SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of practical, emotional and financial support for the UK military’s serving personnel and veterans of the Royal Navy, British Army and the Royal Air Force, and their families.
For 138 years, making them one of the UK’s longest serving military charities, SSAFA has shown their commitment to ensuring that our service men and women, veterans and their families get the best possible support when they need it.
The SSAFA family includes the Military Wives Choirs, both an independent charity and a subsidiary of SSAFA, which supports women across the military community. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
Who SSAFA Help
Today nearly five million people living in the United Kingdom are estimated to have served in the Armed Forces at some point in their lives and every year, around 20,000 servicemen and women leave the services and return to civilian life. That is why their work is so important.
■ In 2023, SSAFA’s trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, from Second World War veterans to those who have served in more recent conflicts, or currently serving (both regulars and reserves), and their families.
■ They have more than 4,000 volunteers working tirelessly to help the Armed Forces family.
The Charity understands the unique demands of service life, whether it is on UK soil or overseas. Support is available for people at any stage in their military career; from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran – no one’s service is ever forgotten. There are more than 4,000 trained SSAFA volunteers who provide personalised, face-to-face support to those in their local area.
When anyone in the Forces family finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to. Whether it is financial, practical, or emotional, they provide the right kind of support, ensuring independence and dignity is protected at all times. Recent research shows that service leavers aged 25-64 need more specialised support. The challenges they face are complex – from low income to life-changing injuries or hidden wounds, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Since 1885, through two World Wars and through every conflict since, whenever our Forces need them, SSAFA do whatever they can to help, but they can only do that with the help of the people who support them like A Driving Force for SSAFA.
For more information about SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, visit the website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/
