SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, puts the needs of families at the centre of all it does.
The In-Service team at Aldershot Garrison recognise the importance of families, and their diversities. To reflect their commitment to championing everyone in the military family they are running a ‘Listen To Understand’ morning on Saturday the 20th May from 09.30 – 11.30 at the Connaught Centre cafe, for military families with a member who has additional needs.
Partnering with the Army Welfare Service, SSAFA invites all local military families with additional needs to come along and tell them how they can provide the best help within their proposed new Additional Needs Support Group.
Jen Reehal SSAFA, Aldershot In-Service Chair, said:
“We would love to see you and hear how you would like us to help. We need you to let us know would what kind of groups would be useful to you; when and what would you like these sessions to look like?”
The military lifestyle brings a range of exciting opportunities and experiences, however SSAFA Aldershot understand the challenges of military life too. Continual mobility, separation, and isolation due to deployment and training can often have an even greater impact when you or a member of your family has an additional need and/or a disability.
One of their newest committee members has first-hand experience of these challenges and is excited about creating a group that can have a positive impact.
Jemma Graham, SSAFA Aldershot volunteer says:
“I have a child with additional needs and have recently moved here, so I understand how challenging it can be. Finding new doctors, transferring hospital care, and negotiating the school admissions process can be tough when you are moving to a new town, city or even country.
“I have sometimes found trying to establish family life in a new posting a lonely experience. A support group here would offer a safe space to voice your worries or difficulties, where we can signpost to various support, share experiences, and reassure each other that, ‘It’s ok, you’re doing great’.”
The soft play area will be open to children and assistance is available.
