The Safe Harbour Project
Free Counselling & Support for Naval Families in Fareham, Gosport, Portsmouth and Surrounding Areas
Before, During and After Deployment
"Because understanding military life matters."
Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
A Safe Place for Naval & Military Families
Whether things feel overwhelming or you just need someone who understands the unique challenges of military life, we're here to support you and your family.
Understanding Support
Whether things feel overwhelming or you just need someone who understands
Military Experience
Our team includes counsellors and staff with first-hand military experience
Complete Confidentiality
Your story stays with us. Always confidential
Why The Safe Harbour Project Matters
The Challenge
Families of Royal Navy personnel face unique emotional and psychological challenges during deployments. The stress of long separations, disrupted family routines, and uncertainty can have a serious impact on the mental health and wellbeing of both adults and children.
Children in military families are particularly vulnerable, often struggling with anxiety, behavioural changes, and emotional isolation when a parent is deployed. Partners and carers are left managing the home alone while navigating their own emotional burden.
Our Solution
The Safe Harbour Project directly addresses this need by offering specialist counselling support tailored specifically to the naval deployment experience.
By intervening early—before, during, and after deployment—the project aims to reduce emotional distress, build family resilience, and prevent the escalation of mental health issues.
With the Royal Navy's ongoing global commitments, this support has never been more necessary. The Safe Harbour Project will provide a stable, trusted source of care when families need it most.
How We Support You
One-to-One Counselling
Up to 12 free sessions per family member, delivered in person, online, or by phone, led by accredited counsellors with Armed Forces experience.
Pre-Deployment Support
Structured sessions to help families prepare emotionally and practically for separation.
Reintegration Counselling
Post-deployment support to rebuild relationships and ease reintegration.
Signposting & Resources
Tailored mental health toolkits and referrals to veteran, welfare, or trauma services.
Expected Outcomes
- Improved Mental Health: Enhanced wellbeing for all family members
- Reduced Anxiety: Less deployment-related stress and worry
- Stronger Resilience: Better equipped to handle challenges
- Decreased Isolation: Connected support during difficult times
"Counselling has helped with my self esteem, asking for help and how to put the past behind me and not dwell on my troubles."
— Family Member
Who Can Access Support
The Safe Harbour Project is available to families of serving Royal Navy personnel, including:
- Partners & Carers: Spouses and partners managing family life during deployment
- Children (11+): Young people experiencing the challenges of having a deployed parent
- Priority Access: Families facing multiple or prolonged deployments
Service Coverage: Delivering support to naval families based in Fareham, Gosport, Portsmouth & surrounding communities.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a safe space where you can talk to someone trained to listen and help you work through your thoughts and feelings. It's not about being judged or told what to do, but about exploring your emotions and finding ways to cope with challenges.
It can help with stress, bereavement, anxiety, self-harm, school or work problems, relationships, or any situation that feels overwhelming. Everyone's experience is different, and you don't need to have a "big problem" to benefit from counselling.
"Counselling has help me find strategies to cope with sadness."
Ready to Get Started?
Families can be referred through Naval welfare and support services, or contact The Moving On Project directly for confidential advice and referral information.