Help SSAFA - You don’t have to serve in the military to help a serviceman

You don’t have to serve in the military to help a serviceman. 

Military charity Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) - Forces Help has 7,000 volunteers around the UK who dedicate their time to looking after our military personnel past, present and their families.

Veterans have changed a lot over the years.  As time goes by there are fewer people who served in the Second World War or who did national service. 

While these veterans still make up a large number of the clients who turn to military charities, people who served in more recent conflicts need help as well.

Those who served in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War and even in Iraq and Afghanistan need the help of organisations like SSAFA.

Some problems, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), can take many years before they are diagnosed. 

SSAFA will work with other charities such as Combat Stress on its treatment. SSAFA helps with the practical issues that can make mental health problems so destructive such as alcohol or drug abuse to blot out memories associated with a traumatic incident. Other symptoms may be nightmares or anger attacks.

This could lead to loss of employment, relationship breakdowns and even homelessness.

 A SSAFA volunteer will help work with the client to rebuild their lives.  A loss of confidence may mean that some people are unable to cope when dealing with local authorities or benefits agencies – others may require assistance to access the training that will help them get a new job.

Some people who are helped may not have served themselves as SSAFA also assists the dependents of service press. Zoe Charlton is from Lancashire. Her father served in the Durham Light Infantry but was killed in a motorcycle accident when she was just 18 months old. Tragically, her mother also died a few years later leaving her an orphan at the age of 8.  Zoe went to live with her mother’s brother and his family.  She has been supported by SSAFA Forces Help Lancashire Branch ever since with education, school uniforms and school trips.

SSAFA also undertakes a lot of work to help those still serving.  Many military establishments have SSAFA Service committees which raise money and offer practical support for families, especially important during deployments.The charity operates homes for those families where someone is receiving treatment at the military units based in Selly Oak or Headley Court. It also runs support groups for families where someone has been seriously injured or even killed.  

One member is Sandra Birchall whose son, Lance Corporal William Woodgates, was seriously injured in Afghanistan in November 2009. "Sometimes it's difficult for people to understand what you have gone through.“But at the support group there are people who not only understand but can also talk to you about the practicalities and exchange information."

SSAFA volunteers work throughout UK branches and some overseas locations. Training ensures the highest standards of support and gives confidence to volunteers.The ex-Service community our case workers come from very varied backgrounds. Very often they do have a Service connection and it’s that which motivates them, but not always.

 

If you or someone you know needs help from SSAFA Forces Help or if you wish to volunteer for SSAFA you can contact Cardiff and the Vale Branch on 02920383852 or e.mail: office@ssafacardiff.org, don’t worry if you are not from our area, we can put you in touch with your local branch.