SSAFA Ambassador and Special Forces Veteran Ant Middleton will be putting Vogue Williams through her paces to take on the Royal Marines physical fitness test. The test will include a 4.8km run in two parts in under 12 minutes 30 seconds, followed by timed bleep tests including running, press ups, sit ups and pull ups.
Read more27% have had suicidal thoughts after leaving the Forces
New YouGov research commissioned by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has found that more than two in five (41 per cent) of British Armed Forces veterans surveyed have felt lonely or isolated at some point since leaving the military.
When asked if they have ever felt overwhelmed by negative feelings, a third (34 per cent) of the veterans surveyed said they had. Over a quarter (27 per cent) admitted to having suicidal thoughts after finishing their military service.
Read moreSSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is celebrating National Adoption Week with an animation featuring success stories of its military adopters.
The animation features the stories of two children showing what life is like living in a military family which looks to help dispel the myths of military adoption.
These myths include concerns around the lack of stability due to regular postings or deployment, military families may be over disciplined or lack the structure of a 9-5 working parent.
Read moreL’Orchestre du Monde is holding a fundraising concert at Cadogan Hall in London to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Tickets are on sale now for the performance on Tuesday 17 October with some of the finest international musicians coming together to support the Armed Forces community.
The money raised by L’Orchestre du Monde will help SSAFA to continue to provide lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
L’Orchestre du Monde is a unique ensemble brought together by renowned Polish conductor Janusz Piotrowicz.
Read moreCelebrating four decades of British couture
Spencer House, London, 16th to 18th October, 2017
To mark its 40th anniversary, British couturier Catherine Walker & Co is holding an invitation-only exhibition at Spencer House to raise money for two charities, SSAFA and Brendoncare, supported by St James’s Place Wealth Management, held from the 16th to the 18th October, 2017.
Personally curated by Co-Founder and Head of Design Said Cyrus, exhibits will comprise archive pieces worn by Catherine Walker & Co’s most famous clientele, accompanied by their handwritten notes and original drawings.
Read moreSSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has awarded Joanna Lumley the role of Honorary Ambassador, for her work with its Gurkha beneficiaries.
Speaking about the appointment of the actress and charity campaigner, Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive SSAFA said:
“Joanna’s commitment and unswerving support for the Gurkha community is an inspiration to us all and something that we felt should be formally recognised. Joanna has done so much to support our Berkshire branch and in particular its literacy programme for Gurkha wives and widows; we are delighted to announce her as a SSAFA Ambassador.”
Read moreFinanced by the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Fund, the project aims to increase understanding of the Armed Forces community within Local Authorities
In May, Surrey County Council, in partnership with Kent, East & West Sussex and Hampshire county councils was awarded £321,000 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to promote understanding and awareness within public authorities and related sectors, including health, of the issues which affect the Armed Forces Community. It also aims to strengthen local government delivery of the Covenant in the South East.
Read moreSSAFA, the UK’s oldest Armed Forces charity, is shouting out for the Armed Forces community to rally behind the last call to hold a Big Brew Up this October. The Big Brew Up encourages friends, family and colleagues to come together and host a tea party, whilst raising vital funds to support members of our military community in need.
Fundraising packs are available to order for anyone who is eager to put the kettle on and give back to SSAFA’s support of the Armed Forces.
Read moreIn July 2017, our Charity awarded a grant of £287,000 toward SSAFA’s Casework service and Forcesline during 2017.
SSAFA’s Casework service provides much-needed welfare advice and support for our soldiers and veterans. Our grant will help with the training of SSAFA’s network of 4,000 caseworker volunteers who meet with potential beneficiaries to find out what help they need and offer support.
Read moreFrom the 1st August 2017, military veteran Chris Lewis will be embarking on an epic journey to walk the entire UK coastline – with all proceeds raised being donated to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Chris will be starting his adventure on Llangennith Beach in Wales, before heading north into Scotland and then back down the east coast and across the south coast.
Far from being a walk in the park, Chris will be embarking on his challenge with absolutely zero funds, and will be relying on the goodwill of both the public and local businesses to supply him with all the food, water, accommodation and equipment he needs for each leg of his journey.
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Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
