SSAFA Durham

SSAFA Durham We are the Durham branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, providing trusted support to our Forces and their families.

SSAFA - the Armed Forces charity, formerly known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, is a UK charity that provides lifelong 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 reserve

s, is eligible for their help. SSAFA’s professional staff and network of 7,000 volunteers assist more than 90,000 people every year, from World War Two veterans to the families of young servicemen and women wounded or killed in Afghanistan. Founded in 1885, SSAFA is the UK's oldest national Armed Forces charity. 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

Bishop Auckland Veterans Group celebrates eight fantastic years 🎉🎉There was plenty to celebrate as SSAFA Durham Branch’s...
26/08/2026

Bishop Auckland Veterans Group celebrates eight fantastic years 🎉🎉

There was plenty to celebrate as SSAFA Durham Branch’s Bishop Auckland Veterans Group marked its eighth anniversary with a special luncheon at the Manor House Hotel in West Auckland.
A highlight of the group’s calendar, the annual event is a chance for veterans to come together for an afternoon of friendship and camaraderie, as well as strengthening the group’s links with community leaders.
This year, 78 people enjoyed the celebration, with guests including Kate Simpson MBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant for County Durham; Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington; honorary Branch Patron Councillor Michael Siddle, Mayor of Bishop Auckland; Councillor Mike Harker, Deputy Mayor of Bishop Auckland; and Councillor Dawn Bellingham of Durham County Council.
The afternoon was a wonderful celebration of everything the group has achieved over the past eight years and the friendships and connections it continues to build.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us — and congratulations to the Bishop Auckland Veterans Group on eight years of supporting friendship, connection and camaraderie within the Armed Forces community.

🎣 48 fish and a trophy for SSAFA veteran Andy! 🏆There was some serious competition when five veterans from SSAFA Durham ...
24/08/2026

🎣 48 fish and a trophy for SSAFA veteran Andy! 🏆

There was some serious competition when five veterans from SSAFA Durham Branch’s Bishop Auckland Veterans Group headed to Aldin Grange Fishery, Bearpark, for a charity fishing day.

Mike Donne, Phil Waymont, Andy Somerset, Kim Hughes and Steve Ingram enjoyed a day on the water, coached by members of the Chester-le-Street Anglers Lodge and the Masonic Fishing Charity.

The overcast weather proved perfect for fishing – particularly for RAF veteran Andy Somerset, who landed an incredible 48 fish and took home the trophy! 🐟

But the day was about much more than who caught the most. Now in its third year, the event gives veterans the chance to relax, reconnect, meet new people and enjoy the company of others with the shared bond of military service.

Andy said: “It’s been a brilliant day. The fishing has been great, but what really makes days like this is being together with other veterans, having a laugh and enjoying each other’s company. Community is very important and so is staying connected with each other.”

The Bishop Auckland Veterans Group has attended the event every year and is very grateful for the continued support it receives through grants from Durham Freemasons.

🎣 Great fishing, great company and 48 reasons for Andy to go home smiling!

✈️ What a day!! SSAFA Durham lands at RAF Leeming's fabulous family eventSSAFA Durham’s Bishop Auckland Veterans Group e...
10/08/2026

✈️ What a day!! SSAFA Durham lands at RAF Leeming's fabulous family event

SSAFA Durham’s Bishop Auckland Veterans Group enjoyed a fantastic day at the RAF Leeming Families Day recently, with the group arranging a special coach to take 43 members along for the occasion.

With beautiful weather, a brilliant turnout and an amazing aerial display, there was plenty to see and enjoy throughout the day.

SSAFA Durham also had a stand at the event, giving our volunteers the opportunity to meet members of the Armed Forces community, make new connections and spread the word about the support and services SSAFA can provide.

SSAFA Durham Bishop Auckland Veterans Group Chair Mike Donne described the day as “absolutely brilliant” — and judging by the smiles, we think everyone agreed!

A huge thank you to RAF Leeming for such a fantastic day, to all our amazing volunteers and to everyone who came over to say hello. 💙❤️

🎶 Music hits the right note for SSAFA DurhamA huge thank you to SSAFA volunteers Harry Mears and Steve Jones, who used t...
06/07/2026

🎶 Music hits the right note for SSAFA Durham

A huge thank you to SSAFA volunteers Harry Mears and Steve Jones, who used their amazing musical talents to raise funds for SSAFA Durham Branch.

Harry, a professional saxophonist, and Steve, a professional guitarist, joined forces to organise and perform a concert at Scarth Hall in Staindrop, Durham, raising a fantastic £443.21 for the SSAFA Durham Branch Bishop Auckland Veterans Group.

The donation was gratefully received by Ruth Wright, Branch Treasurer, and will help SSAFA continue supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families in the local community.

We are incredibly grateful to Harry and Steve for their time, talent and generosity. Thank you for striking such a wonderful chord for SSAFA. 💙

A wonderful celebration of Armed Forces Day in Hartlepool☀️SSAFA Durham Branch was proud to be part of this year’s Hartl...
29/06/2026

A wonderful celebration of Armed Forces Day in Hartlepool☀️
SSAFA Durham Branch was proud to be part of this year’s Hartlepool Armed Forces Day, held at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
With free entry for serving personnel and veterans, the event, coordinated by the Hartlepool Armed Forces Liaison Group alongside Hartlepool Borough Council, brought the community together to celebrate and recognise the dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. The day featured a short parade involving serving personnel, veterans and cadets from across Hartlepool, alongside a fantastic range of stalls and displays from ex-Service organisations, veterans’ groups, bikers and military units, including 8 Rifles, 71 Royal Engineers and 105 Transport Troop, Royal Logistic Corps. Music throughout the day was provided by the wonderful Hartlepool Brass Band, creating a fantastic atmosphere for everyone attending.
A big thank you to SSAFA volunteers, Geraldine Fitchett and Jim Donaldson for representing the charity, meeting visitors and sharing how SSAFA supports serving personnel, veterans and their families whenever they need us. Attendance was excellent as were donations, and many shared their inspiring stories of connections to Forces life and the importance of the day.
It was a privilege to stand alongside so many organisations and members of the Armed Forces community to honour those who serve, those who have served, and the families who support them every step of the way.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!

