“It’s the impact you have on others that is most deeply rewarding.”
Clive Richardson, aged 62, of Shetland, was recently recognised with a long service award to mark 30 years of volunteering for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
A British Army veteran, Clive served 12 years as until he left the Army as a Corporal in October of 1991. Looking to remain connected to the Armed Forces community, while also wanting to give back to those who served and found themselves in difficulty, he decided to start volunteering with SSAFA at the end of 1994.
He recalls attending a training course at the Sumburgh Hotel, where he joined a large group of other volunteers and serving personnel from the former RAF Saxa Vord, now RRH Saxa Vord. In the 30 years since, he has helped countless members of the Armed Forces family, including serving personnel, veterans and their families.
During that time, what was the SSAFA Shetland branch, became the SSAFA Orkney & Shetland branch. And, while he recalls years of travel to attend training courses or connect with the wider charity, and paper-based systems, he is grateful for a bit less travel with the introduction of digital technology. What has remained unchanged throughout his experience is the tailored practical and emotional support that SSAFA offers to the local Armed Forces community.
When asked what’s kept him in his voluntary role, Clive said,
“Serving, ex-serving personnel and families sometimes need help, through no fault of their own. This can be due to financial difficulties, resettlement issues when returning to civilian life, coping with loss, needing friendship or sometimes just wanting someone to talk to. My motivation has always come from knowing that there are members of the Armed Forces family in our community who might need a bit of support.”
Clive’s long service milestone comes as the SSAFA Orkney & Shetland branch is launching a volunteer recruitment drive, with Volunteer Caseworker and Branch Fundraiser opportunities having recently opened.
Clive said,
“We need new volunteers to help us support the local Armed Forces family. People needn’t come from a military background, and there is always help with navigating new things – either via specialist assistance from the charity, or the rest of the branch. We work together as a team.
“Volunteering is a great way to make a difference, gain valuable skills and personal fulfilment. I’ve felt the benefit of fresh perspectives and working through new challenges, but it’s the impact you have on others that is most deeply rewarding.”
SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.
To find out more about the volunteer roles, or to access support, visit: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/orkney-shetland
