It’s all change at SSAFA – FORCES HELP Sedgefield Division. Jenny Gregory divisional secretary has retired and she literally helped hundreds of servicemen and woman who had fallen on bad times. I am sure everyone will join us in wishing her every good fortune in her new life and hope that her health improves.
Brian Wilson from Newton Aycliffe, is appointed divisional secretary with immediate effect and tasked with reorganising the division to meet the increased demands anticipated by the contraction of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
Thanks to our army of dedicated volunteers, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) – Forces Help already provides vital assistance to more than 50,000 people in need each year.
The Sedgefield Division of SSAFA supports those local people who once served in our Armed Forces and their dependants, from the elderly war veteran or widow facing hardship, National Service conscripts, to members of the Territorial Army returning from conflict. However, if we are to continue to offer this much-needed help we need more volunteers to come forward.
Our volunteers offer experienced, non-judgemental and friendly advice. The support we provide can range from helping someone with a disability to obtain special mobility equipment, or securing financial assistance with paying bills, to simply having a chat over a cup of tea
Many of our volunteers find that working with SSAFA is a way of helping others by putting their existing skills to good use, while some see volunteering as an opportunity to learn some new skills for the future.
Whether it is meeting the clients, raising funds for the charity or helping out with branch publicity and administration there is a role to suit everyone. There is a wide range of volunteering options available and we provide full training for each of them, from dealing with sensitive welfare issues to being a branch publicity officer.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and do not need to have a service connection. On average they give four to six hours a week but we guarantee that every minute our volunteers can offer will help.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with SSAFA Forces Help or need our help, please contact our local division on 01325 314043 (our new telephone number) or visit our website at www.ssafa.org.uk.