🏆Celebrating decades of dedication at Durham AGMA fantastic evening celebrating service, dedication and community spirit...
14/06/2026

🏆Celebrating decades of dedication at Durham AGM

A fantastic evening celebrating service, dedication and community spirit at the Durham Branch AGM, with colleagues, volunteers and supporters coming together to reflect on another successful year for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The branch was delighted to welcome CEO Steve Shell, alongside Honorary Patron Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham, as well as Branch President Tony Ford, Branch Chair Mike Donne and Regional Chair for the North East, Derek Cross.
The AGM provided an opportunity not only to look ahead, but also to recognise the extraordinary commitment of the volunteers who make such a difference to the Armed Forces community across Durham.
Special congratulations to Jim Donaldson, who received his 25 Years Long Service Award, presented by Steve Shell in recognition of a remarkable quarter of a century of dedication to SSAFA.
The branch also celebrated exceptional contributions through the presentation of Sir James Gildea Awards for outstanding service. Congratulations to Peter Franklin and Phil Waymont who received their awards at the AGM.
Additional Sir James Gildea Awards for exceptional service were presented separately at the Veterans Breakfast Club to:

⭐ Geraldine Fitchett, Branch Secretary
⭐ Carol Mears
⭐ Harry Mears
⭐ Christine Foster
⭐Paul Donovan

Together, these volunteers represent decades of commitment, compassion and support for the Armed Forces family in County Durham.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to all those who continue to give their time so generously to support SSAFA’s work across the region.

🤝 Supporting the Armed Forces community in Darlington SSAFA Durham Branch volunteers Jackie Norgrove, Jim Donaldson and ...
14/06/2026

🤝 Supporting the Armed Forces community in Darlington

SSAFA Durham Branch volunteers Jackie Norgrove, Jim Donaldson and Community Engagement Volunteer Svetlana Ivanova attended the Armed Forces Connect Hub event in Darlington organised by Darlington Borough Council.

The event brought together a range of organisations offering advice, support and information on careers, training, wellbeing and community services for members of the Armed Forces community.

Events like these provide a valuable opportunity to meet veterans, serving personnel and family members face-to-face, helping to raise awareness of the support available through SSAFA and our partner organisations.

A big thank you to everyone involved in organising the day and to our dedicated volunteers for representing SSAFA Durham.

🔔🎭🎺 These fantastic photos from SSAFA Durham were simply too good not to share!🎺🎭We're still talking about this brillian...
14/06/2026

🔔🎭🎺 These fantastic photos from SSAFA Durham were simply too good not to share!🎺🎭

We're still talking about this brilliant evening a month on! A packed audience, wartime nostalgia and some unforgettable performances made Victory Bells a huge success for SSAFA Durham Branch Bishop Auckland Veterans Group.
The original musical production celebrated the spirit of the World War II era through music, comedy and community, with volunteers delivering an incredible evening of entertainment from start to finish.
Among the highlights was a memorable star turn from Branch Chair Mike Donne as Winston Churchill, while Andrea Atkinson and Harry Mears delighted the audience performing Sisters — complete with spectacular red ostrich feathers — the famous number first performed by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen in the 1942 film Holiday Inn.
The wonderful Bishop Auckland Pipe Band and Drums added a stirring atmosphere, marching in to Scotland the Brave and performing an emotional rendition of Pack Up Your Troubles.
Audience favourites throughout the evening included We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn, Roll Out the Barrel, and appearances celebrating the iconic wartime musical comedy duo Flanagan and Allen.
Huge congratulations to every volunteer, performer and organiser involved in creating such a warm, joyful and sold-out event. It was a brilliant example of volunteers bringing people together, celebrating history and creating memories for everyone who attended.
Bravo to everyone involved 👏

🎶 Step back in time for an evening of nostalgia, music and wartime memories as SSAFA Durham Branch presents an original ...
08/05/2026

🎶 Step back in time for an evening of nostalgia, music and wartime memories as SSAFA Durham Branch presents an original commemorative production, Victory Bells.🔔

The special event, taking place at West Auckland Memorial Hall on Friday 15 May at 7pm, will commemorate and narrate the story of the Second World War through music, storytelling and some of the nation’s best-loved wartime songs.

Audience members are warmly invited to embrace the spirit of the era by dressing in 1940s costumes if they wish.

Featuring iconic tunes made famous by Vera Lynn and other wartime favourites, the evening promises to be a moving and uplifting celebration of resilience, remembrance and community spirit.

🎟 Tickets are just £5, with all proceeds supporting SSAFA.

For tickets, please contact Diane Wood on 07474 227633.

📍 West Auckland Memorial Hall
📅 Friday 15 May 2026
🕖 7pm

We’d love to see support from colleagues, volunteers and the local community for what promises to be a fantastic evening.

Address

SSAFA, RFCA Building, 53 Old Elvet
Durham
DH13JJ

Telephone

+442045669117

Website

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