16/07/2026
June proved to be an exceptionally busy and productive month for SSAFA Lancashire Branch, with a wide range of community engagement activities taking place across the county.
At the beginning of the month, the Branch launched an exciting new partnership with the Bay Veterans Association (BVA), a well-established veterans’ group serving the Lancaster and Morecambe area. Together, we have established a fortnightly Drop-In and Breakfast Club at Lancaster Fire Station, providing veterans, serving personnel and their families with an opportunity to access support, share experiences and strengthen local connections within the Armed Forces community.
Building on this momentum, the Branch played a prominent role in the Lancaster & Morecambe Armed Forces Weekend. The event was led on behalf of SSAFA by our Community Engagement Lead, Martin Stevenson, supported by a dedicated team of Branch volunteers and Gary Turner from the SSAFA North Mentoring Team. The celebrations culminated in a major community event on Morecambe Promenade, featuring approximately 100 exhibitors, information stands and attractions. The weekend attracted an estimated 35,000 visitors, providing an excellent platform to raise awareness of SSAFA’s work and engage with members of the Armed Forces community and the wider public.
At the same time, our Branch Treasurer, Sandy Woods, together with a team of committed volunteers, represented SSAFA Lancashire at the Armed Forces Day celebrations held at Towneley Park in Burnley. Their presence ensured that SSAFA support and information were available to veterans, serving personnel and their families attending this important regional event.
The following weekend was equally busy. Martin Stevenson attended an Armed Forces Family Day at HMP Kirkham/Freckleton, engaging with service personnel, veterans and their families and promoting the range of support available through SSAFA.
On the Saturday, Martin joined Branch Chair Geoff Stringman and Branch Secretary Mick Jenkinson at the Armed Forces Family Day hosted by the Lathom & Burscough Veterans Association at Burscough Football Club. The event proved to be another successful opportunity to engage directly with the Armed Forces community. Throughout the day, the team highlighted the comprehensive support SSAFA provides, from assistance during military service, through the transition to civilian life, and continuing with long-term support for veterans and their families.
These events collectively demonstrate the growing visibility of SSAFA Lancashire Branch within local communities and reflect the dedication of our volunteers and representatives in ensuring that support remains accessible to all members of the Armed Forces family. Their commitment continues to strengthen SSAFA’s presence across Lancashire and helps ensure that no member of the Armed Forces community faces their challenges alone.
