Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help
Our commitment is to provide a lifetime of support to anyone who has ever served
Wally’s story
Wally, 91, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery for his part in a dramatic battle outside Brussels on September 3rd, 1944. Later the D-Day veteran, who had served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, had a platoon within the Army Training Regiment named after him. Wally is the main carer for his wife Dolly, and when the couple needed a break he contacted SSAFA Forces Help.
I wanted some respite care and I thought I would call SSAFA. A lady came to see me and talked things through and helped arrange a two week holiday -*in North Wales. It made life a great deal easier for us both.
Each year, our trained staff and network of 7,500 volunteers provide practical support and assistance to more than 50,000 people, from D-Day veterans to young soldiers wounded in Afghanistan.
How we help
As one of the UK’s leading Armed Forces charities, we support around 50,000 people each year.
Shareen’s story
Shareen’s husband, a 27-year-old private from the Princess Of Wales’s Royal Regiment, lost his left leg and sustained other serious injuries in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. When her husband was flown to hospital in Birmingham, Shereen rushed to be by his side but found the hospital couldn’t accommodate baby Jenson, then only a few months old.
Having a room at SSAFA Norton House Selly Oak for herself and Jenson was vital for keeping the family together at a really difficult time. Selly Oak is one of our two specialist homes from home where the families of injured Service personnel can stay near to their loved ones whilst they recover in hospital.
I was being forced to choose between my husband and my son, trying to decide who needed me the most. When I was told a room was a available in the SSAFA house it was such a relief. Nick’s first words when he opened his eyes were “where’s Jenson?” Having Jenson around, playing with him and making him laugh, has helped Nick so much.
You can help SSAFA in many different ways
Volunteering
Clinton’s story
Nearly 30 years after serving in the Falklands War, Clinton still carries the mental scars of that conflict. Suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, unable to sleep because of the nightmares and with debts spiralling out of control, we have been here for Clinton when he needed us. He is just one of many former servicemen and women supported by SSAFA Forces Help long after the wars are over.
It’s the bad memories that stop you from living properly. If it wasńt for SSAFA, I would have ended up on the streets.
Whether you want to help the Serving or Veterans community, volunteering is a great way to use your skills, gain new experiences and make a real difference to people lives.
Fundraising
We couldn’t continue to help so many people without the support of our fundraisers. You can get involved in your local area, sign up for a challenge event or organise something of your own.
Donating
By making a donation today you are providing essential funding; funding that ensures we can continue to help service men and women, veterans and their families.
You can donate through SSAFA.org.uk
or give to our church collection on Remembrance Sunday
SSAFA