SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, Nonprofit Organization, 21 Talbot Street, Belfast.

Sherin Aminossehe (pictured) works at the Ministry of Defence in London, and has used her love for drawing to raise more...
14/10/2026

Sherin Aminossehe (pictured) works at the Ministry of Defence in London, and has used her love for drawing to raise more than £27,000 for SSAFA since 2020.

Sherin's SSAFA Official Calendar 2027, and other items in our shop, are a great way of showing your support this , with all profits helping support serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need, so they never have to battle alone.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and CuddleCot join forces to improve baby loss support for military families in .SSAFA ...
13/10/2026

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and CuddleCot join forces to improve baby loss support for military families in .

SSAFA has joined with CuddleCot to improve bereavement care for British military families based in Cyprus, with specialist training, new resources and a donated CuddleCot forming part of the partnership.

The collaboration is being highlighted ahead of , which begins on Monday 12 October, as SSAFA's Community Health Team in Cyprus prepares a series of activities to raise awareness and bring families together.

Experiencing pregnancy or baby loss while based overseas can bring additional challenges. Families may find themselves navigating unfamiliar healthcare arrangements and local procedures, often far from relatives, friends and their usual support networks.

Throughout the awareness week, SSAFA Community Health staff will be organising activities across Cyprus and the far commands. These include informal drop-in sessions where families, peers and healthcare professionals can come together, light a candle in remembrance and share a coffee in a supportive setting.

CuddleCot has kindly agreed to donate a specialist cot to Cyprus, giving bereaved parents precious additional time with their baby and the opportunity to create lasting memories together.

In 2027, CuddleCot will deliver specialist bereavement care training for SSAFA Community Health staff, focusing on compassionate communication, supporting families through loss and memory making.

Alongside this, the two organisations are developing a dedicated information booklet for military families in Cyprus. The resource will offer guidance on local healthcare processes, military considerations and where families can turn for support. Existing bereavement care pathways are also being reviewed to identify opportunities for improvement.

Jan Dowlen-Gilliland, Director of Community Healthcare Services at SSAFA, said: "Losing a baby is devastating for any family, but being overseas can bring additional challenges, especially when families are far from loved ones.

"Our Community Health Team in Cyprus plays an important role in supporting military families through some of life's most difficult experiences. This partnership gives our healthcare professionals access to specialist training and resources, while recognising how important it is for parents to have time, choice and the opportunity to create memories with their baby."

12/10/2026

🚴‍♀️ 195 miles. Three days. Naples to Monte Cassino. Congratulations and thank you to all our riders, who have helped raise over £33k so far in support of SSAFA's vital work with the UK's community.

On Wednesday, SSAFA Oxfordshire was out supporting Lance Corporal Michael Annor at his art exhibition at 4 Regiment The ...
11/10/2026

On Wednesday, SSAFA Oxfordshire was out supporting Lance Corporal Michael Annor at his art exhibition at 4 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps in , where his oil paintings, which draw on his passion for military life and the stories that come with service were displayed.

LCpl Annor has already raised £450, with all proceeds from sales going to SSAFA.

Thank you to our volunteers from the Oxfordshire Branch for supporting the exhibition. A lovely example of connections being built in the community while helping to raise vital funds and awareness.

The former Worshipful the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, donated a cheque for £10,000 to SSAFA W...
11/10/2026

The former Worshipful the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, donated a cheque for £10,000 to SSAFA West Midlands North – one of four chosen causes during his term in office.

Sworn into office as the 166th Mayor of Wolverhampton in April 2025, Cllr Collingswood chose to support local veterans, serving personnel and their families during his tenure which is a cause close to his heart as his son is a serving member of the British Army.

Alongside his daughter, Mayoress Abby, Cllr Collingswood dedicated an immense amount of time to his fundraising efforts throughout the course of his Mayoral year. From Quiz and Chip nights, Christmas Jumper day judging panels and Christmas wreath making workshops the Mayor organised activities which appealed to all ages in the community.

Katrina McNamara, Branch Chair for SSAFA West Midlands North, commented: "We are honoured that Cllr Collingswood chose our branch as one of the charities for his term and are extremely thankful for the enormous efforts and unwavering commitment he's shown. These well-needed funds will directly support the veterans, serving personnel and their families living in our community and will have a tremendous impact."

The funds will be used to directly support the Armed Forces community – veterans, serving personnel and their families – living in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and West Bromwich.

Cllr Collingswood added: "I chose to support SSAFA during my Mayoral year as my son is a serving soldier in the British Army and their work is a cause very close to my heart. I got to work closely with the Branch during the course of my year and learn about the absolutely amazing work they do helping those who have served our country when they are in need.

"They could not have been more supportive or engaged as a Mayoral charity, turning up to all of our events and shaking buckets to help us fundraise. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to raise this money for them and I know SSAFA will put it to good use."

On 10 October 1942, Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) women work on a Churchill tank at a Royal Army Ordnance Corps (R...
10/10/2026

On 10 October 1942, Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) women work on a Churchill tank at a Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) Depot.

The photograph shows the women guiding the turret into position. Many members of the ATS worked with the newly-formed Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers - REME on jobs such as this.

The ATS was granted full military status from April 1941. However, ATS women were still not allowed to undertake combat roles. Conscription was extended in December 1941 to call up unmarried women between 20 and 30 years old to join one of the auxiliary services.

