A local volunteer has been awarded a MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. Donald McPhie, 90 from Solihull has been bestowed the award for his voluntary services to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, and their families.
Donald has volunteered for SSAFA since 2004, filling many appointments at the Solihull Branch, including Branch Chairman.
Read moreLocal veterans have been gifted a special festive hamper by CCP
It was time for an early Christmas present yesterday for the veterans supported by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity in the Bristol area.
Cheltenham-based charity CCP, or Caring for Communities and People, kindly donated 27 hampers filled with all sorts of festive goodies including mince pies, biscuits, cakes and coffee to those in need of some festive cheer.
Read moreSpecial festive lunch donated to military community in Southend
Christmas came early today for members of the SSAFA Veteran’s Lunch Club. Professional chefs armed with roast turkey and all of the trimmings descended to serve up a large helping of seasonal goodwill. The Lunch Club welcomed over 60 veterans in for the special event, making it a real calendar highlight.
In the true spirit of Christmas, the entire meal was donated by ESS, Support Services Worldwide, part of Compass Group, to say thank you for their service to our nation.
Read moreChristmas came early on Monday, when the doors of 10 Downing Street were opened for a special Children’s Party.
Joining the festive celebrations were two military families who adopted through SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Attendees included an Army veteran and his partner and a RAF family. Both couples adopted two siblings, a boy and a girl in 2014 and have continued to be supported by SSAFA’s Post-Adoption Support service. The children are aged 7, 8, 9 and 10 years old.
Read moreDamaris Media and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity join forces for ‘Darkest Hour’
Damaris Media and SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, have partnered on the release of Darkest Hour (in cinemas 12th January). To celebrate, two of SSAFA’s WWII veterans were given the red carpet treatment at the premiere on 11 December before watching the film. Both veterans attend the SSAFA Southend Veteran’s Club, which runs every Thursday.
Read moreThe Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund has awarded a grant of £80,000 in September 2017 toward SSAFA’s Casework service and other services that alleviate need, suffering and distress.
Casework sits at the heart of SSAFA’s work and provides personalised, holistic support to those currently serving, reserves, ex-service men and women, and their families. In recent years their Casework service has seen increasing numbers of working age beneficiaries requiring help. These beneficiaries have complex needs, including financial hardship, mental wellbeing issues, inadequate housing and lack of employment.
Read moreFormer Minister of State for the Armed Forces and current MP for Rayleigh and Wickford attended the weekly session
On Thursday 30th November, the Southend Veterans’ Club welcomed Mark Francois, Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford.
The visit was part of Mark’s ongoing commitment and personal interest in the military community, which he is closely affiliated with.
Read moreGeorge Ward, a 90 year old helped by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity enjoyed a day on the ship where he served
George ‘Sharky’ Ward, from Caversham in Berkshire, fulfilled his wish to return to the ship where he served in the Royal Navy. The ship played a big part in his time posted in Egypt in the 1950’s – and brings back many memories.
During his 14 years in the Royal Navy, George was posted in many locations including the Mediterranean and Africa. Serving at the rank of Petty Officer, he was a Naval Gunner.
Read moreLeft Right Left, the new military memories supplement inside of resettlement magazine, Pathfinder International, has launched a festive campaign for relatives of loved ones away in the Armed Forces over the Christmas period, in which they can send in their messages of good will.
The campaign entitled “Jingle Comms – Festive messages for the Forces” will see Left Right Left ask for family members of serving troops to submit their messages of support for personnel away on operations or detachments over the festive period.
Read moreSSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is delighted to announce that Jonathan Sandall has been appointed as its new Director of Fundraising. Jonathan will join SSAFA on Monday 20 November 2017.
Jonathan is the former Director of Fundraising at Peabody, an organisation addressing poverty, isolation and vulnerability in communities across London. He has also held senior fundraising and business development roles at Shelter and Make-A-Wish UK.
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