Welcome Home, Shipmate
Useful Links & Resources - Heritage & Community
HMS Andromeda Association Facebook Page
Our public Facebook page with the latest news, photos, memories, and reunion updates. Even if you’re not ready to join, give us a follow – you might spot a familiar face.
HMS Andromeda – Wikipedia
The Wikipedia entry for our ship. A useful starting point, though our own Ship’s History section goes into considerably more detail.
Leander-class Frigates – Wikipedia
Background on all 26 ships of the class that formed the backbone of the Royal Navy through the Cold War.
Mansion House Doncaster - Andromeda Heritage Centre
Doncaster Was Andromedas adopted town. Mansion house hosts some of Andromedas historical artifacts such as the original Ships Bell.
https://www.mansionhousedoncaster.com/hms-andromeda-doncasters-adopted-ship/
Royal Navy Official Website
The Royal Navy’s official website, including their Families & Veterans portal.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Where Andromeda was built – the last warship to be constructed at Portsmouth’s historic dockyard. Home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
National Museum of the Royal Navy
The principal museum of the Royal Navy, with sites in Portsmouth, Hartlepool, Belfast, and Yeovilton.
National Memorial Arboretum
Home to over 400 memorials including a dedicated Falklands Memorial – a curved Cotswold stone wall with individual plaques, a piece of Falklands rock, and benches for quiet reflection. Free admission. Located in Staffordshire.
Falklands Memorial Chapel, Pangbourne College
A beautiful memorial chapel dedicated to those who lost their lives in the 1982 Falklands campaign. An annual service of remembrance is held each June.
Navy News
The Royal Navy’s newspaper, published since 1954. Covers veterans’ affairs, ship associations, reunions, and the wider naval community.
Forces Reunited
Search by ship, regiment, or unit to find old shipmates. HMS Andromeda already has members registered. A useful discovery tool alongside Facebook.
Useful Links & Resources - Veterans’ Organisations
Royal Naval Association (RNA)
The largest naval veterans’ community in the UK, with over 270 branches across the UK and overseas. Free to join, rank-blind, and totally inclusive. Many of our members are also RNA members. A brilliant way to stay connected to the wider naval family.
South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 (SAMA 82)
The umbrella organisation for all veterans of the 1982 Falklands campaign and their families. Comradeship, support, and remembrance.
Royal British Legion
The largest armed forces charity in the UK. Welfare support, remembrance, and community. They organise the annual Cenotaph March Past on Remembrance Sunday and the Poppy Appeal.
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC)
The principal charity of the Royal Navy. Supports welfare, sport, adventure training, and community projects for serving and former personnel.
Conference of Naval Associations (CONA)
Coordinates ship and unit associations across the Royal Navy. A useful point of contact for sister ship connections. Find on RNA site
Useful Links & Resources - Welfare and Support
Veterans’ Gateway
The first point of contact for veterans and their families seeking support. They’ll connect you with the right organisation for your needs.
www.veteransgateway.org.uk | Call: 0808 802 1212 | Text: 81212
SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity
Provides lifelong support to anyone who has served, and their families. Practical help with housing, finances, relationships, and more. Volunteers in every county.
www.ssafa.org.uk | Helpline: 0800 260 6767
Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT)
Financial assistance and support for serving and former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their dependants.
Combat Stress
Specialist mental health support for veterans. Confidential, free, and staffed by people who understand military experience.
www.combatstress.org.uk | Helpline: 0800 138 1619 (24 hours)
Op COURAGE – NHS Veterans Mental Health Service
Specialist NHS mental health services designed for veterans. Self-referral available – you don’t need a GP appointment to get started.
Veterans UK (MOD)
The MOD’s own veterans’ service. Handles pensions, compensation claims, and the Veterans ID Card.
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk | Helpline: 0808 1914 218
Royal Star & Garter
Specialist care for older veterans and their partners. Residential homes in Solihull, Surbiton, and High Wycombe.