A SELDOM mentioned national registered charity, SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - Forces Help), through local representation, enabled a welcome to be given by the Rotary Club of Senlac to Liz O'Brien, who was able to eloquently describe the work undertaken to help serving and ex-service men, women and their families, in need.
Some 7,500 volunteers work from branches and on bases, stations and garrisons, are the lifeblood, without whom the network could not deliver a special brand of care.
The charity was formed in 1885 with 10 volunteers (there being no air force at th
e time), its purpose being to help within the family environment.
The patron of old was Princess Alexandra and, as of today, the purpose remains to have an holistic approach to look after serving and ex-servicemen.
Services include professional social work, provision of health professionals, being a registered adoption agency, availability of a special needs and disability adviser, confidential advice and support to service personnel and their families, short-term accommodation at Stepping Stone Homes for separated service families, with support, help and assistance in finding a permanent home, family escort service to assist service families travelling to, from and within the UK.
Mention made of SSAFA Sisters who administer social work where social services do not operate.
Possibly, known to many, the Lord Roberts Workshops entered into presentation mentioning the converted house used as a rehabilitation centre.
Within the Sussex branch, Hastings and Rother is supported by 21 volunteers. Two treasurers operate (local and county); eight qualified case workers and two home visitors.
Cases vary from requests for domestic assistance to provision of grants, contacting next-of-kin and on-going care.
Many discharged soldiers find difficulty in readjusting to civilian life. The Contact Support Group is able to assist in cases of mental difficulties, encouraging 'talking to each other' and Combat Stress is a forum organisation.
With no paid volunteers the aim of SSAFA is to reach out to as many as possible with a service background and raise the charity's profile.
Rotarian Henry Band offered the vote of thanks to Liz O'Brien as the local representative, for giving an informative presentation, mentioning consistent good work for more than 120 years and that royal patronage continues in the name of the original patron.
Local fundraising was deserving of support. Club members applauded.
Rotary Club of Senlac now meets Wednesday evenings at Cooden Beach Hotel - contact Rotarian David King on 01424 844992.
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