The Gateways to the First World War team is delighted that SSAFA will be holding a collection at our lecture-concert, A Night in the West End, at Westgate Hall on Saturday 27th April.
The Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Families Association was formed in 1885 by Major Sir John Gildea to help the families of men serving in the Sudan Campaign.
More than 200,000 families received assistance during the Boer War 1899-1902. With the advent of war in the air 1914-1918, airmen were added to the title, becoming the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Airmen & Families Association that we know today. The brave men of the merchant fleet were included in our remit since the North Atlantic Convoys of the 1939-1945 war.
Unlike other charities, we hold very little money. Our role is to source funding for clients from other charities, both civilian & military. Help goes to clients young or old; male or female; single; widowed or families.
Their need may be a bathroom /wet room conversion; moving costs; help with nursing home fees; alterations to a property for a disabled child or adult; help with finances for a course or tools for a new job.
SSAFA is involved in prisons; the criminal justice system; custody visiting; mentoring; adoption support & welfare support through Forcesline – a confidential helpline for both serving personnel & veterans.
We rely on volunteers to help with case work & fund raising. Many of us are ex-military, though all volunteers are welcome.
92p of every £1 given, is used to help support our clients.
For further information visit www.ssafa.org.uk.
