Supporting Service life, health, disability and caring responsibilities
The Armed Forces Health, Disability & Carers Network (AF HDCN) is a tri-Service network that brings together Service Personnel affected by health conditions, disability, neurodiversity, special educational needs (SEN), illness and caring responsibilities — either personally or through supporting a family member.
The network exists to connect lived experience, provide peer support, and help improve understanding of the realities faced by many within the Armed Forces community.
For some, Service life can be shaped by managing a health condition, supporting a disabled child or family member, navigating neurodiversity, or balancing caring responsibilities alongside military life. These experiences are often not visible, but they can have a significant impact on individuals and families.
The AF HDCN aims to create a trusted and inclusive space where Service Personnel can connect with others, share experiences, access support and help influence positive change across Defence.
What does the network do?
The network aims to:
• Build peer support and connection across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force
• Amplify the voices and lived experiences of Service Personnel
• Help improve awareness and understanding of health, disability, neurodiversity, SEN and caring responsibilities within Defence
• Inform policy, practice and leadership through lived experience
• Promote inclusion, understanding and a more joined-up approach across Defence
• Support improved outcomes for Service Personnel and their families
The works collaboratively with policy teams, stakeholders and leaders to help improve learning, awareness and support.
Who is the network for?
The network is open to Regulars and Reservists from across all three Services who:
• Live with a health condition, illness, disability, special educational needs or neurodivergence
• Have caring responsibilities
• Support a family member with a health condition, illness, additional needs, disability, or neurodivergence
• Want to help improve understanding and inclusion within the Armed Forces community
• You do not need a diagnosis, formal label or official status to be part of the network.
How to get involved
Members will be able to:
• Join the AF HDCN Microsoft Teams community
• Access information, resources and updates through the SharePoint site
• Engage with the network through Facebook and other communications channels
• Share ideas, experiences and feedback to help shape the network’s future development
Find out more
For further information, updates or to get involved, contact:
You can also join the Armed Forces Health, Disability & Carers Network on Facebook for updates and announcements or visit the network SharePoint site on Defence platforms.
Together, we can help improve understanding, strengthen support, and ensure lived experience helps shape a more inclusive Armed Forces community.