ISSUE 14 | SPRING 2020

THE POWER OF Volunteering

VE DAY 75 VOLUNTEER PROFILE RAF

SSAFA’s VE Day 75 Jack Oakley, Personal Support & celebrations SSAFA Southampton Social Work Service INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CONTENTS 18 Borneo - jungle makeover 04 SSAFA’s 135th birthday 19 Volunteer profile: from our Gren Morgan 06 VE Day 75 20 Case study: Keeping Katrina NATIONAL CHAIRMAN 08 The Big Lunch in good health 09 Volunteering - making a 22 Chris walks the UK 18 difference 23  - eRedbook project I think it fair to say that from the outside decades. We can all look 10 Volunteer profile: SSAFA is in rude good health. We are supporting forward to recognising Jack Oakley 24 Top mental wellbeing tips increasing numbers of beneficiaries; our profile and celebrating the 12 SSAFA@140 26 Case study: Becoming new continues to rise; we have kept on the right side winners at our branch parents of the regulators; have a healthy balance sheet, Annual General 14 RAF Personal Support and; our reputation is as strong as ever. But in Meetings (AGMs) and at & Social Work Service 28 Working together some areas, we are struggling to recruit new our National Annual 16 Case study: 30 Dates for the diary volunteers, so we have amalgamated branches Members Meeting on Helping Gurkhas 20 and in others, we have piloted the employment 16 July. And while we are doing that, we need of paid support hubs. Our streamlined online to think about who else warrants recognition in volunteer recruitment process and associated 2020? marketing campaigns are bringing in new applicants and we must all ensure that we This edition of Despatches focusses a spotlight respond and bring them into the SSAFA family on VE Day 75 celebrations; there is now an 6 as quickly as possible. In the longer-term, opportunity for folk around the country to see SSAFA@140 is looking at a more sustainable the live feed from the Royal Albert Hall Concert volunteer network model and this issue of on 8 May. We also take a look at celebrating 135 Despatches brings you up to date with the years of SSAFA and 30 years of supporting the progress thus far. RAF through the Personal Support & Social Work Service. There are also Volunteer Profiles On the brighter side, our Adoption team were and case studies about supporting those in recently graded OUTSTANDING by OFSTED, we need, including Gurkha Services and Adoption. have been awarded the Community Healthcare contract in Cyprus, and there will be a SSAFA I hope to catch up with many of you at your Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show for the first local AGM or our own National meeting in July. time this year. After the show, the garden will be In the meantime, I hope that this edition of transplanted to our Norton House at Stanford Despatches will not only inform you about Hall. Eighty-six nominations for the Sir James wider SSAFA activity, but stimulate you to even Gildea Awards have been received, reflecting the greater heights in support of the Armed Forces level of commitment and excellence achieved by family in need. so many volunteers and employees in 2019. As If you have any stories for future ever, reading through the citations I am humbled by the dedication and selflessness editions of Despatches, or feedback of our people, in many cases, sustained over about our SSAFA magazine, I think it fair to say that from the outside please email [email protected] Lieutenant General 26 SSAFA is in rude good health. Sir Gary Coward KBE, CB Chairman

SSAFA, Queen Elizabeth House, 4 St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 8AD Phone: 0207 4639 200 | [email protected] | Facebook: SSAFA | Twitter: @SSAFA | Instagram: ssafaarmedforcescharity Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760, in Scotland Number SC038056 and in Republic of Ireland Number 20202001. Established 1885. S507.0220

02 0303 Volunteer profile

HAPPY 135TH BIRTHDAY TO SSAFA As the oldest, tri-service military charity in the country, we are proud to have reached 135 years of service. It’s time to celebrate some of our achievements over this time. MEET SSAFA was one of the first SSAFA was the first to set up a The first military charity RICHARD 1. charities to recognise the 2.‘nursing service’ even before 4.to offer a home for hardships that military the NHS existed families with loved ones families face In 1892, SSAFA set up a Nursing undergoing medical treatment Before SSAFA was Branch to offer home care to the This started following a BATEMAN established, military families UK families of serving men in campaign led by Peter had little or no help from the large garrisons and seaport Norton’s family, after he was “CUT ME IN HALF AND I AM SSAFA British Government. In the towns; a revolutionary idea at a injured serving in Iraq. Norton THROUGH AND THROUGH” 1800s, men had to ask time before home nursing or the House first supported the work permission from their NHS were available. The UK’s done at Headley Court but Commanding Officer to be NHS adopted our Alexandra relocated iin 2018 to Stanford married. Without this Nurses’ practices for the District Hall, nearby to the Defence Concerned by what he was Richard, a former Private in the permission, wives were not Nursing Service, which was set Medical Rehabilitation Centre. seeing in the news and hearing 1st Battalion Worcestershire and allowed to live with their up in 1948. Norton House provides on the streets of Derbyshire about Sherwood Foresters Regiment, husbands and were refused a provides free accommodation difficulties ex-service personnel has a Forces family history dating military pension if their UK’s first and only Registered to friends and family of service were facing, Richard Bateman back to the Second Boer War. “I know I can call on husbands were killed in action. 3. Adoption Agency for military personnel. decided he wanted to act. He Most recently his niece served SSAFA, formerly known as families joined SSAFA in 2019 and hasn’t in Iraq and his grandson is due anyone of the team...” Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families SSAFA’s Adoption service has SSAFA was one of the first looked back – already getting to join the Army as an Engineer. Association, was established been running since 2000 and 5.military charities to offer stuck into helping serving and He believes since joining SSAFA “You can’t be half-hearted as by Major (later Colonel Sir) has helped hundreds of military transitional mentoring former military personnel in he has found his calling. a Caseworker and it’s important James Gildea for the families personnel create a family. SSAFA The SSAFA mentoring service need within his local area. to remember that, obviously not of military personnel, after he is the expert in navigating launched in 2014 to help “I enjoy it – it’s probably selfish every case runs smoothly. Here in sent a letter to The Times on military adoption and motivate and empower service “I joined SSAFA because I really, but I get a massive sense Derbyshire, we work so that I 23 February 1885. Following understands the complex leavers in their transition to recognised more and more, that of satisfaction after I have finished know I can call on any one of the his petition, a fund was set up demands of military life. In 2019, civilian life. The service first people in my community needed a case successfully. I don’t think team for advice and support. I for married women our SSAFA Adoption service was launched for wounded, injured help. People who served were there is anything I could do, apart learn so much from everyone in irrespective of whether their rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. or sick service leavers and has forgotten or kicked to the curb. from joining the Army again, that the team.” marriage was recognised by rolled out to all service leavers SSAFA are the charity that pick would give me such an enormous the regiment or not. this year. them back up again.” sense of satisfaction. Cut me in Richard also supported ex- half and I am SSAFA through Queen’s Gurkha Engineer Tilak and through.” Rai and his family when they If you’re a SSAFA volunteer like moved to the UK. Read how he Richard and wish to feature in our Richard thinks being a SSAFA did this on page 16. next Despatches magazine, please Caseworker is a fantastic email [email protected] opportunity and is candid about Welcome to the SSAFA what it takes to do the job well. family, Richard!

