SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024, our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 54,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.
Since 1885, we have provided welfare and wellbeing assistance that is tailored to our Armed Forces community. We know about the unique demands of service life, whether in the UK or overseas, and we continue to meet the demand for support enabling the entire Armed Forces community to thrive.
And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us to make sure they never battle alone.
More information can be found at www.ssafa.org.uk .
Who SSAFA help
Through our worldwide network of branches, service committees (serving community teams) and specialist services, we’ve more than 2,500 volunteers, which includes trained SSAFA caseworkers who provide personalised support to those in their local area. Our trained welfare advisors and volunteers work with each individual to find out exactly what they need.
Once we’ve assessed what is required, we’ll help the individual or family access the required welfare and wellbeing assistance. They may just need someone to listen. More often than not, we put them in touch with the support services they need to help them get their lives back on track. Whether it’s financial, practical, or emotional, we provide a trusted source of support in their time of need.
The support we offer.
- Additional Needs and Disability support – Giving advice, support, and respite for military families through our Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) and Short Breaks holidays for families.
- Forcesline – Free, confidential helpline, email, and webchat service.
- Glasgow’s Helping Heroes – In partnership with Glasgow City Council, supporting the Forces community in Glasgow.
- Gurkha Services – Tailored support for Gurkha veterans and their families who live in the UK.
- Healthcare overseas –Local health and social care services for military families around the world.
- Housing – Royal Homes, a small number of safe and comfortable homes for older and disabled veterans.
- Mentoring – Personalised mentoring support for service leavers and their families, up to two years after they join ‘civvy street.’
- Norton House, Stanford Hall – Accommodation for family and friends, supporting those receiving treatment at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.
- Personal Support and Social Work Service RAF (PS&SWS RAF) – On station support for RAF personnel and their families.
- Veterans in the Criminal Justice System – Supporting veterans in prison, custody or on remand, as well as their families.
- Stepping Stone Home – Providing safe accommodation for women and children, whose relationships have broken down.
- Support Groups – Facilitated support for those within the service community, including those affected by bereavement.
- Welfare and wellbeing support – Our volunteer network offer practical, emotional, and financial support across the UK and overseas, operating in local communities and on military bases.
For more information about SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, visit the website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/
