SSAFA Essex

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

SSAFA Essex AGM 2026 Last week, SSAFA Essex held its AGM in the beautiful Orangery at Braxted Park, courtesy of the owne...
28/04/2026

SSAFA Essex AGM 2026

Last week, SSAFA Essex held its AGM in the beautiful Orangery at Braxted Park, courtesy of the owner, Duncan Clark. It was a warm and engaging gathering, bringing together volunteers, supporters and SSAFA staff members to reflect on the year and look ahead.

We were honoured to be joined by our Patron, HM Lord Lieutenant for Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, along with SSAFA Chief Operating Officer, Simon Blum, who shared an update on the breadth of SSAFA’s work across the UK.

Our new President, Captain James Scruby, opened and closed the meeting. A special highlight was the reading of the citation for Valentine West, by Lord Lieutenant, Branch Honorary Member, who received his British Empire Medal later that day.

The meeting highlighted the growing importance of community engagement, alongside the continued vital work of our Essex-based caseworkers supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. HM Lord Lieutenant for Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, also thanked the Branch for their continued support to service personnel, veterans and their families in the county, noting that she would be standing down before the next AGM.

The afternoon concluded with a wonderful lunch, offering time to connect and continue conversations in a relaxed setting.

Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support SSAFA Essex.

This year, a group of incredible runners are taking on the challenge of the Armed Forces London Marathon to raise vital ...
21/04/2026

This year, a group of incredible runners are taking on the challenge of the Armed Forces London Marathon to raise vital funds for those who’ve served. Each step they take is more than just a race- it’s a commitment to supporting our brave men and women in uniform, veterans, and their families.

Every mile brings us closer to ensuring that no one who has served our country faces hardship alone.

Join us in cheering on our runner Chris from Essex and supporting SSAFA’s life-changing work for the Armed Forces community. Together, we make sure no one has to battle alone.

Celebrate National Tea Day with SSAFA’s Big Brew Up! What better way to mark National Tea Day than by sharing a cup with...
20/04/2026

Celebrate National Tea Day with SSAFA’s Big Brew Up!

What better way to mark National Tea Day than by sharing a cup with those you love? Whether it’s builders’ tea, Earl Grey, or a calming Green tea, take a moment to press pause, sip, and connect.

Join us in SSAFA’s Big Brew Up and help raise vital funds for the Armed Forces community. Your brew can make a real difference for those facing life’s toughest battles-ensuring they never battle alone.
Invite friends, family, or colleagues to join in, share a tea, and create a little calm and connection, all while supporting a cause that matters.

A cup of tea + a chat = a powerful way to give back.

Will you Purple Up! to show your support for service children? April is the Month of the Military Child - a time to high...
19/04/2026

Will you Purple Up! to show your support for service
children?

April is the Month of the Military Child - a time to highlight
service children, reminding people of the positive impact
they make in their schools and communities and the
challenges they face.

Join families, charities and schools across the UK and
overseas taking part in the official ‘Purple Up Day’ on Friday,
24 April by wearing your favourite purple clothes! Snap a pic
and share it online with

On Friday 20 March, the SSAFA Essex team came together at Chavasse VC Personnel Recovery Centre, Colchester, for a power...
26/03/2026

On Friday 20 March, the SSAFA Essex team came together at Chavasse VC Personnel Recovery Centre, Colchester, for a powerful and productive training session.

A highlight of the day was a deeply moving keynote from Andrew Stoneley, who shared his personal journey through gambling addiction and recovery. Now the Breakeven Armed Forces Education and Training Lead for the South East and Anglia, Andrew uses his lived experience to support others and continues to give back, including fundraising for SSAFA. He has also gone on to establish Frontline Flavours, his own gourmet takeaway business.

We were also pleased to be joined by Shannon Mulshaw from Essex Mind and Sergeant Nancy Hobson from the Military Corrective Training Centre, bringing valuable insight into mental health and support services.

The afternoon focused on collaboration, as Branch volunteers worked alongside the Colchester SCT, led by Major Neil Wilson, to develop a new Community Engagement Strategy, guided by Assistant Branch Secretary Liz Carpenter.
A huge thank you to the PRC team and Captain Peter Witkowski for providing excellent facilities that made the day such a success.

More information on Breakeven available here : https://www.breakeven.org.uk/

Are you a veteran of HM Armed Forces? Join us at our friendly monthly drop-in a relaxed space to connect, chat, and acce...
06/03/2026

Are you a veteran of HM Armed Forces? Join us at our friendly monthly drop-in a relaxed space to connect, chat, and access support if needed.

Venue: The Pegasus Club
Circular Road North, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7SU
(Garrison Athletics/Hockey Club House)
When: Third Wednesday of every month
Time: 10am – 12.30pm

Refreshments generously provided by SSAFA
No booking required

Whether you’d like advice, support, or simply a brew and good company, you’ll be warmly welcomed.
📞 Contact: 01206 228 774 or [email protected]

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity's statement on the attack on RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.
02/03/2026

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity's statement on the attack on RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.

Growing up in a military family can bring unique challenges, from parental deployment and frequent moves to long periods...
15/02/2026

Growing up in a military family can bring unique challenges, from parental deployment and frequent moves to long periods of time apart. This week, we’re shining a light on the importance of supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children in our Armed Forces community.

SSAFA’s FANDAF (Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum) and Short Breaks services play a vital role in ensuring military children, particularly those with disabilities or additional needs, are supported, understood, and advocated for every step of the way.
Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard.

👉 To learn more about these incredible services, visit:
www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/disability-support/additional-needs-and-disability-support/

You are not aloneGrief can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve lost someone you cared for deeply. RAF Personal Sup...
25/01/2026

You are not alone
Grief can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve lost someone you cared for deeply. RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service has created a Bereavement Support Toolkit to help explain the waves of emotion that many experience after loss, from shock and sadness to guilt and anger all of which are normal parts of the grieving process.
This toolkit offers gentle insights and supportive strategies, including how talking to others, self-care, remembrance rituals, and creative reflection can help you process loss in your own way and in your own time.
If bereavement is affecting you or someone you know, please explore the toolkit and reach out for support because understanding and compassion can make all the difference.
👉 Visit the link and access the bereavement toolkit - https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/raf-personal-support-and-social-work-service/toolkits-for-tough-times-understanding-bereavement/ #
👉 Visit the link and join a support group - https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/mental-wellbeing/bereavement-support-groups/

This Christmas, you can do more than donate you can also send a heartfelt message of support. We’re inviting everyone t...
04/12/2025

This Christmas, you can do more than donate you can also send a heartfelt message of support.

We’re inviting everyone to post on the SSAFA Christmas Message Wall 🎁 a place where members of the public can share a festive greeting or a few kind words for serving personnel, veterans and their families. Whether far from home or nearby, your message can bring warmth, comfort and a sense of community during the holiday season.

👉 Visit the link https://ssafa.celebrationpage.org/christmas to add your message today and help remind our Armed Forces family that they’re not forgotten.

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London

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm

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+442045669129

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