04 05 SSAFA’S VE DAY 75 CONCERT We are delighted to be the official charity partner for a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall on 8 May. This high-profile event will feature internationally renowned soloists and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, providing a fitting close to a day of celebrations in London and across the nation. There will also be live streaming of the concert in more than 400 cinemas. To find out which cinemas will be screening this unique SSAFA’S concert near you, visit veday75.co.uk. VE DAY 75

SSAFA is the official charity partner for the VE Day 75 series of events, organised by Pageantmaster, Bruno Peek LVO, OBE, OPR, during the bank holiday weekend of Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2020.

There are more than 1,400 events taking place THE MAIN EVENTS ON FRIDAY 8 MAY: ‘The Cry’. The wording for the cry can be MORE EVENTS all over the country, registered on the VE Day 75 3pm The Nation’s Toast to the heroes of Second downloaded from veday75.org. For community We are working with the Department for Culture, website at veday75.org. Being the the official World War. This will be a national moment to raise events taking part in the afternoon, this maybe Media and Sport and a number of other charity for these events, everyone signing up is a glass in tribute to all those who sacrificed so much a nice way to draw your event to a close. organisations (including the ) encouraged to fundraise for SSAFA. You can for our freedom. This is being held in local pubs on supporting the different VE day 75 and VJ see what is happening in your area by visiting across the nation in association with the British In addition, street parties, events, fundraisers, Day 75 commemorative events taking, place in veday75.org/listings. Beer and Pub Association. Local communities and exhibitions will be held to celebrate this London and around the UK. Some of these are are being encouraged to hold their own events important anniversary. still to be announced, so we will keep you up to If you are planning an event or working with in the afternoon to coincide with the 3pm Toast. date as more information become available. For a local organisation to celebrate VE Day 75, our The wording of the official Nation’s Toast is Our SSAFA Controller, Andrew Gregory, said, more information, visit ve-vjday75.gov.uk. Regional Fundraising and PR teams are on hand available to download from veday75.org. “It is our hope that the nation takes a moment to provide you with any support you need. There to reflect on the significance of this date, as a is more information and some useful resources Also at 3pm Pipers across the country are being milestone that changed the course of history on the SSAFA website: ssafa.org.uk/ve-day-75. asked to pipe two tunes, Battle’s O’er, and a tune for the whole world.” SSAFA volunteers can access toolkits and specially composed for VE Day 75. The music for Let us know what you are doing to posters on SSAFAnet too. the tunes is available at veday75.org. Please follow the official VE Day 75 social commemorate VE Day 75, by sharing on our SSAFA media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Yammer group at yammer.com/ssafa.org.uk or There are more than 1,400 events taking 6.55pm A Cry for Peace around the world will Instagram @VEDay75official and tag any emailing [email protected]. And don’t forget ring out with town criers, and members of the of your social media posts relating to to register your event at veday75.org. place all over the country... local community being urged to undertake VE Day 75 to these accounts.

06 07 Volunteering for SSAFA

BRINGING OUR COMMUNITIES TOGETHER WITH THE BIG LUNCH AND VE DAY The Big Lunch – the UK’s biggest annual get-together for neighbours – is really excited to be working with SSAFA, to help get the VE Day 75 party started. HOW CAN YOUR TIME

This year the Big Lunch want to Behind the cupcakes and bunting GET INVOLVED commemorate 75th anniversary however, there is a lasting impact. Why not hold a Big Lunch in your MAKE A DIFFERENCE? of VE Day on 8 May. So along with Last year 4.7 million people made neighbourhood or community our VE Day 75 events we are a new friend at their Big Lunch, to meet more people in your working with the Big Lunch to 4.5 million people said they felt local area? You could use your spread the joy. less lonely after attending one, Big Lunch to raise awareness and 72% of attendees felt more of SSAFA where you live, to The Big Lunch is a simple idea. confident about getting involved fundraise for the charity, or even HELP SPREAD THE WORD On the first weekend in June, we in other community activities. recruit new volunteers – and all This January, SSAFA launched a volunteer are encouraging people around Great things happen when over a bite to eat. recruitment campaign encouraging members of • Ask those interested in volunteering with the UK to throw open their doors people come together. the public to use their time to make a difference SSAFA to complete our online application and take to their streets, gardens by volunteering for SSAFA and help those in form at ssafa.org.uk/volunteer and neighbourhoods to share This year, VE Day 75 in May offers WE’RE HERE TO HELP need within the Armed Forces community. Order your Big Lunch food and get to know each other an extra special opportunity to free • Tell your networks about the SSAFA benefits of starter pack online today at a little better! bring people together. What better Research shows that volunteering has a positive volunteering with us. And order recruitment or way to commemorate the 75th www.thebiglunch.com impact on both mental and physical health. Other materials from the Marketing Hub. Over six million people take part anniversary of the end of the war in get in touch if you have any benefits include developing a sense of purpose while questions about organising in The Big Lunch each year, and Europe, than bringing communities making a difference to people’s lives. Simply put, • Share content from our main SSAFA your street, neighbourhood just like the original street parties, of all nationalities together with a volunteering is as good for the people and Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter or community parties! it’s a glorious moment of fun that party on your street and in your communities we help as it is for those who volunteer. pages with your own networks and contacts. anyone, everywhere can share. neighbourhood, town or village! Call: 0800 022 3357 Email: communities@ We hope to find more people joining our ever- If you’re interested in volunteering for Mark a moment on VE Day 75 with SSAFA and The Big Lunch! edenproject.com growing SSAFA family, so that we can continue SSAFA or know someone who is, for more working together to make a difference. information and complete our online form visit ssafa.org.uk/volunteer.

