SSAFA Durham

30/10/2026

If you were affected by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban between 1967 and 2000, you can apply for the Government's Financial Recognition Scheme and other forms of recognition.

Whether you were dismissed, discharged or affected in other ways, it’s worth checking what’s available before the deadline - applications close on Saturday 12 December 2026.

You don’t have to complete your application alone.

Dedicated advisers are available to answer your questions, explain the schemes, talk through what you may be eligible for and support you throughout your application.

Support is available over the phone, and where needed, arrangements can be made for face-to-face assistance to help you complete your application.

Find out what recognition is available if you were affected by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban, including financial payments, restorative measures and support.

16/09/2026

In memoriam: Alan Jefferies

SSAFA Durham Branch's Bishop Auckland Veterans Group has said a sad farewell to much-loved member Alan Jefferies, who died recently.
Alan served in the Royal Navy as a Chief Shipwright Artificer, including ten years aboard Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia. He was one of three former Britannia crew members – affectionately known as “Yotties” – who became regular members of the Bishop Auckland group, alongside Paul Donovan, who served with the Royal Marines Band Service, and Andy Travis, a Royal Navy physiotherapist.
Alan was a very well-liked and familiar face at the veterans group. He joined its trips and activities, enjoyed the company of fellow veterans and was also a member of the Spennymoor Walking Football team. Above all, the group gave Alan what it gives so many members of the Armed Forces community: somewhere to belong, familiar company, shared experiences and the simple pleasure of spending time among people who understand one another.
That sense of comradeship was very much in evidence at Alan’s funeral. His fellow veterans from the Bishop Auckland group, members of the Spennymoor Walking Football team and former Royal Yacht crew came together to form a guard of honour. The group also provided five standard bearers, who were joined by the Association of Royal Yachtsmen’s standard bearer representing Alan’s former Britannia shipmates.
It was a fitting farewell to a man whose naval service had remained such an important part of his life.
Alan’s family have thanked the Bishop Auckland Veterans Group for the friendship and companionship they gave him during his life, and for helping to ensure he received such a memorable and dignified final tribute.
Alan will be greatly missed by everyone at the group. His place among his friends, fellow veterans and fellow Yotties will be remembered with enormous affection.

10/09/2026

Tanks, Tales and a cracking day out for SSAFA Durham in Hartlepool 🪖🎖️💙⚓🧭

Forty veterans and family members from SSAFA Durham Branch’s Bishop Auckland Veterans Group enjoyed another fantastic day out together, this time visiting the Heugh Battery Museum in Hartlepool.
The museum tells the remarkable story of the Bombardment of the Hartlepools (East and West) on 16 December 1914, when the guns of Heugh Battery and neighbouring Lighthouse Battery engaged the German Navy in ship-to-shore combat. Today, the site preserves Britain’s only First World War battlefield.
The group were treated to a fascinating talk from one of the museum’s volunteers about the history of the battle, before their own Kim Hills, a Royal Tank Regiment veteran, shared his knowledge of the Chieftain tank. He was ably supported by the group’s REME veterans, who had worked on Chieftains themselves and were able to add their own experiences and expertise.
To mark the visit, Bishop Auckland Veterans Group Chair Mike Donne and Treasurer Ruth Wright presented the museum with plaques from SSAFA Durham Branch and the Bishop Auckland Veterans Group.
And with the weather on their side, there was just time to round off the trip with lunch at a favourite pub from previous visits to the area.
A great day of military history, shared memories, friendship and comradeship — and another brilliant outing for the Bishop Auckland Veterans Group.

10/09/2026

Dead generous! Coffin Dodgers dig deep for SSAFA Durham

🙏🎉A big thank you to the brilliantly named Wh***ey Drinking Coffin Dodgers, a local fundraising group based in the Chilton and Ferryhill areas of County Durham, who recently visited SSAFA Durham’s Bishop Auckland Veterans Group with a very welcome ££ donation.💙

The Coffin Dodgers raise money to support local charities and good causes and has been a generous supporter of the SSAFA Durham Bishop Auckland Veterans Group before, having already made two previous donations.

Their latest contribution will help the group continue bringing local veterans together for friendship, companionship and support.

A huge thank you again to everyone involved with the Wh***ey Drinking Coffin Dodgers for once again supporting SSAFA and the local Armed Forces community.🙏

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.

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!

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. 💙❤️

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. 💙

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 Ri**es, 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!

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.