Outside the Wire
Professional Veteran-led support in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Outside the Wire is a bespoke drug and alcohol service, offering confidential advice supporting ex HM Forces personnel in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Our highly-trained and experienced workers, who are themselves ex-Forces, have a good understanding of the needs and issues faced by veterans. We offer innovative, free comprehensive support which includes confidential meetings at the location of your choice. We understand the difficulties and struggles transitioning from military to civilian life and the complexities associated with this. The team know that there can be a resistance to admitting to the extent of any personal issues, especially those relating to mental health; alcohol and drug use; which has stemmed from family related issues, loneliness or bereavement.
Contact Outside the Wire
01603 626 123
70-80 Oak Street, Norwich
NR3 3AQ
What does Outside the Wire offer?
One-to-one support
Confidential, tailored one-to-one outreach support in the community for veterans affected by drug/alcohol use and Mental Health issues. Covers Norfolk, and Suffolk.
Group support
Our armed forces groups provide a space for like-minded adults to get together and support one another. Groups currently operate across Norfolk and Suffolk. See below for more details.
Group activities and volunteering
We provide a range of opportunities for people to get involved in activities and volunteering. These have included museum visits, war grave clean ups, and trips abroad to Ypres, among others.
Armed forces groups timetable
Our military veteran groups from Outside the Wire provide an opportunity for like minded adults to get together and support each other.
Norfolk groups:
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Norwich, Oak Street - Tuesday evenings - 18.30 to 20.30
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The Shed, Sheringham - Thursday evenings – 1900 to 2100
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Morrisons Diss - 1st Wednesday evening - 1800 to 2000
Our vision
On leaving the military there is minimal support available for former servicemen and women to deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression related to their military service. They may also find themselves exposed to problems they had experienced before service.
Someone with PTSD often relives a traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life. Without specialist support, it is not uncommon for a sufferer of PTSD to 'self-medicate' to alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing which can in turn lead to addiction, dangerous behaviour, relationship issues, debt and worsening mental and physical health. Suicide and death from substance misuse issues are too common a reality.
When ex-military personnel receive support from Outside The Wire, they find it refreshing to talk openly and frankly with someone who 'speaks the same language' and understands their background.
In their own words: testimonials
"I very much value the conversations I have with my worker. She is non-judgemental, honest, and respectful. I have benefited from her direct and informed approach with evident empathy for the experiences of veterans."
"If I/we (veterans) didn't have Outside the Wire, I'm not sure how things would be at the moment, especially during this difficult time. So bless you all for being there for such a small cog as me. You really do make a difference."
"If you had not been there for me at my time of need, I believe, hand on heart, that my son would be growing up without a Dad. I owe my life to Outside the Wire"
"(Outside the Wire) truly understands the Armed Forces world from the inside - the staff are ex-forces who can relate to difficulties living in civilian world and have knowledge of the difficulties ex-service personnel can experience."
Thank you to all of our supporters
Associate member