08 0909 Volunteer profile

WHAT’S YOUR SSAFA ROLE WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST Roman Legion to find out in what ways 1 AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? 5 ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? “squaddie life” has never changed. 10 QUESTIONS I have completed over 170 cases as Writing a plaintive letter to the Daily WITH... a Southampton SSAFA Caseworker. Telegraph during the time of the MPs’ HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? Also, as our SSAFA Division is based expenses scandal, when I had just failed 8 Studying Italian with a bunch of other in Blighmont Barracks, I also assist to obtain money for a Japanese prisoner fanatical geriatrics at a Sixth Form College, our Office Manager every Thursday of war, who wanted to repair his bathroom and we have done so since 2008. If you morning with administration. window and have a warm bath. Within have to sing anything, sing it in Italian: JACK a week of my letter being on the paper, it immediately sounds better. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN I received over £4,000 from readers, plus 2 VOLUNTEERING FOR SSAFA? a host of vitriolic letters about the morals WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FILM? At our Annual Hampshire Branch of our MPs. The funds allowed us to 9 “Casablanca.” When I was there, I could OAKLEY Training Day in 2019, I received my double glaze his entire house, and it also not find Rick’s Bar anywhere, but I did 15 year Long Service Award from our taught me that injustice rankles highly view the new magnificent mosque. I have completed over 170 cases SSAFA National Chairman, Lieutenant- with virtually everyone, regardless of General Sir Gary Coward KBE, CB, who, class, wealth or status. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE as a Southampton SSAFA Caseworker. asking my age (88), congratulated me 10 YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? warmly and told me to “keep going,” IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE If you are being severely pressured which I shall do as long as possible. 6 IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD by anyone to agree to what they think YOU GO AND WHY? is absolutely the only thing to think, then WHAT’S THE BEST THING Rome, the Navel of the World. Everything take a mental step back and ask yourself 3 ABOUT YOUR ROLE? of any importance has a link there. I believe “What is in it for them?” Because what is Meeting the most likeable and the Italians demonstrate the right attitude in it for them is most unlikely to be in it ordinary people, then discovering to laws and politicians (i.e. they ignore for you, and it is most likely to be money. they have incredible histories. Stories most of them that are crass or don’t work, such as being forced by the Japanese and concentrate on the importance of to dig an atomic bomb shelter, after food, presentation and style). Thank you to Jack for taking the time years on the dreaded railway; being to send us his 10 question and a photo of blown out of cruiser’s gun turret trying WHICH PERSON (ALIVE OR DEAD) himself, complete with SSAFA tie. If you’re to get HMS Amethyst out of the 7 WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET a SSAFA volunteer and wish to take part in Yangtze River; or having completed AND WHY? our 10 questions, we’d love to hear from you. seventy missions and volunteering to Possibly Mozart, to try and get some Email your responses to these questions fly eight more, despite being a member glimpse into the nature of his musical to [email protected] of the last crew left in the squadron. I genius, or possibly a centurion from any could never measure up to some of the things I hear.

HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE ARMED 4 FORCES OR HAVE FAMILY WHO Save up to HAVE SERVED? an extra Three uncles served in the First World War, one on the Western Front, one in Salonika and later against the 10%* Bolsheviks in Russia, and one as a Chaplain to the Serbs. I have cousins who have served in the Second World 1,000s of prices lower than last year War, two in the RAF and one in the Fleet Air Arm. I joined the Royal Call 0333 202 5248 Quote CH_SSAFA Engineers in 1949 and served for two years as a peripatetic Terms and conditions: *For monthly offers and full details of your SSAFA discount please call or go online www.haven.com/ssafa. Your extra discount is an additional saving combinable with Haven’s general offers and will be added on after all other discounts have been taken into account. Full Haven Holidays terms and conditions apply. Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Personnel Sergeant. HAV13755_9885

HAV13755_29885 PART [180x65mm] SSAFA Despatches Jan Mag Ad.indd 1 16/01/2020 13:42 10 11 “I’ve been really impressed with how the

working group have worked together. WORKING GROUPS Our working groups are made up of equal numbers We’ve been left to our own devices to come of volunteers and staff, and they work together to up with recommendations as a group”. SSAFA come up with recommendations to address issues in specific areas of SSAFA’s activities. So far, we have two working groups: always had a strong community presence, which @ 140 is what encourages our beneficiaries to come to • Casework: review current approaches to the us. But there’s currently no consistency in the provision of casework at SSAFA and develop services we offer. We should be asking ourselves recommendations for service enhancements, “What’s the best outcome for the beneficiaries?” focussed on SSAFA meeting the identified current and future needs of our beneficiaries. “I’ve been really impressed with how the working group have worked together. We’ve been left to • Network Leadership and Management: our own devices to come up with improve sustainability in network leadership recommendations as a group, without influence. MEET THE and management roles, and how these roles We’ve also had support from a consultant at Cass might be designed in a network-wide structure Business School, who has helped us focus our PROGRAMME to better meet the needs of our beneficiaries. thoughts into a proper process that can be recorded effectively and ensure they’re evidence BOARD CASEWORK WORKING GROUP based. This openness has helped us to drill down RECOMMENDATIONS to the issues at hand.” We’ve completed the “design” phase of the The SSAFA@140 Programme Board Casework working group, and the following BEING PART OF A WORKING GROUP recommendations have been approved by the We expect the Network Leadership and oversees the programme to make Programme Board and Council: Management working group to have come up sure it is; delivered to time and with their recommendations to present at the budget; is strategically aligned; and • Introduce enhanced standards for casework Programme Board meeting in late April 2020, - making casework more effective and timely before going to Council in June 2020. meets agreed aims and objectives. for beneficiaries. This Spring, we have the first meeting of a new  • Better support for caseworkers - relieving the working group looking at the recruitment, Evelyn Strouts, Chair of the pressure of work on them and allowing them to training and retention of volunteers across the Programme Board, and one feel more supported. network. Look out for opportunities to join. of our SSAFA Trustees, tells us a bit about the Introduce a system for measuring beneficiary WHO’S ON THE BOARD? programme, “SSAFA will outcomes - so we can evidence the impact • Evelyn Strouts, Trustee (Chair) celebrate its 140th our casework has on beneficiaries, and so • Charles Ness, Trustee (Vice-Chair) anniversary in 2025. During volunteers can see the difference they make to  • Ian Talbot, Branch Chairman (Oxfordshire) and our rich and successful history, beneficiaries’ lives, not only in their area but Regional Representative we have grown and evolved. To across the network. • Glenn Haughton, Trustee, and Senior Enlisted make sure we continue to deliver a consistent Advisor to the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Ministry and sustainable service to beneficiaries, to offer • Redesign casework roles - making it easier for of Defence rewarding opportunities to volunteers, and to volunteers to perform their work, and to attract • Andrew McIntosh, Branch Secretary, Lanarkshire enable employees to effectively deliver and more volunteers into our network, making the and SSAFA beneficiary support beneficiaries and volunteers - we need service more efficient for beneficiaries and • Andrew Gregory, Controller to continue to evolve. That is what SSAFA@140 more attractive to volunteers. • Ian Hicks, Director of People & Organisational is all about. I am honoured to be chairing this Development and Chief of Staff Programme Board and grateful to the We interviewed Caseworker and Co-Chair of the • Julie McCarthy, Director of Volunteer Operations volunteers and employees who are working Casework working group, Tony Philips, about his • Simon Blum, Director of Finance energetically to ensure that SSAFA is fit for experiences of being a part of our first purpose for the next 100 years.” SSAFA@140 working group. Tony said, “We’ve Find out more about SSAFA@140 on SSAFAnet.

