SSAFA

Last updated
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
Formation1885
Founder Major James Gildea
Type Charity
Veterans' organisation
Headquarters4 St Dunstan's Hill
London
EC3R 8AD
Location
Chair of the Council of Trustees
Sir Simon Bollom KBE , CB , FREng
Chief Executive
Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE , CB
Website www.ssafa.org.uk

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association, is a UK charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents. Anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families, both regulars and reserves, is eligible for their help. [1]

Contents

SSAFA’s professional staff and network of more than 3400 volunteers assist more than 66,000 people every year, from World War II veterans to the families of young servicemen and women wounded or killed in Afghanistan. [2]

Founded in 1885, SSAFA is the UK's oldest national tri-service Armed Forces charity. [3]

Clients

SSAFA offers help and support to all serving and former members of all ranks of the Armed Forces, including:

The following people are also eligible for SSAFA’s support:

Welfare advice and support

SSAFA offer welfare advice and support for serving personnel, veterans and their families through a worldwide network of volunteers. Branches in local communities provide help for veterans and their families and committees on military bases help serving families.

For currently serving personnel and their families

Support in service communities


SSAFA has a network of volunteers on Army, RAF and Naval bases in the UK and around the world who give local support. [5]

Housing for wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and their families


SSAFA's Norton House, Stanford Hall provides home-from-home accommodation for families visiting wounded injured or sick service or ex-service personnel and outpatients. [6] SSAFA also provides day-to-day management of Fisher House UK at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). [7]

Mentoring for injured, wounded or sick service leavers


SSAFA’s mentoring scheme was set up in 2011 and supports those transitioning out of the Army or RAF due to medical discharge. SSAFA’s volunteer mentors provide support to wounded, injured and sick service leavers through a long-term 'one-to-one' relationship that underpins the transition from the military. SSAFA Mentoring is nationally accredited by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. [8]

Adoption for military families


SSAFA is a registered adoption agency dedicated to helping military families through the adoption process as well. [9]

Additional needs and disabilities support


SSAFA provide specialised support to military families with additional needs including their Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF). [10]

Short breaks for children and young people from Forces families


SSAFA coordinates holidays and events that focus on offering new experiences and activities for children and young people from Service families. [11]

Stepping Stone Homes for women and their children with a service connection

Stepping Stone Homes provide short-term supported accommodation, help and advice during difficult times. Female serving or ex-service personnel, or the female spouses and partners of serving or ex-service personnel, along with their dependent children are all eligible to stay there. [12]

Professional health care

SSAFA’s professional health care staff provide patient-focussed care to military families worldwide. [13]

Personal support and social work for the RAF


Working alongside the RAF, but outside the Chain of Command, SSAFA staff provide support for RAF personnel and their families, both Regulars and Reserves. [14]

Independent Service Custody Visiting


SSAFA provides independent oversight of Army Service Custody facilities. [15]

Support available to veterans and their families

Housing advice

SSAFA offers practical housing advice and support to Armed Forces veterans and their dependents including guidance around housing benefits and accessing social housing. [16]

Debt advice

SSAFA can help veterans to get advice on dealing with debt when they have fallen behind on their bills or repayments to credit cards and are struggling to get by or at risk of losing their home. [17]

Mobility assistance

SSAFA volunteers seek financial assistance for veterans to help maintain mobility and independence at home. Trained volunteers can help veterans get mobility equipment such as Electronically Powered Vehicles [18] or mobility scooters, stair lifts, riser and recliner chairs. [19]

Providing household goods

SSAFA can provide veterans with essential household items, including white and brown goods. [20]

Support for homeless veterans

SSAFA has a range of specialist services to support veterans who are homeless or facing homelessness. [21]

Support for offenders and ex-offenders

SSAFA can provide support for:

  • Families of veterans whilst they are in custody
  • Veterans and their families on release
  • Veterans whilst they are in custody. [22]

Residential housing

St Vincent's Care Home at Ryde provides residential care for older ex-service personnel and their spouses. [23]

The Royal Homes in Wimbledon provide accommodation where widows and daughters of those who used to serve can live independently. [24]

Glasgow's Helping Heroes

'Glasgow's Helping Heroes' is a service provided by SSAFA in partnership with Glasgow City Council for current and former members of the armed forces and their dependants or carers who live, work or wish to relocate there. Its dedicated team works with national and local government and third sector providers to resolve clients' employment, housing, health, financial and/or social isolation issues. [25]

Forcesline helpline

SSAFA also offers Forcesline, a free and confidential telephone helpline, live chat, and email service that provides support for both current and ex-servicemen and women from the Armed Forces and for their families. [26]

Locations

SSAFA provides support where it is needed in the UK and worldwide:

SSAFA health care and social work services support the Armed Forces community in 13 countries. [27]

Structure and governance

SSAFA is governed by a board of Trustees who make and approve SSAFA policy. They oversee the Chief Executive Sir Andrew Gregory [28] and his Executive team who together look after to day-to-day management of the charity.

