SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has been awarded an accreditation from the NCVO(1) for its mentoring service, which supports and empowers veterans during their transition back to civilian life.
The NCVO Approved Provider Standard (APS) recognised the exceptional work of the mentoring service including its practices in management and operation, the processes for identifying service leavers in need, support of volunteer mentors and the results achieved through the service.
SSAFA mentoring provides one-to-one support for service leavers and their families during the pivotal transition back to Civvy Street. Leaving the military can be difficult for some veterans, as their living arrangements, financial stability and personal lifestyles all change at once, as they leave behind their usual support networks and try to acclimatise to their new life.
SSAFA mentors help with practical and emotional support, assisting with decision making, supporting career decisions and offering independent and confidential advice. This includes help paying bills and accessing a GP or dentist, which it’s possible a new service leaver may never had to do before.
Gary Williams, Head of Specialist Services at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said:
“SSAFA is incredibly proud to have been awarded an accreditation from the NCVO for its mentoring service. It is a credit to the team and our dedicated volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the service continues to meet the needs of service leavers.
“SSAFA is looking to recruit more mentors to join its award-winning team. Becoming a mentor is incredibly rewarding and helps build relationships that can make a real difference to the Armed Forces community. If you are a service leaver interested in being matched with a mentor or would like to find out more about how to get involved with SSAFA mentoring , please visit ssafa.org.uk/mentors.”
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Notes to editors
- National Council For Voluntary Organisations
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Every year our staff and team of volunteers help more than 67,000 people, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts.
For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
For further information about Approved Provider Standard, please contact: liz.walker@ncvo.org.uk