12 13 RAF Personal Support & Social Work Service

EMPLOYEE PROFILE MEET AGNES GARDINER “I’m part of a great team up at RAF Lossiemouth”.

WHAT’S YOUR NAME AND ROLE? Agnes Gardiner and I’m a Personal & Family Support Worker at RAF Lossiemouth.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH SSAFA? 24 years in September.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? My role involves supporting currently serving RAF personnel and their dependents with any issues that are impacting on their daily lives. The range is infinite but includes:

Our award winning RAF Personal Relationship work, bereavement, additional needs, financial assistance, housing, mental Support & Social Work Service health, posting issues, liaising with the RAF Benevolent Fund, etc. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT WORKING SSAFA’s RAF Personal Support & Social Work 30TH ANNIVERSARY FOR SSAFA? Service (PS&SWS) team at RAF Lossiemouth in The RAF PS&SWS is looking forward to My wider role on Station requires me, on a I love the one-to-one interaction with families, Scotland were awarded the AOC 1 Gp celebrating its 30th anniversary on 18 July daily basis, to interact with the key players knowing that I can make a difference. I also love Commendation in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2020. SSAFA have continually held this within the RAF so that we can offer a holistic working within the military environment – I List. The award presentation took place on RAF Personal Support & Social Work Service service (if and when required). This means enjoy its structure! I am part of a great team up 5 February 2020 at RAF Lossiemouth. contract since 1990 and are incredibly proud of interacting with employees, doctors, mental at RAF Lossiemouth and that makes coming to the long-standing relationship we have with the health team, Padres and the wider work easy. A huge congratulations to the team; Jayne RAF to provide welfare support to their Community Support team. Whitcher, Agnes Gardiner, Chris Sherwin and personnel and families. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR Debi Clarke – who were presented with the TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF TIME AT SSAFA SO FAR? prestigious award by Jim Walls, Station We are in the process of planning local I have a partner, Andy, who is a Maintenance I was thrilled in 2006 to trial my role for SSAFA in Commander, Group Captain. activities to celebrate this milestone – so watch Manager with a large construction firm. I am Cyprus. Then served for two years at Episkopi, this space and keep an eye out on SSAFAnet mum to Sarah, 43, and Gavin, almost 40! as the role developed. Cathie Johnson, Head of Service for RAF for more information. However, I think my proudest moment was when I PS&SWS; and Alison Arnold, Regional Manager Sarah is a nurse and married to Michael and was awarded the British Empire Medal, in the for North, were both delighted to attend the event Find out more about the support SSAFA offers to they have two children Eve, 16, and Alex, 14, Queen’s Birthday Honours, whilst serving with and celebrate this great achievement with the RAF serving members and their families at: who I just love to bits. They live in Inverness. SSAFA at RAF Leeming in 2014. team. Cathie said, “I would like to congratulate the ssafa.org.uk/get-help/RAF. team on this award, which clearly demonstrates Gavin, my son, is an Entertainments Manager If you’re a SSAFA employee and would like to the high regard with which our service is held and lives and works in London. He is single but feature in the next edition of Despatches, within the RAF community, not only at RAF I am ever hopeful! please email [email protected] Lossiemouth but all stations across the country.”

14 15 Gurkha Services

HELPING GURKHAS Richard Bateman, Caseworker; Tilak; and Laxmi Bantawa, SETTLE “Life before SSAFA was very Gurkha Community Outreach Worker. hard. Now it is so different. Gurkha Services provide tailored support for Gurkha I am more comfortable, and veterans and their families who have settled in the UK, INTO visit ssafa.org.uk/get-help/gurkha-services