SSAFA Trustees are all volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to the management of SSAFA. They have ultimate responsibility for directing SSAFA's affairs and ensuring the charity is solvent, well-run and meet objectives.

All Trustees are also members of the Council and meet regularly to discuss the charity's activities and progress. The Chairman of Council is Lieutenant General Sir Gary Coward KBE CB. [29]

SSAFA’s charitable work is financed by contributions from benevolent funds, generous donations from members of the public and the profits generated by their Health and Social Care department who are contracted by the National Health Service and Ministry of Defence to provide direct support to serving personnel and their families in the UK and overseas. [30]

History

James Gildea founded the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association in 1885. In 1919, after the establishment of the Royal Air Force (in 1918), the organisation expanded support to become the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA). In 1997, SSAFA Forces Help was established when two charities, the "Forces Help Society" and "SSAFA", merged. On 10 April 2013, the charity's name changed to SSAFA as part of a rebranding aimed at improving awareness of the organisation's work amongst members of the armed forces community. [31]

Cultural references

In Foyle's War series six, episode 3 ("All Clear"), Sam volunteers with SSAFA, at Foyle's suggestion.

In the 1960 British drama film Tunes of Glory, directed by Ronald Neame, there is a scene with John Mills involving a SSAFA charity collection.

1940s poster artwork commissioned by SSAFA from Fougasse (cartoonist) is now highly sought after by collectors.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British Armed Forces</span> UK military forces

The British Armed Forces, formally known as His Majesty's Armed Forces, are the military forces responsible for the defence of the United Kingdom, its Overseas Territories and the Crown Dependencies. They also promote the UK's wider interests, support international peacekeeping efforts and provide humanitarian aid.

The Royal British Legion (RBL), formerly the British Legion, is a British charity providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants, as well as all others in need.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RM Chivenor</span> Military base in Devon, England

Royal Marines Barracks Chivenor is a British military base used primarily by 3 Commando Brigade. It is situated on the northern shore of the River Taw estuary, adjacent to the South West Coast Path, on the north coast of Devon, England. The nearest towns are Barnstaple and Braunton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adjutant General's Corps</span> Corps of the British Army

The Adjutant General's Corps is a corps in the British Army responsible for many of its general administrative services, named for the Adjutant-General to the Forces. As of 2002, the AGC had a staff of 7,000 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Hospital Wegberg</span> Hospital in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany

The former Royal Air Force Hospital Wegberg, commonly abbreviated to RAF(H) Wegberg, was a Royal Air Force (RAF) military hospital located in Wegberg, near the city of Mönchengladbach, in the then West Germany. It was opened in 1953 to serve the British Armed Forces personnel already in the area, and in anticipation of the construction and opening of the large RAF Rheindahlen base, nearby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Strategic Command (United Kingdom)</span> Military unit

The United Kingdom's Strategic Command (StratCom), previously known as Joint Forces Command (JFC), manages allocated joint capabilities from the three armed services.

ABF The Soldiers' Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund, is the national charity of the British Army. Since 1944, it has provided a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Air Forces Association</span> British registered charity

The Royal Air Forces Association, also known as RAF Association or RAFA, is a British registered charity. It provides care and support to serving and retired members of the Air Forces of the British Commonwealth, and to their dependents.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defence CBRN Centre</span> United Kingdom military facility

The Defence Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centre is a United Kingdom military facility at Winterbourne Gunner in Wiltshire, south of Porton Down and about 4 miles (6 km) north-east of Salisbury. It is a tri-service location, with the Army being the lead service. The centre is responsible for all training issues relating to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence and warfare for the UK's armed forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Help for Heroes</span> Organization

Help for Heroes is a British charity which supports members of the British Armed Forces community with their physical and mental health, as well as their financial, social and welfare needs. The charity was founded in 2007 by Bryn and Emma Parry after they visited soldiers at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. The charity now supports all veterans, serving personnel, those who have served alongside the UK military, and their families.

Combat Stress is a registered charity in the United Kingdom offering therapeutic and clinical community and residential treatment to former members of the British Armed Forces who are suffering from a range of mental health conditions; including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Combat Stress makes available treatment for all Veterans who are suffering with mental illness free of charge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine</span> Military unit

The RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine is a medical organisation run by the Royal Air Force and based at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire. It is the main organisation conducting aviation medicine research in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heroes Welcome UK</span>

Heroes Welcome is a scheme designed to encourage British communities to demonstrate support to members of the armed forces. The concept involves the displaying of a Heroes Welcome Sticker, this can be by either private individuals, or business operators and simply indicates a special welcome to service personnel. Heroes Welcome is not a charity or discount scheme, the minimum offer is; "A Warm Welcome", participating members may choose to offer a small discount or additional service upgrade if they wish, but this is not mandatory to membership of the scheme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military Wives</span> Musical artist

The Military Wives Choir are a registered charity and network of 75 choirs in British military bases across the UK and overseas, bringing women in the military community closer together through singing. With over 2,200 members, the MWC network is tri-service and any woman with a military connection can join including those currently serving, veterans, mothers, sisters and daughters, empowering women from across the military community. The organisation is also a subsidiary charity of SSAFA.

