|
From fundraising to volunteer support and children's holidays, SSAFA Forces Help makes life better for people in our community.
In-Service Committees
Every garrison on BFG and SHAPE has it's own In-Service Committee. Run by volunteers, they fundraise throughout the year to raise money which they give directly back to their community, in a variety of ways. For example, Hameln In-Service Committee have recently refurbished welfare flats and funded new toys for a soft play area in their garrison. Herford Committee recently bought new washinig machines for the single soldier's accommodation. They can also provide funds in an emergency, i.e. to help with flights home.
"We are raising money for our own community - there is no means testing for our grants. If there is a need - then there is SSAFA!" Yvonne, JHQ
"I have been involved with SSAFA In-Service Committee for more than 5 years now. it is nice to see how people in our community benefit from what we do." Jenny, Rheindahlen
Community Volunteer Scheme
Community Volunteers befriend families and colleagues going through periods of isolation and loneliness, illness, bereavement, depression and other difficulties. They can help with ordinary thinigs which can be tough to deal with when combined with the demands of Service life. It could be something as simple as giving a lift somewhere, helping out with childcare, taking someone on their first trip to the local supermarket or simple chatting over a cup of tea.
"If you like helping people and have some spare time, it's a nice way to meet others. I have worked with 3 families so far. I really enjoy working with the children and feel pleased I have been able to help." Geraldine, Elmpt
Carer Support Scheme
Our fully trained volunteers give respite care for a few hours a month to families who have one or more members with an additional need or disability. Volunteers may take a child on an outing or stay at home, to give parents and children a well-earned rest. All volunteers are CRB checked and visits are fully monitored.
"As a retired teacher, I missed working with children & their families. My child has a special need and 3 siblings, so my visits gave the family some quality time to spend with their other children. He has many interests and I have learnt alot about football and the Army! I would definitely recommend it. You gain as much from the experience as the young people you are supporting." Jan, Hohne
"I provide respite to the family of a great boy with Aspergers Syndrome. it's quite daunting to begin with, but the training and support are first class. Everything is monitored and I always feel that we all benefit from our time together. Volunteering is great - it makes our communities more cohesive and provides real help to many people." Nick, JHQ
Children with Additional Needs Holiday
SSAFA's annual Holiday caters for children with a disability or an additional need, their siblings and those with young carer responsibilities. The fun-packed, week-long break includes climbing, swimming, kayaking and horse-riding. It can be a life-changing experience for the children and provides parents with a much needed break, safe in the knowledge that their child is well cared for. Volunteers are trained and specially assigned to work one-to-one with their young person for the duration of the holiday.
"This year will be my 5th holiday! You meet a vast array of people from all walks of life. Even though it's hard work, it is the most enjoyable experience. Just to get a thank you or a smile from a family with a child with an additional need, makes it all worth while." Phil, Hohne
SSAFA Forces Help Supporting Victims of Crime
SSAFA Forces Help Supporting Victims of Crime offers help to people affected by all kinds of crime, regardless of when that crime occurred. Volunteers are specially trained to offer information, emotional support and practical help to people affected by crimes such as burglary, racism, sexual violence and domestic abuse. Volunteers may have contact with a victim of crime just once or offer ongoing support.
"Since volunteering for Victim Support, I have learnt so much! Not only about crime itself but also about the way I feel, think and respond to sensitive issues. The training we receive helps improve our own personal life skills, like communication and listening. It may only be an hour out of my time, but it makes the world of difference to a victim of crime." Bav, JHQ
Approved by
"It is so fulfilling to help rebuild other people's lives and seeing the change in them. You also build on your own weaknesses and strengths in ways you can use in your everyday life." Jackie, Hohne
Further Services Offered by SSAFA Forces Help:
Travel Support Service
The service provides help (usually free) to Service families and their dependants who are travelling to, from and within the UK by air, rail or ferry. It is intended to help those with compassionate needs. However, if you are travelling with young children and luggage and dread the thought of negotiating public transport systems, help may be available. For more information, please contact the SSAFA Forces Help Central Office on +44 (0) 207 463 9249. Please note that this service cannot be used for children going to and from school.
Stepping Stones Homes
Situated in the UK, these homes provide temporary accommodation to separated wives and children of serving and ex-serving personnel, who are likely to become homeless, be evicted, have nowhere to go or are in need of emergency accommodation. These homes, located in Tyne and Wear and NW London, are fully equipped and can accommodate families for as long as they need to get themselves back on their feet. The homes are run by fully trained staff who can offer practical support and advice during the search for a new home and help families to adjust back to civilian life.
Women should contact their Unit Welfare Office, BFSWS Social Worker, Army Welfare Service or SSAFA Forces Help Central Office. The Unit normally pays for the transport to a Stepping Stones Home from Germany. For a dvd and information leaflet, please call JHQ Mil 72 3392 or 02161 472 3392. For detailed queries, please contact SSAFA Forces Help Central Office on +44 (0) 0207 403 8783 and ask for the Welfare Department.
Norton Homes
Run by teams of dedicated, trained staff, SSAFA Norton Homes give families the time and space to come to terms with difficult choices and start to look towards the future together.
SSAFA Norton House, Selly Oak
Families arriving at Selly Oak are often coming to terms with the news of serious or life-threatening injury to a loved one. Our six-bedroomed house will provide a safe and supportive environment, close to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, where both their practical and emotional needs will be met.
SSAFA Norton House, Headley Court
Patients can spend many weeks and months undergoing treatment at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, placing a huge strain on their families. Our spacious six-bedroomed home is fully accessible to the disabled and allows injured servicemen and women to visit their relatives and spend quality time with them.
Forcesline
Formerly known as the Confidential Support Line, this help line provides support and options for Armed Service Personnel and their families and offers advice and assistance to those wishing to discuss problems with an independent, non-military advisor. From depression, bullying and debt to bereavement, drugs and relationship breakdown, our operators are trained by specialists to provide a skilled listening service outside the Chain of Command and to offer callers a menu of options.
Forcesline is open from 1030 - 2230 (UK local time) 365 days a year and can be reached from Germany by dialling 0800 1827 395. There is also a confidential email facility which can be accessed via www.ssafa.org.uk. Free phone lines also operate from Cyprus, Bosnia and the UK.
________________________________________________________________________
To find out more about the schemes or to get involved, contact us:
Tel: 02161 472 3392 Mil: (72) 3392
Email: bfgvpo@ssafa.org.uk
www.ssafa.org.uk
________________________________________________________________________
What is SSAFA Forces Help?
The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help is the National charity helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who use to serve and the families of both.
What does SSAFA Forces Help Do?
We have a network of volunteers working in a number of different community support schemes. Also, each garrison has an In-Service Committee, which raises money throughout the year. Every penny of this goes back into their community through grants, requests and donations.
Who can be a SSAFA volunteer?
Anyone! Some of our current volunteers are also mechanics, chefs, tailors, musicians, vicars, community workers, childminders, administrators, clinical psychologists, stay at home mums. Our volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds, both military and non-military, bringing a wide variety of valuable life skills and experiences.
|