THE UK my family is so happy.” for more information. When ex-Queen’s For seven months, former Limbu, and Gurkha Community English language training and don’t speak their language. It’s Laxmi, Outreach Worker, who Corporal Tilak Rai, 60, was living Outreach Worker, Laxmi Bantawa SSAFA have offered to support easy not to help someone who first introduced Tilak to SSAFA, Gurkha Engineer, Tilak in his friend’s home when he first MBE, met with the local Gurkha him in finding a job. is in Mr Rai’s position, but that is a former Gurkha Major. He Rai, arrived in Derby moved to the UK in September community and referred Tilak to his is no excuse. SSAFA are here to believes the Gurkha Services last year with his young 2018. Unable to speak English and local SSAFA branch in July 2019. Tilak said, “Life before SSAFA make sure that people get the are essential, “I’ve found lots of without a job, he struggled to find was very hard. Now it is so support they need. hidden problems. Some of the family, SSAFA’s Gurkha a place to rent. Despite his wife Within two weeks, Tilak was different. I am more comfortable, Gurkha ex-servicemen and the Services were on hand having a secure place of work, receiving support from Richard and my family is so happy. We “When you have someone community are living in some and having three guarantors, Bateman, Caseworker (featured have things for the children. Even who hasn’t got a great deal, very difficult conditions. They to support them. landlords would not accept the on page 5) and Clare Carlier, our new baby son has a cot. It’s who doesn’t know the system. find it hard to understand and family as tenants unless they paid Divisional Secretary, both of difficult to put how grateful I am There is a language barrier – it’s navigate the system. It’s great to six months’ rent upfront. SSAFA Derbyshire. They were into words. I can only offer to great to know I can offer help. If I see that with the help of SSAFA, able to secure funding for Tilak SSAFA a small thank you.” can go in there and the client is they go from nothing to having Eventually Tilak was able to secure and his family, supplying them happy when I am done, then I everything they need. a tenancy. However, with two with brown and white goods, Richard, Caseworker, was am very happy.” daughters aged five and three and as well as toys for his children. delighted to be able to help the “Tilak is honest, hardworking, a third on the way, it was not fit for SSAFA also helped Tilak with family, “It’s easy for agencies to “Being called Moustache Uncle skilful, and an experienced ex- purpose; completely empty applications for Universal Credit, ignore someone when they by Mr Rai’s two little girls is a soldier. However, when he arrived except for an old stove that didn’t Council Tax exemptions, and privilege in itself. I have been in the UK he struggled to settle work properly. Tilak struggled medical care for his pregnant “Since he met SSAFA, welcomed into a family that isn’t down. Since he met SSAFA, he to get any support until SSAFA’s wife, which she wasn’t previously mine, and that’s the sort of got the help he needed in a Gurkha Services Manager, Sheila accessing. Tilak is now receiving he got the help he needed...” reward you get from this role.” very short time.” 16 17 Volunteer profile

SSAFA’S 10 QUESTIONS WITH... JUNGLE MAKEOVER GREN MORGAN WHAT’S YOUR SSAFA ROLE 1 AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? Our Health Visitors Department I am the Divisional Secretary in , on the island of Borneo, for Peterborough and Fenland, which means we cover a large area receives a jungle makeover. Left: SSAFA Health Visitor Jackie Crawford chatting to of the East of England. I am also a Commander , Lt Col David Pack. Caseworker. My role involves running Thanks to donations from two Garrison charities The jungle murals were designed by former SSAFA the office and managing phone calls, and work carried out by volunteers, our Health Committee Chair, Karen Oldfield, who has since as well as opening and closing cases. Visitors Department has been transformed. What moved back to the UK. Karen painted these with the Along with all other administrative were once bare magnolia walls in the waiting room help of Lynda Black, SSAFA Publicity Officer; Angela SSAFA matters for the Division that and baby assessment areas is now a jungle Bage, Thrift Shop volunteer, and with the assistance apply to my patch. landscape, providing a relaxing, yet educational from members of the Garrison community. setting for babies and toddlers. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IF YOU COULD VISIT ANYWHERE The design features animals and plants native to the 2 VOLUNTEERING FOR SSAFA? 6 IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD The refurbishment was funded by SSAFA Service island of Borneo, including an orangutan, clouded I have been with SSAFA for nearly YOU GO AND WHY? Committee Brunei and the Garrison Thrift Shop. leopard, Bornean rhino, pygmy elephant, hornbill, seven years as a Caseworker and six Being Welsh, I would love to visit The donations also funded new toys to encourage and a crocodile. Palm trees with numbering in both months as the Divisional Secretary. the Welsh colonies in Patagonia, parents and children to play together while English and Nepali add an educational element, South America. awaiting routine assessments and health checks. while a sensory board, created by Cpl Carl Leek WHAT’S THE BEST THING and LCpl Sean ‘Gilly’ Gillham, in the Royal Electrical 3 ABOUT YOUR ROLE? WHICH PERSON (ALIVE OR DEAD) This was part of a two-year renovation project at and Mechanical Engineers Workshops, is designed As a veteran myself, there is no better 7 WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET the Primary Care Medical Facility at Tuker Lines in to develop motor skills. feeling than closing a case, knowing AND WHY? , Borneo, which is currently home to the 2nd that we have been successful and I would love to have met Nye Bevin. Battalion The , supporting units Karen said, “It’s been a fun project to work on. made a difference to a veteran’s He was such an inspiration and and Garrison dependants. Although it has taken a lot of time and effort, life and well-being. Founding Father of the NHS. we are delighted with the end result and hope that it will give the youngest members of the HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE ARMED HOW DO YOU SPEND Garrison community lots of enjoyment for 4 FORCES OR HAVE FAMILY WHO 8 YOUR FREE TIME? years to come.’’ HAVE SERVED? Apart from my volunteer work with I served with HM Welsh Guards. SSAFA (which takes up nearly three- Our SSAFA Health visitor, Jackie Crawford, My father was in the in days a week), I love walking, travelling added, ‘’From the health visitors and midwives’ the Second World War and served with my dear wife, gardening and point of view, this new facility will make a huge most of his time in the Far East. Both drinking (in moderation of course). difference to families of small children who come my grandfathers served in the First to the department for antenatal, postnatal and World War and both survived the WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FILM? developmental checks, as well as for health Somme – I was told some great 9 It’s old now but my favourite film is education. We hope that it will encourage families stories as a kid. “How Green Was My Valley”, quite

The SSAFA Health Visitors and Midwives team. to play alongside their children as it will greatly a poignant drama about a Welsh benefit their development.’’ WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST family and the mining community. 5 ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Around the world, SSAFA health care staff The revamped facility was officially opened by From the life I’ve led to surviving forty WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE provide health services for military personnel the Commander British Forces Brunei, Lt Col years in the NHS Ambulance Service, 10 YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? and their families. Visit: https://ssaf.as/19K. David Pack, and attended by families and to see my 71st birthday in sound mind The more birthdays you have members of the Garrison community. and good health is an achievement. the longer you live.

18 19 Providing local support

AFTER RAISING THOUSANDS AND SPENDING EVERY PENNY ON A LIFE-SAVING PROCEDURE, KATRINA NEEDED HELP TO ATTEND HER VITAL REGULAR CHECK-UPS. KEEPING THAT’S WHEN SHE TURNED TO SSAFA.

