SSAFA

Who they help

SSAFA offers help and support to all serving and former members of all ranks of the Armed Forces, including:

The following people are also eligible for SSAFA’s support:

Welfare advice and support

SSAFA offer welfare advice and support for serving personnel, veterans and their families through a worldwide network of volunteers. Branches in local communities provide help for veterans and their families and committees on military bases help serving families.

Support in service communities

SSAFA has a network of volunteers on Army, RAF and Naval bases in the UK and around the world who give local support.

Housing for wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and their families

SSAFA Norton Homes in Selly Oak, Birmingham, and Headley Court, Surrey provide home-from-home accommodation for families visiting wounded injured or sick service or ex-service personnel and outpatients. SSAFA also provides day-to-day management of Fisher House UK at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).

Support groups for bereaved families and families of injured service personnel

SSAFA's mutual support groups provide emotional and practical help to military families who are bereaved or struggling to cope with an injured loved one. The groups work on the principle that the people who help most are often those who have been through the same experiences. The groups are coordinated by SSAFA.

Mentoring for injured, wounded or sick service leavers

SSAFA’s mentoring scheme was set up in 2011 and supports those transitioning out of the Army or RAF due to medical discharge. SSAFA’s volunteer mentors provide support to wounded, injured and sick service leavers through a long-term 'one-to-one' relationship that underpins the transition from the military. SSAFA Mentoring is nationally accredited by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.

Adoption for military families

SSAFA is a registered adoption agency dedicated to helping military families through the adoption process.

Additional needs and disabilities support

SSAFA provide specialised support to military families with additional needs including their Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF).

Short breaks for children and young people from Forces families

SSAFA coordinates holidays and events that focus on offering new experiences and activities for children and young people from Service families.

Stepping Stone Homes for women and their children with a service connection

Stepping Stone Homes provide short-term supported accommodation, help and advice during difficult times. Female serving or ex-service personnel, or the female spouses and partners of serving or ex-service personnel, along with their dependent children are all eligible to stay there.

Professional health care

SSAFA’s professional health care staff provide patient-focussed care to military families worldwide.

Personal support and social work for the RAF

Working alongside the RAF, but outside the Chain of Command, SSAFA staff provide support for RAF personnel and their families, both Regulars and Reserves.

Independent Service Custody Visiting

SSAFA provides independent oversight of Army Service Custody facilities.

Housing advice

SSAFA offer practical housing advice and support to Armed Forces veterans and their dependents including guidance around housing benefits and accessing social housing.

Debt advice

SSAFA can help veterans to get advice on dealing with debt when they have fallen behind on their bills or repayments to credit cards and are struggling to get by or at risk of losing their home.

Mobility assistance

SSAFA volunteers seek financial assistance for veterans to help maintain mobility and independence at home. Trained volunteers can help veterans get mobility equipment such as Electronically Powered Vehicles or mobility scooters, stair lifts, riser and recliner chairs.

Providing household goods

SSAFA can provide veterans with essential household items, including white and brown goods.

Support for homeless veterans

SSAFA have a range of specialist services to support veterans who are homeless or facing homelessness.

Support for offenders and ex-offenders

SSAFA can provide support for:

Residential housing

St Vincent's Care Home at Ryde provides residential care for older ex-service personnel and their spouses.

The Royal Homes in Wimbledon provide accommodation where widows and daughters of those who used to serve can live independently.

Glasgow's Helping Heroes

'Glasgow's Helping Heroes' is an award-winning service provided by SSAFA in partnership with Glasgow City Council for current and former members of the armed forces and their dependants or carers who live, work or wish to relocate there. Its dedicated team works with national and local government and third sector providers to resolve clients' employment, housing, health, financial and/or social isolation issues.

Forcesline helpine

SSAFA also offers Forcesline, is a free and confidential telephone helpline and email service that provides support for both current and ex-service men and women from the Armed Forces and for their families.

Where they are

SSAFA provides support where it is needed in the UK and worldwide:

SSAFA health care and social work services support the Armed Forces community in 13 countries.

Structure and governance

SSAFA are governed by a board of Trustees who make and approve SSAFA policy. They oversee the Chief Executive Air Vice-Marshal David Murray and his Executive team who together look after to day-to-day management of the charity.

SSAFA Trustees are all volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to the management of SSAFA. They have ultimate responsibility for directing SSAFA's affairs and ensuring the charity is solvent, well-run and meet objectives.

All Trustees are also members of the Council and meet regularly to discuss the charity's activities and progress. The Chairman of Council is General Sir General Sir Kevin O'Donoghue KCB CBE.

SSAFA’s charitable work is financed by contributions from benevolent funds, generous donations from members of the public and the profits generated by their Health and Social Care department who are contracted by the National Health Service and Ministry of Defence to provide direct support to serving personnel and their families in the UK and overseas.

History

James Gildea founded the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association in 1885. In 1919, after the establishment of the Royal Air Force (in 1918), the organisation expanded support to become the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA). 1n 1997, SSAFA Forces Help was established when two charities, the "Forces Help Society" and "SSAFA", merged. On 10 April 2013, the charity's name changed to SSAFA as part of a rebranding aimed at improving awareness of the organisation's work amongst members of the armed forces community.