SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, also known as the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association, is a UK charity that provides trusted support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents. Anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families, both regulars and reserves, is eligible for their help. SSAFA’s professional staff and network of more than 3,400 volunteers assist more than 66,000 people every year, from World War II veterans to the families of young servicemen and women wounded or killed in Afghanistan. Founded in 1885¹, SSAFA ( ) is the UK's oldest national tri-service Armed Forces charity.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, also known as the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association, is a UK charity that provides trusted support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents. Anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families, both regulars and reserves, is eligible for their help. SSAFA’s professional staff and network of more than 3,400 volunteers assist more than 66,000 people every year, from World War II veterans to the families of young servicemen and women wounded or killed in Afghanistan. Founded in 1885, SSAFA ( ) is the UK's oldest national tri-service Armed Forces charity. ==Clients== SSAFA offers help and support to all serving and former members of all ranks of the Armed Forces, including: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Forces, including Royal Navy Reserves, Royal Marine Reserves, Army Reserves and Royal Air Force Reserves Nursing services. The following people are also eligible for SSAFA’s support: Wives and former wives Husbands and former husbands Widows and widowers Civil partners and former civil partners Partners who are, or were, in an established relationship with a Beneficiary Children who are dependent on a beneficiary Those who provide, or provided, care for a beneficiary. ==Welfare advice and support== SSAFA offer welfare advice and support for serving personnel, veterans and their families through a worldwide network of volunteers. Branches in local communities provide help for veterans and their families and committees on military bases help serving families. ====Short breaks for children and young people from forces families==== SSAFA coordinates holidays and events that focus on offering new experiences and activities for children and young people from service families. ====Independent Service Custody Visiting==== SSAFA provides independent oversight of Army Service Custody facilities. ==Locations== SSAFA provides support where it is needed in the UK and worldwide: The volunteer network reaches into every county of the UK and 13 countries around the world. Volunteers in more than 90 branches provide advice and support to veterans and their families living in local communities. Service Committees work on army garrisons, RAF stations and naval establishments with over 60 Committees across the UK and wherever the UK Armed Forces are based worldwide. SSAFA health care and social work services support the Armed Forces community in 13 countries. ==History== James Gildea founded the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association in 1885. In 1919, after the establishment of the Royal Air Force (in 1918), the organisation expanded support to become the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA). In 1997, SSAFA Forces Help was established when two charities, the "Forces Help Society" and "SSAFA", merged. On 10 April 2013, the charity's name changed to SSAFA as part of a rebranding aimed at improving awareness of the organisation's work amongst members of the armed forces community. ==Cultural references== In Foyle's War series six, episode 3 ("All Clear"), Sam volunteers with SSAFA, at Foyle's suggestion. In the 1960 British drama film Tunes of Glory, directed by Ronald Neame, there is a scene with John Mills involving a SSAFA charity collection. 1940s poster artwork commissioned by SSAFA from Fougasse (cartoonist) is now highly sought after by collectors. ==See also== Army Benevolent Fund British Army Help for Heroes RAF Benevolent Fund Royal Air Force Royal Air Forces Association Royal Navy Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity The Royal British Legion ==References== Disabled Facilities Grants (A guide to DFGs) ==External links== Official website

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