SSAFA, RBL and RAFBF will not deter anyone from applying for help. Don't try and approach Army, Navy or Marine funds direct though.
If your friend was ex-RAF get him to apply direct either through the form on the RAFBF website
www.rafbf.org or you can ring direct 0800-169-2942 and either a SSAFA Caseworker or a RAFA Welfare Officer will visit.
Otherwise he can contact SSAFA through their website
www.ssafa.org.uk or ringing SSAFA Support Line 0800-731-4880.
The SSAFA criteria is that contact will be made with the applicant within 48 hours and a Caseworker will contact within 5 days.
Good Luck