Katrina Brown, 37, a former Lance to go and pay for medical bills, KATRINA Corporal in the Royal Army Medical transport and flights – everything Corps, was diagnosed with the adds up. Without SSAFA, life-threatening auto-immune I wouldn’t have been able to go disease Scleroderma in 2008. By back every year. I am grateful to IN GOOD 2014, her health was deteriorating everyone who donates to SSAFA rapidly and the only way she could and appreciate, now more than survive the condition was through ever that being part of a huge HEALTH a stem cell transplant in America. military community is so Time was running out, but the important – and special.” treatment didn’t come cheap. SSAFA secured £10,000 funding for flights “But it isn’t just the financial Katrina explains, “It was my only support. My Caseworker has been and accommodation to make sure Katrina option. It was either that or I was there for us every step of the way. going to die. I was going downhill I was emailing him at 9 o’clock at got the care she needed. quickly. The risks were significant, night, calling him on Saturdays… but the benefits outweighed he is really the person who was the risks.” pushing for me. All my fears and stresses got directed at him and After spending £20,000 on tests he was supportive throughout.” at a specialist hospital in Chicago, Katrina was told by her doctor After the successful stem cell Roger Wilson, Katrina’s she had a maximum of six months transplant, Katrina spent three Caseworker of SSAFA Gloucester to have the transplant to stop the months in Chicago, requiring said, “I am very pleased to see the progression of the illness, or her regular tests and care as her progress Katrina has made, and it condition would go beyond the immune system had broken is satisfying to know that we were point of being treatable. down. able to meet her needs and make her life better and easier.” Katrina adds, “With Scleroderma, Katrina turned to her local you produce too much collagen SSAFA branch in Gloucester when Now Katrina’s life has improved which makes all your connective she needed help to fund her vital dramatically. She can work tissue go really hard. It makes your regular check-ups, to make sure part-time, take part in para- skin go tight, your joints are unable the treatment had worked and to snowboarding competitions, to move, your heart becomes make sure she didn’t relapse. She and enjoy being with friends tight making it hard to beat, your needed to go to Chicago once a and family. intestines become hard to move, year for five years, for long periods your lungs…literally everything of time, to see the specialist in your body turns to stone.” doctor who treated her. Contact your local SSAFA branch to find out how we The hospital in Chicago would SSAFA secured £10,000 funding support the Armed Forces not arrange any treatment until for flights and accommodation community or visit the full cost had been paid. for Katrina and her husband, ssafa.org.uk/get-help. Despite the huge ask, Katrina was Cpl Martin Brown to make sure If you’re interested in able to raise the £125,000 needed she got the care she needed. She volunteering for SSAFA, through a massive fundraising added, “SSAFA’s support had please go to effort, with help from friends, a huge impact. It’s quite a big ssafa.org.uk/volunteer. family and strangers. financial tie for five years to have

20 21 Fundraising STREAMLINING SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH IN CYPRUS SSAFA is very proud to be part of the NHS England eRedbook Project, providing families in with an online system of recording children’s health and development.

CHRIS The Project has been progressing well, with over Personal family record 170 accounts set up across British Forces Cyprus Photographs and notes can be uploaded, making it (BFC) and Training Unit Kenya a personal family record. For example, a parent can WALKS (BATUK), thanks to the hard work of our upload a photograph of the baby’s first solo outing, Community Health team. New functionality is the first time they sat up, etc. It also provides the being added all the time, with parents and carers opportunity for a parent or carer who is posted now able to upload PDF and Word documents as away to upload a photograph of themselves to well as photographs. This in addition to a share with their child. THE UK IMAGES © CHRIS WALKS FACEBOOK PAGE dedicated section to record milestones, record CHRIS HAS BEEN WALKING FOR OVER TWO AND A HALF YEARS AROUND THE dental development and the ability to add health HOW CAN PEOPLE SIGN UP? ENTIRE UK COASTLINE TO FUNDRAISE FOR SSAFA. contacts. More functionality will be introduced The eRedbook app is available in the App Store or later this year. at eredbook.org.uk. Registration is quick and easy. Those posted with BFC or BATUK should use the Chris Lewis, a former Paratrooper, embarked on Throughout Chris’ journey, a variety of SSAFA Accounts on eRedbook will eventually link to standard format BF1 postcode to sign up. an epic adventure in August 2017 to raise branches, including Northern Ireland, have all personal digital adult health records as a child £100,000 for SSAFA. Chris, 39, from Swansea in shown their support. In January, Chris’ journey grows, meaning that those with an eRedbook will HEALTH SERVICE JOURNAL PARTNERSHIP Wales, struggled to cope with civilian life after took him through the Shetland Islands. The island be the first cohort in the UK to have access to their AWARDS 2020 FINALISTS leaving the Parachute Regiment, falling into of Fetlar which has around 60 inhabitants, kindly health and development record from childhood. The Cyprus Community Healthcare team were depression and homelessness. It was SSAFA invited Chris and Jet to their Town Hall for a belated proud finalists at the Health Service Journal South West Wales that helped him turn his life Christmas dinner. Chris and Jet have also been THE BENEFITS OF EREDBOOK Partnership Awards 2020 in February, for the around and inspired him to fundraise for SSAFA. announced as finalists for the Animal Partnership Access anytime, anywhere category of ‘Health Tech Partnership of the Year’. Award at the Soldiering On Awards 2020. Accounts can be accessed from any device and This is an achievement for their innovative work in Chris has been walking for SSAFA for two and a from any location, providing the parent or carer developing the eRedbook for military families in half years. He has already raised £90,000 for Chris said, “The support I have received whilst on has their login details and an internet connection. BFC and BATUK, in conjunction with industry SSAFA, walked an estimated 12,000 miles and my epic journey has been incredible and the money partners, Sitekit and support from SSAFA. still going strong! raised so far is phenomenal. It’s the least I can do to Local information say thank you for what SSAFA did for me when The accounts hold information for parents or carers He’s also gained over 22,000 fans on Facebook I needed them.” living within the military community in BFC and and has even acquired a four-legged friend, Jet, this content is being developed for BATUK. These on his journey in Ayrshire who has stayed by his are created and monitored by SSAFA employees. side since. In addition to his dog Jet, Chris has You can keep up to date with Chris’ journey been supported by the kindness and generosity on his Facebook page ‘Chris Walks the UK’: Secure data of the general public, who offer him shelter, food facebook.com/chriswalksuk/. The only person able to access the information is and supplies. the parent or carer, and anyone they have chosen to securely share the record with.

