The Army Central Fund (ACF) has made an award of nearly £44,000 to the Short Break programme provided by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. The two organisations have a longstanding partnership to deliver practical and emotional support to serving Army personnel and their families.
SSAFA’s Short Breaks – held at Calvert Trust sites in the Lake District and on Exmoor – are for serving families who have a child with an additional need or disability. These are free breaks and an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, to try fun adventure activities, and to meet other Forces families in similar situations.
Ellen Chard, SSAFA’s Additional Needs and Disability Advisor, commented:
“That ACF is supporting serving Army families in such a generous way by granting £44,000 to the Short Breaks is testament to the high regard it has for the military community, and especially those serving Army personnel with family members with additional needs.
“But it also demonstrates the strong relationship that exists between ACF and SSAFA, and the trust that ACF places in us to help those in the serving Army community when they need it, how they need it, and where they need it.
“Projects and opportunities like these help Forces youngsters build self-confidence and the benefits these types of experiences can have on young people are immeasurable, and so I must say, on behalf of SSAFA, a big ‘thank you’ to ACF for its generous assistance with the Short Breaks.”
Caroline Crewe-Read, Director of the ACF, said:
“We are very pleased to support SSAFA’s Short Breaks programme again this year. The ACF is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of serving Army personnel and their families, and this initiative makes a real difference to those with children who need bespoke activities and support. By providing opportunities for adventure and connection, we hope the programme helps Army families feel better equipped to meet the unique challenges of service life.”
SSAFA has a group specifically for serving families with members living with additional needs. Called the Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF), it is always looking for new members.
Learn more about FANDF here.
