SSAFA

SSAFA
SSAFA · Public domain · source
Name	SSAFA
Formation	0 1885
Type	Charitable organization
Headquarters	Queen Elizabeth House, London
Region served	United Kingdom
Leader title	Patron
Leader name	Queen Elizabeth II
Leader title2	President
Leader name2	Prince Michael of Kent
Leader title3	Chairman
Leader name3	General Sir John McColl
Website	https://www.ssafa.org.uk

SSAFA. The Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association is a United Kingdom charity that provides lifelong support to serving members of the British Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. Founded in 1885, it operates through a network of volunteers and professional staff to deliver practical and emotional assistance. The organization's work encompasses housing advice, financial support, mental health services, and assistance for families, aiming to ensure that no one in the armed forces community is left without help.

History

The organization was established in 1885 by Major James Gildea in response to the hardships faced by families following deployments to the Sudan Campaign. Its early work provided crucial aid during the Second Boer War and expanded significantly throughout the First World War, supporting countless families affected by the conflict. During the Second World War, its services were again in high demand, and in the post-war era, it adapted to support personnel involved in conflicts like the Korean War and the Falklands War. More recently, it has been active in supporting those affected by operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, continually evolving its support mechanisms for modern veterans and their families.

Structure and governance

The organization is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees and led by a national chairman, currently General Sir John McColl. Its patron is Queen Elizabeth II, and its president is Prince Michael of Kent. Operational delivery is managed through a network of regional branches across the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as overseas branches in locations such as Cyprus, Gibraltar, and Germany. Each branch is supported by teams of trained volunteers and specialist staff, with professional services coordinated from its headquarters at Queen Elizabeth House in London.

Services and operations

Core services include providing advice on housing and accommodation, often liaising with the Ministry of Defence and local authorities. The charity offers financial grants and debt advice, supports mental health and wellbeing through programmes like its Forcesline helpline, and provides practical assistance for families, including during periods of deployment. Specialist teams work with issues such as PTSD, homelessness, and transition to civilian life. It also partners with other service charities like the Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, and Help for Heroes to deliver comprehensive support.

Fundraising and public awareness

Funds are raised through public donations, legacy giving, and partnerships with corporate supporters, including longstanding relationships with organizations like Lloyds Banking Group. High-profile awareness campaigns and events, such as the annual Poppy Appeal run in collaboration with the Royal British Legion, help to highlight its work. It also engages with the media and participates in national events like Armed Forces Day to promote understanding of the needs of the armed forces community and to secure vital financial support for its services.

Affiliated organisations

The organization works closely with several affiliated and partner bodies within the armed forces charity sector. These include the RAF Association, the Army Benevolent Fund, and Naval Children's Charity. It is a founding member of the Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo). Its subsidiary, SSAFA Forces Help, is the operating name for its direct service delivery. The charity also maintains connections with regimental associations and other support networks to ensure coordinated care across the military community.

Category:Charities based in the United Kingdom Category:Military charities of the United Kingdom Category:Organizations established in 1885