RNRMC is a charity registered in England, Wales and Scotland. Its purpose is to support sailors, marines, and their families, including those from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves, QARNNS, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and former members of the now defunct Women's Royal Naval Service.

Air Vice-Marshal David Paul Murray, is a retired senior Royal Air Force officer. He served as Defence Services Secretary in the Royal Household from 2010 to 2012. He is currently a member of the Veterans Advisory Board and a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Suffolk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erskine (charity)</span> Hospital in Erskine, Scotland

Erskine is a veterans care and support charity headquartered in Erskine, Renfrewshire, but operating across the Central Belt of Scotland. It provides a range of services to British Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families, who have settled in Scotland. It is most renowned for long-term nursing, respite, dementia and end-of-life medical care. It supports veterans through care homes and a Veterans Village, comprising 44 cottages, a community activity centre, five assisted living apartments and 24 "Transition Support" apartments for service-leavers and working-age veterans. The charity first established itself as Princess Louise Scottish Hospital for Limbless Sailors and Soldiers. It was created through Scotland's compassionate response to her sons returning physically and mentally shattered by the horrors of trench and naval warfare in the First World War. Its name was then shortened to Erskine Hospital and then simply "Erskine" in later years. The charity has gone on to offer help to British veterans of every subsequent war and become the biggest veterans facility in the country.

The Volunteer Reserves are the British Armed Forces voluntary and part-time military reserve force. Unlike the Regular Reserve, the Volunteer Reserves do not consist of ex-Regular personnel who remain liable to be re-called for military service. Instead, the Volunteer Reserves consists of civilian volunteers who routinely undergo training and military operations alongside the Regular military. The Volunteer Reserves serve under a fixed-term reserve contract and provide "highly trained" military personnel integrated with their Regular counterparts, on operations both at home and overseas. For example, almost every major military operation has seen the deployment of Army Reservists alongside the Regular British Army. Volunteer Reserves are allowed to use the post-nominal letters VR after 10 years of service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Rescript</span> British military operation to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic

Operation Rescript was the code name for the British military operation to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom and its Crown Dependencies between 2020 and 2022. It was described as the UK's "biggest ever homeland military operation in peacetime" by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), involving up to 23,000 personnel within a specialist task force, named the COVID Support Force (CSF). The support was given at the request of the UK government, its devolved administrations and civil authorities through the Military aid to the civil authorities (MACA) mechanism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armed forces in Wales</span> Overview of the British Armed Forces operating in Wales

The Armed forces in Wales are the military bases and organisation in Wales or associated with Wales. This includes servicemen and women from Wales and Welsh regiments and brigades of the British Armed Forces.

References

  1. "SSAFA". Charity Choice. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  2. "There for them then, still here for them now". Huffington Post. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  3. "Veterans are getting a raw deal, majority of the public believes". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 21 June 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  4. "Check your eligibility". SSAFA. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  5. "SSAFA supports service families". Stafford HIVE. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  6. "SSAFA's home from home". Army & You. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  7. "Facilities at Fisher House". Fisher House. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  8. "SSAFA pilots volunteering mentoring service to support transition from military to civilian life". Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  9. "SSAFA - adoption service for military families". First4Adoption. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  10. "Special needs". Forces Chatter. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  11. "SSAFA: Short Breaks for Children and Young People with Additional Needs (Service Families)". Appcessible. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  12. "Families and relationships in the Armed Forces". Channel 4. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  13. "Health care for the military community". SSAFA. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  14. "SSAFA". RAF. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  15. "Independent Custodial Visiting Association". ICVA. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  16. "Housing options for people leaving the Armed Forces". Citizens Advice. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  17. "Debt advice for military personnel". Resolve UK. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  18. "Mobility scooters - finance". RICA. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  19. "Grants towards the cost of your stairlift". Stairlift Advisor. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  20. "Welfare agencies". Veterans Outreach Support. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  21. "Housing options for people leaving the Armed Forces, veterans and their families". Citizens Advice. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  22. "Offenders and ex-offenders support". Civvy Street. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  23. "St Vincent's Home for Ex-Servicemen, Women & Widows". Care Home. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  24. "Royal Homes Wimbledon" . Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  25. "Glasgow Helping Heroes" . Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  26. "Forcesline" . Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  27. "SSAFA Today". SSAFA. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  28. "How We're Run - Our Governance | SSAFA". Archived from the original on 2015-05-09.
  29. "How We're Run - Our Governance | SSAFA". Archived from the original on 2015-05-09.
  30. "SSAFA Annual Review 2014" . Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  31. "Brand Report: SSAFA". Third Sector. Retrieved 10 February 2015.

Disabled Facilities Grants (A guide to DFGs)