By the end of , around 250,000 women had served in the ATS. The ATS had proved that women were an invaluable resource to the British Army and female soldiers were no longer seen as just an emergency measure.

🎄 Supporting our vital work with the UK's , SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity's Collection 2026, including cards, decor...
10/10/2026

🎄 Supporting our vital work with the UK's , SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity's Collection 2026, including cards, decorations, stocking fillers and festive treats, is now available to browse and buy in our shop - see tagged products and link in comments.

New 24/7 wellbeing service puts support within reach for SSAFA volunteers Free, confidential support is now available ar...
10/10/2026

New 24/7 wellbeing service puts support within reach for SSAFA volunteers

Free, confidential support is now available around the clock for SSAFA volunteers and eligible family members.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has launched a new Individual Assistance Programme (IAP), giving its volunteers free, confidential wellbeing support and practical advice whenever they need it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Launched on 10 October – – the IAP underwrites the extraordinary contribution of SSAFA’s volunteers while recognising that everyone can face challenges affecting their wellbeing, relationships, finances, or health.

Eligible family members can also use the programme, extending support to those closest to volunteers, and it includes:

• 24/7 confidential wellbeing support
• Access to qualified counsellors and therapists
• Up to eight counselling sessions, online or face to face
• Legal information and practical guidance
• Wellbeing resources, health checks, and personalised wellbeing plans
• Support with stress, bereavement, family concerns, caring responsibilities, relationships, and financial wellbeing

Amy Bartlett, SSAFA’s Head of Volunteering, said: “Each day, SSAFA volunteers give their time, skills, and compassion to support members of the Armed Forces community. Their contribution is remarkable, and it’s vital that they know support is there for them too.”

“Volunteering can be hugely rewarding, but life can also bring difficult moments. Our new IAP offers a confidential, independent place to turn whether someone’s facing a significant challenge, needs practical guidance, or simply wants to talk.”

The IAP is provided by Health Assured (Wisdom Wellbeing), an independent wellbeing provider. Conversations are confidential, giving volunteers and eligible family members a safe and supportive space to seek help, advice, or guidance.

"You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to ask for support, this service is there now and for the future, offering reassurance that confidential help is only a conversation away. It’s one important way we can stand by the volunteers who stand beside the Armed Forces community."

SSAFA Perth and Kinross volunteers dedicated to supporting the have been recognised by community leaders with a civic ...
09/10/2026

SSAFA Perth and Kinross volunteers dedicated to supporting the have been recognised by community leaders with a civic reception.

Held by the Provost, civic receptions are convened by city councils in Scotland to pay tribute to extraordinary achievements by local people and groups.

SSAFA Perth and Kinross Branch volunteers were invited to receive the honour by Provost Xander McDade, a long-time patron of the branch and the civic head of Perth and Kinross Council.

It’s the latest in a series of accolades for the branch, which was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (now King’s Award for Voluntary Service) in 2018 and saw volunteers invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse this summer.

Taking place on Monday 21 September, guests were welcomed to the civic reception by Pipe Major Alastair Duthie who played a selection of Scottish infantry regimental marches at the entrance to Perth and Kinross Council’s Civic Hall.

Other highlights of the evening included a moving presentation about SSAFA’s work, speeches from Provost McDade, testimony from SSAFA volunteers about their commitment to the Armed Forces charity, and the presentation of awards.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Andy Middlemiss was recognised for 25 years of service to SSAFA, while Alan Shepherd received SSAFA’s Sir James Gildea Award – named after the charity’s founder – for his commitment to SSAFA’s work with veterans in the criminal justice system.

SSAFA Perth and Kinross Branch Chair, Nigel Gallier, said: "At SSAFA Perth and Kinross Branch we have a proud legacy of supporting veterans locally in any way they need us.

"Our loyal team of volunteers are thoroughly committed to ensuring no member of the community need ever battle alone, and it is testament to their hard work and dedication to see them recognised in this way. It’s a privilege to work alongside them."

SSAFA’s Glasgow's Helping Heroes is in line for a prestigious local award in recognition of its transformative support f...
09/10/2026

SSAFA’s Glasgow's Helping Heroes is in line for a prestigious local award in recognition of its transformative support for members of the Armed Forces community in their time of need.

The flagship Scottish service – a partnership between SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Glasgow City Council – has delivered practical housing, health, and employability support to veterans and their families in the area for the past 16 years, helping 592 people in 2025 alone.

The team's impact is such that Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH) was recently selected as the only Scottish centre among 14 across the UK to be part of the new VALOUR support system for veterans led by the Ministry of Defence – supporting over 100 people referred under VALOUR since July.

Now GHH’s work is being recognised at a more local level, with the service shortlisted in the Champion Team of the Year category of the Glasgow Times Community Champion Awards 2026.

If they triumph in the public vote, the GHH team will be in with a chance of progressing to the Grand Final in December.

GHH Service Manager Sy Harty said: "Being shortlisted for a Community Champion Award is a real testament to the often life-changing support we provide at GHH, and SSAFA as a whole, to people who have served their country and the families who support them through military life and beyond.

"More importantly it's a great way to raise awareness of SSAFA and the support we provide, helping us reach new beneficiaries and inspiring others to join us in celebrating and championing the Armed Forces community. We’re so pleased to be considered."

To support GHH as Champion Team of the Year, vote for them on the Glasgow Times website by 19 October - see link in comments.

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21 Talbot Street
Belfast
BT12LD

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