02222 23 worries by focusing on the task in hand. You’ll get an enormous sense of achievement from completing your project or mastering your first drum solo, for example. If the hobby is something that involves a team or like minded people, it TOM’S TOP TIPS can help you broaden your social circle too. 3. KEEP IN CONTACT WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY Spending time alone can be good for us. FOR MENTAL We all need a bit of “me” time, but locking yourself indoors, not socialising or deliberately avoiding social situations can leave you feeling WELLBEING lonely and affect your self-esteem. Try picking With the support of SSAFA, Tom Fox, a former Rifleman up the phone and chatting with an old friend or close family member. Most regiments have diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is now an association, so why not get in touch with using his personal experience to help others. your local branch and pop along to their next meeting?

4. CUT DOWN ON THE BOOZE AND SMOKES Yeah, I know it’s boring, but you know it’s not doing you any good so why not give it a go? When I gave up smoking, the one thing that helped me get over the cravings the most was when I realised they were only lasting for 30 seconds. I timed them. Once I realised the cravings weren’t really such a big deal, I found it pretty easy to get over them. See if it works for you. Tom, a father-of-two, from Coulsden, Surrey, Tom shares his five top mental wellbeing tips: joined up in 1990 and served nine years with the 5. GET OUT AND TRAVEL – . An anti-tank and battlefield 1. GET ENOUGH SLEEP engineering specialist, Tom completed two tours A study published in 2007 found that SEE NEW THINGS, GET SOME of Northern Ireland and served in Bosnia, Belize, “optimal” sleepers reported fewer symptoms SUN, LIE ON A BEACH Cyprus, and Canada. He joined the Territorial Army of depression and anxiety, and reported higher You don’t have to have lots of money to travel. in 2000 and in 2002 took up a contract with the US levels of environmental mastery, personal I once packed a Berghan and spent a few day’s Department of Defence working in Iraq, providing growth, positive relations with others, purpose walking the coastal path around the tip of close protection. Since returning to the UK in 2006, in life, and self-acceptance. Optimal sleepers Cornwall. It was some of the most beautiful Tom carved out a career in finance, then in IT in this study were those sleeping an average scenery I’ve ever seen and the view from a tent before being diagnosed with Post Traumatic of six hours. on a cliff overlooking the Channel on a sunny Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 2015. day rivals anything that any five-star hotel has 2. GET A HOBBY – LEARN to offer. Not only will it make you feel better His experience with PTSD, encouraged Tom to learn mentally, but it’s well known that a little light about mental health and help others like him. With SOMETHING NEW OR REVIVE exercise can help protect us from all sorts SSAFA can help our Armed Forces community the support of SSAFA, Tom retrained in Mental AN OLD PASSION of other health conditions too. access the mental health and wellbeing Health First Aid. This allowed Tom to set up his own support. For more information, visit It’s never too late to learn a new skill or take business, Thoughtify, which aims to destigmatise Visit Tom’s website here www.thoughtify.co.uk. ssafa.org.uk/get-help/mental-wellbeing. up a new hobby. A hobby can concentrate mental ill health and encourage early diagnosis. the mind and help you to forget about your

24 25 Adoption services

hen my wife and I We were told by our Social Worker to decided we wanted to wait a year and really think about BECOMING NEW PARENTS Wstart a family, finding out whether adoption was for us. This was I couldn’t have kids biologically time to consider our options properly, was the hardest thing to hear. to talk through every possibility, to be Grief kicked in - grief for the family honest and to mourn the fact that we that wasn’t. couldn’t have biological children. Major Andy Wilson tells us At the time, I was posted in In that time, my wife and I had to about the challenges faced Germany, which complicated things. consider the impact adopting would when adopting in the Armed We desperately wanted children, our have on us and our wider families. hearts were set on it and we spoke We cried a lot and discussed things Forces and how SSAFA made to a doctor about our options. As I and didn’t agree on things. It was a his dream come true. was adopted myself, this was a path strain, but fortunately it brought us we were seriously considering. The closer together. problem was, being stationed abroad, we weren’t connected to Our family any local authorities, and so we And now, we’ve adopted twice. We couldn’t go through the process have Thomas, who is in Year 3, and like families back home. Molly, who starts school next year*. Both know they are adopted, but it’s SSAFA Adoption services normal for all of us. We are a family, A lot of agencies are put off straight like any other. The other day my son away by military families wanting to asked, “What was it like when you saw adopt, they think families in the my face for the first time?” and I was Armed Forces move every few years so choked up, it was hard to answer. I and this could create a lack of feel so many different things, but what stability for children. I remember most from that wonderful moment was his smile, looking up at Luckily, our story didn’t end there. me. I knew, right then, that the The doctor on camp told us about challenge of adopting - the interviews, the Adoption Service run by SSAFA, the emotions, the waiting - had been who understand the military worth it. lifestyle. Their strong network supports families and, unlike many I don’t take anything for granted: being other adoption services, know that a father is amazing. Every day I wake not everyone in the Armed Forces up a little bit earlier than the kids and moves around regularly. go in to give them a kiss. I am so lucky.

Discussing our options I also don’t take the help we have Our SSAFA Social Worker, Anna had for granted. The SSAFA Mitikaru, came to meet us quickly Adoption Social Work team are the after we made the first call to reason my wife, Thomas, Molly and I discuss all our options. We went on are a family today. They even a course about adoption and continue to help us today, for explained who we were and what example by training up staff at the our values were. We did all the kids’ school to help with any paperwork, SSAFA supported us additional support they need. through everything. We had to do it properly - and to have the best To find out more about chance of a successful adoption - SSAFA’s adoption service, visit we had to go through the motions ssafa.org.uk/adoption. and emotions. *names have been changed. 26 27 “We’re feeling very lucky and blessed.

