Volunteers, staff, teams, and partners of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity have been recognised at an awards ceremony held during the charity’s Annual Members’ Meeting in London at the Victory Services Club on 10 July.
©SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity by Sam Howson of Mascot Films
Presented this year by Kirsty Bushell, one of SSAFA’s Vice Presidents, the Sir James Gildea Global Awards were created to recognise exceptional contributions and commitment to SSAFA’s activities and values.
Individual volunteers from London, Surrey, Kent, Dorset, the West Midlands, North and West Yorkshire, Devon, Wiltshire, Northumberland, RNAS Yeovilton Service Committee, and Warwickshire – some with more than 30 years’ volunteering under their belts – were honoured, while the Wales Regional Office and the Derbyshire branch received team awards.
There was also special recognition for Vistry Group, which selected SSAFA as its charity partner for 2024 – raising nearly £730,000, more than double its target – received the Prince Michael of Kent Award.
A spokesperson for Vistry, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure housebuilder, commented:
“We’re honoured to receive the Prince Michael of Kent Award in recognition of our partnership with SSAFA. Raising over £727,000 is an achievement we’re incredibly proud of, and it reflects the passion and dedication of our teams in supporting the Armed Forces community. At Vistry, we deeply value the contributions of service personnel, veterans, and their families – with many of our colleagues and customers having military connections. It’s a real privilege to give back in a meaningful way, and this recognition means a great deal to all of us.”
There was a Sir James Gildea Global Staff Award for Alex Swinard, SSAFA’s Regional Casework Manager for South West England.
Alex and her husband, Ash, have been SSAFA beneficiaries. In 2011, Ash – a Royal Marines Commando – lost his right leg in an IED blast in Afghanistan.
Alex said:
“Having been a beneficiary before joining the organisation has given me a unique perspective and a deeply personal connection to the work we do. I know first-hand just how life changing SSAFA’s support can be, and that is what drives me every single day. I see the real and lasting impact that compassionate, dedicated support has on the lives of veterans, serving personnel, and their families.
SSAFA Community Children’s Nurse Victoria Conlaund, who works with British Forces Cyprus (BFC), is also a recipient of the Staff award.
Although unable to attend because of her commitments overseas, she said:
“Working with SSAFA has been the most rewarding chapter of my children’s nursing career to date, as SSAFA’s support has empowered me to turn my ideas into action, leading service improvements that are already making a difference to families here in BFC. It’s a true privilege to support military families during some of their most challenging and vulnerable moments, ensuring no young person or family feels alone on their journey.”
Recognition was given to a volunteer, Karen Porter, of SSAFA’s Mentoring Service, which helps serving personnel transition from the Armed Forces into work and life in Civvy Street.
Karen, who works for Landmarc, supported some of the 1.500-odd people who in 2024 made that transition. She added:
“Winning this award is an honour and incredibly humbling. I see it not just as recognition for me but for all our SSAFA mentors at Landmarc. We volunteer because we care, not for recognition, so to be acknowledged in this way means the world. I hope it helps to highlight the brilliant work that SSAFA does and inspires others to get involved.”
Last, but not least, the Sir James Gildea Global Award for Partnering went to the organising committee of SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Challenge.
The 13 Bridges Challenge committee has been dedicated to supporting SSAFA for the past six years, and the annual event on Armed Forces day has raised some £510,000 and seen more than 4,000 people take part.
The committee’s invaluable contributions not only help organise the event but also raise awareness of SSAFA among new organisations and individuals. Each year, the committee brings fresh ideas to enhance the event, boost participation, and increase fundraising efforts. Given the scale and complexity of the 13 Bridges Challenge, the event would not be possible without the committee’s unwavering support and dedication.
A spokesperson for the committee said:
“As serving, retired members of the Armed Forces, or Forces family, we are immensely proud that we can help raise money for such an important charity that supports all three services, and those closest to them. To see the event flourish over the years has been a matter of great pride to us all, and we are all committed to helping this event grow even more over the coming years.”
All at SSAFA send each individual and team recipient their heartfelt congratulations on receiving their awards.
