SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has today (30 October) launched a new project to address the sexual and physical abuse, bullying and harassment of serving female personnel in the UK military. SSAFA’s Safe to Serve is a two-year scheme, funded through the award of a £100,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT).
SSAFA is one of eight projects to receive funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) through its new project – The Servicewomen: Seen & Heard – which is delivering £650,000 in funding to projects focusing on the specific needs of women in the UK Armed Forces.
Safe to Serve is designed so that serving women can choose activities and find advice that reduces risk and supports their wellbeing, and to strengthen mental health and wellbeing support through targeted initiatives.
The project will offer tailored, confidential advice, practical and emotional support, and advocacy to serving women in the military who are experiencing or have experienced bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse. It will be available across the UK and is open to women of all ranks from all three services, whether regulars or reserves.
SSAFA, with its nationwide – and overseas – network of trained volunteers and professional multi-disciplinary staff, is well-placed to deliver Safe to Serve, and has expert practitioners supporting women in the Armed Forces.
Lynne Doherty, Director of Social Care Operations for SSAFA, said:
“As seen in the media, recent reports have highlighted the challenges some women in the Armed Forces continue to face. SSAFA’s Safe to Serve project will ensure those women are believed, supported, and protected. Through accessible support – via phone, webchat or WhatsApp – and a ‘no-wrong-door’ approach to referrals, we’ll reach more women in need.
“By amplifying their voices and using anonymous insights to influence policy, we’re helping to create safer, fairer environments for women serving in the Armed Forces.”
Doherty added that SSAFA will also be raising awareness through an online campaign, presentations, and participation in military welfare days to ensure women know that support is available and that they will be heard.
SSAFA is independent of the military chain of command: we will listen and we will not judge.
To make an enquiry or to seek help, contact Safe to Serve:
- Call us: speak directly to an advisor by calling +44 800 260 6722
- On WhatsApp: message us securely on +44 203 807 4400
- Access webchat or send us a message by visiting: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/safe-to-serve/
- Email: SafeToServe@ssafa-fhs.org.uk