Mike has made a huge difference to many

Ash Ashbridge, Branch people with his kindness” WORKING Publicity Officer at SSAFA Hampshire, added, “What a nice man Mike is. A TOGETHER fantastic selection of kit arrived – quality kit. This will help veterans, including If your SSAFA some of our rough sleeping branch is offered MAKES A veterans in the area.” donations of clothing and items, please Chel Turner-Everett, liaise with the DIFFERENCE Divisional Secretary at company directly Doing more for our beneficiaries SSAFA Southend & and manage that Rochford, said, “The items relationship locally, with the help of CC Moore & Co Ltd arrived in three huge boxes with support from and we will be putting central office. If you We were delighted when Mike “The following day at work we it all to good use. We’re need support, Brown from CC Moore & Co Ltd, felt compelled to act and decided feeling very lucky and please contact a fishing supply company based to set up our appeal, which we blessed. Mike has made a [email protected] in the UK, contacted our SSAFA ran on our social media channels. huge difference to many Corporate team at the end of last The response from both the people with his kindness.” year with a wonderful proposal angling industry and individuals to help our beneficiaries during was fantastic. We received the cold and wet weather. a significant amount of top- quality waterproof and thermal Mike explained that he and garments, as well as sleeping

his team were collecting high- bags, headwear and footwear IMAGE BELOW © ANGLING TIMES quality items of warm and – plenty of which were unworn waterproof clothing from their and in perfect condition. This customers and suppliers, which was all distributed directly to they wished to donate and various charities throughout distribute to our beneficiaries the winter months. in need. So far, items have been donated to three SSAFA sites “We are delighted to be across the country, which have supporting SSAFA and have been gratefully received. received another superb response to our appeal which Mike explained, “I have worked we ran throughout December within the fishing industry since 2019 and into January 2020. 2003, and in my current role as It is such a worthy cause, and UK Sales Manager for CC Moore if we are collectively able to & Co Ltd for eight years. Last help just one vulnerable veteran 10% OF THE RETAIL PRICE winter, I was horrified to see the or homeless person then it is IS DONATED TO SSAFA large number of people sleeping totally worthwhile. Hopefully, rough around the centre we have achieved much more of Bournemouth. than that!”

“The response from both the angling industry and individuals was fantastic...”

02828 02929 DATES FOR YOUR

BIG LUNCH 27 2020 06-07 DIARY JUNE JUNE The UK’s biggest annual get-together for neighbours is working with SSAFA to commemorate VE Day 75 on 8 May, RELEASE OF alongside our VE Day 75 events. ARMED FORCES DAY Read more about this on page 8. 06 ‘MILITARY WIVES’ FILM SSAFA will be involved in the National MARCH Armed Forces Day this year, which takes Inspired by the story of the Military place Scarborough. Look out on Wives Choirs (MWC), part of the 26 SSAFAnet for more information. SSAFA family, the upcoming ‘Military APRIL VIRGIN MONEY Wives’ film is an exciting opportunity LONDON MARATHON 27 to raise further awareness of MWC’s POSTPONED UNTIL 4 OCTOBER JUNE mission to promote wellbeing and SSAFA is proud to have runners taking 02-06 BELGIUM BATTLEFIELD bring all women in the military part in the London Marathon this year, SEPTEMBER community, not just wives, closer with 29 SSAFA places taken, plus a BIKE RIDE together through singing. Learn further 21 own places. We look forward 13 BRIDGES WALK (ARMED FORCES DAY) more at militarywiveschoirs.org. to cheering our SSAFA runners on! Following on from last year’s 13 Bridges is London’s premier Armed Forces Day successful D-Day landings ride, event in aid of SSAFA. One thousand people people this year’s ride takes in the will start at Tower Bridge and walk cross 13 Bridges, battlefields of Belgium VE DAY 75 finishing after Putney Bridge at Eel Brook Common, as we commemorate the 75th where participants will enjoy food, drink and 08-10 SSAFA is the official charity partner for the VE Day 75 anniversary of VE Day. entertainment. MAY series of events organised by Pageantmaster, Bruno For more information and to sign For more information visit . Peek LVO, OBE, OPR, during the bank holiday up, visit ssafa.org.uk/13bridges ssaf.as/19L weekend of Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May 2020. See pages 6-7 for information about the events, 20-26 materials available, and how your local community SEPTEMBER can join in. TREK THE BALKANS

JULY - Join us on a beautiful European trek on AUGUST which you will climb three of the highest BATTLE PROMS peaks in the heart of the Balkans – Kosovo, 08 VE DAY 75 CONCERT 19-23 Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia. MAY MAY CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW SSAFA is the charity partner of the Battle Proms Join the trek at ssaf.as/19M. We are delighted to be the official concert series, which will take place this summer charity partner for a very special at stately homes across the UK. We are delighted to announce that SSAFA will concert at the Royal Albert Hall on have a garden in the Urban Category at the Royal 8 May 2020, 75 years to the day since • Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – Saturday 4 July Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show 2020. VE Day. • Burghley House, Lincolnshire – Saturday 11 July The space has been designed by the award-winning • Hatfield House, Hertfordshire – Saturday 18 July This high-profile event will feature designer Amanda Waring, whose son currently • Highclere Castle, Hampshire – Saturday 1 August internationally renowned soloists and serves in the British Army, and the garden will • Ragley Hall, Warwickshire – Saturday 8 August ALL the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, be supported by CCLA Investment Management. YEAR supplying a fitting close to a day of Following the show, the fully accessible garden will Pre-discount Adult ticket prices range from £38 celebrations. There will also be live be transported to our Norton House, Stanford Hall, CHRIS WALKS THE UK to £41. Use SSAFAPROMS20 discount code on streaming of the concert in around for families and patients to enjoy, whilst receiving standard advance Adult and Child tickets. Cannot Look out for Chris and his faithful rescue dog, 400 cinemas across the nation. rehabilitation at the near by Defence Medical be used with any other discount code and excludes Jet, as they continue their epic walk around Visit veday75.co.uk. Rehabilitation Centre. Concert Pavilion tickets. Visit battleproms.com. the entire coastline of the UK. You can read more about this on page 22.

30 31 2020 GIFTS THAT GIVE LIFELONG SUPPORT Our exclusive range of sportswear, accessories, homewares and toys make great gift ideas for every member of the family.

We continually add new styles and designs throughout the season, so to browse our full range visit our online shop at: ssafastore.org.uk Or call 01227 811615

We also provide free UK delivery on all orders over £50.

Every purchase helps SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provide support to thousands of serving personnel, veterans and their families in need.

Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760 in Scotland Number SC038056 and in Republic of Ireland Number 20202001. Established 1885.