This month I’m delighted to be highlighting the incredibly important work carried out by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity which provides lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

I particularly wanted to feature this amazing charity because in November we mark  Remembrance Day – and this year is even more poignant as it falls on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. To all those involved in conflict both past and present, we remember you for your service and your sacrifice.

Also, as our thoughts turn towards Christmas we remember that many in the armed forces make the personal sacrifice of serving overseas during the festive period. Instead of sharing this special time of year with loved ones they may be thousands of miles away protecting our interests abroad. So to them, I’d like to say thank you – and my thoughts are with your families who I know would prefer to have you at home.

Formerly known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, SSAFA is the oldest national tri-service military charity and provides practical and emotional support to anyone who is currently serving in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army or the Royal Air Force, both regulars and reserves.

Through its network of volunteers, SSAFA provide practical, emotional and financial support to those in their hour of need.  Last year alone  SSAFA supported 73,000 people thanks to the support for its 5,800 volunteers across the UK.

Locally SSAFA Lancashire branch is there to support veterans and their families in need.  Find out more by visiting ssafa.org.uk/Lancashire

SSAFA caseworkers visit people in their local communities.  During these visits they provide friendly guidance and find out what support is needed. This includes access to financial assistance, advice on personal affairs and access to special equipment for those with disabilities.  They are continually adapting to ensure they meet the changing needs of service men and women, veterans and their families.

SSAFA also offers a mentoring service to veterans as they transition out of the services, an adoption service to create forever homes within military families and prison in-reach to support veterans and their families in the criminal justice system.

Whatever you decide to do – baking beautiful bakewells, putting on a pub quiz or braving a bunjee jump – SSAFA would be thrilled to have you on their team! By raising money, whether it’s £50 or £5,000, you’re making a huge difference. You’ll be helping them support serving men and women, veterans, and their families with the challenges of life during and after their career in the Armed Forces.

For some of the inspiring stories of how fundraising has changed lives go to https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us/our-stories

If you’d like to fundraise for the forces then get in touch through the different routes here https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

Volunteering for SSAFA is special because you get to see first hand the difference you make to people’s lives. Most volunteers support ex-service personnel and their dependents living in their community.

If you think you’d like to help then contact the team here for more information https://www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteer-ssafa

Thank you to all serving personnel both past and present for the work you do and have done on behalf of our country.

And thank you to you for taking the time to read about this fantastic charity.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, exists to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in order to support their independence and dignity.

Please support their work in any way you can.