Danny Kruger, the Member of Parliament for East Wiltshire, recently paid a visit to the Salisbury Plain Community Serving Team (SCT) of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The East Wiltshire constituency includes areas rich in military life, such as Tidworth, Bulford, and Ludgershall. In fact, as the Salisbury Plain Training Area accounts for around 11 per cent of Wiltshire’s 1,346 square-mile area, it would be difficult for UK Armed Forces life not to touch a Parliamentary constituency in the county.
SCTs operate independently of the chain of command and provide a confidential support service – financial, practical, and emotional – to reservists, serving personnel, and their families. To underline their importance and impact, in 2024 across all Serving Community Teams, just over 4,800 people were supported, an increase of around 500 per cent on 2023.
Among others, Danny met Julia Coxon, a volunteer at Salisbury Plain SCT, military spouse, and a busy mum of two. Julia discussed common “occupational hazards” associated with Forces’ life, such a such as frequent relocations, isolation, spousal employment challenges, and the emotional and financial strains of military life.
Speaking later, Julia said:
“It was a pleasure to meet with Danny Kruger MP and talk through the incredible work our Serving Community Team delivers across Salisbury Plain, which ranges from practical and emotional assistance to hosting local events.
“Together, we discussed the real-life challenges military personnel, and their families currently face, from financial pressures to emotional hurdles, and discussed our ongoing efforts to streng,then our support throughout the area.”
Commenting on his visit, Danny said:
“Many people will have heard of SSAFA, but won’t be aware of the work they do on the ground in our communities to ensure military personnel and their families do not feel isolated or unsupported.
“I was delighted to meet Julia from SSAFA’s Salisbury Plain Serving Community Team to hear more about the excellent work they do. Julia and her fellow volunteers offer support, from friendship and community outreach to practical help, for service families in our area.
“I’m grateful to them for all they do, and am keen to work with them however I can.”
Salisbury Plain SCT, as with all others around the country and overseas, is at the heart of its community and frequently hosts events and gatherings. Serving personnel and their families can learn more about what SCTs do by searching for “SSAFA SCT”.
