SSAFA-the Armed Forces charity ( formerly known as the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association) is the oldest military charity in the UK. We are the local Branch of the national organisation with a true volunteer ethos. We do not have a local office, so Caseworkers link in to the Branch Secretary, who allocates the cases.
We are concerned with and for the military community and their families. Providing the client has given ONE days service within the military, they could be entitled to a SSAFA visit to determine how they and their family could be helped.
The casework provides an amazing support to Veterans and their families, of all ages. We arrange face to face meetings with our clients in their homes ( obviously not at present) to discuss their needs and requirements. Following the meeting and completion of necessary administration, we liaise with Regimental funds and other military charities to review the assistance being sought. The case working role does not entail financial requirements, other than making the recommendation of the financial need of the client. We now have an administrative support package in place, to assist Caseworkers.
The rewards of volunteering with SSAFA Lanarkshire are both personal satisfaction and a great sense of achievement in helping people in their time of need or cry for help.
In May this year, SSAFA Lanarkshire Branch were awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.