authentic connection for a sense of purpose and belonging.
They create regular opportunities for members to come together through fitness and sports to improve physical and mental well-being.
Team RWB programs offer a range of benefits like complimentary access to various health resources and participation in expert-led discussions.
The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation (VVFS) provides assistance to veterans to ensure they don’t slip through the cracks.
In addition to mental and physical health support, the VVFS offers a Benefits Program to advocate for Virginia veterans and connect them to benefits and services to which they are entitled.
Heroes on the River organizes recreational activities and social events to bring combat veterans together in the northwest and southwest Virginia areas. They host fun group events like fishing trips, hiking, camping, and an annual cookout.
They also have a Facebook page where members can get to know each other and build relationships.
Get the Community Support You Deserve with Region Five
Our free Service Member, Veterans and Family Support (SMVF) program offers help, resources, and a sense of belonging to military members, veterans, and their loved ones.
The SMVF program involves a range of resources, including:
- Transition support
- Access to a vocational specialist
- Job coaching
- Peer support
- Mental health support
- Case management
- Job training
All of our team members come from military service backgrounds, so they know exactly what you’ve been through. They understand your struggles and can guide you in whatever way you need.
If you’re ready to be a part of a community of like-minded people, get in touch today.