Armed Forces Day 2020
A lot like many events this year, we have the re-evaluate how we celebrate important calendar dates such as Armed Forces Day. Last year we celebrated the 75th Anniversary spending the milestone with our very own war hero Mick who served in the forces prior to joining the Hedge End Town Council Team as a caretaker. You can revisit the interview here.
Armed Forces week/day is to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
This year we thought we would take the opportunity to share and make known local charities in the south which offer advice and support to servicemen and women. If you would like to donate or volunteer at any of the charities mentioned then there will be links which you can follow to find out further details below.
Please share this page with loved ones who might find it useful. During Covid-19 these services may be subject to change, contact the organisation directly to see how these changes may affect you or loved ones seeking help.
SSAFA
SSAFA (the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army or the Royal Air Force.
At SSAFA trained welfare advisors and volunteers work with each person to find out exactly what they need. Once they have assessed what is required, they will help the individual or family access the support they need. This may just be someone to listen to them, but, more often than not, SSAFA access financial assistance from statutory and military benevolent funds or foundations that they work with. In addition, SSAFA signpost to our other charity partners who can give much needed assistance to help people get their lives back on track.
From debt or addiction to mental health problems – the Forces and their families can rely on SSAFA and our personalised support to help them through it, for as long as it takes to get that person’s life back to where they want it to be.
Telephone number: 07413 417 226
Contact our Volunteering Team for all enquiries about volunteering with SSAFA.
Email: volunteer.support@ssafa.org.uk
Address:Â Millbrook Rd W, Southampton SO15 0AJ
The Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.
Whether you are in urgent need of support, are keen to become a member or you want to find out more about how you can support the Legion.
The Royal British Legion pop In Centres can be found along High Streets across the UK. There is a team which will welcome you, answer your questions as well as provide expert advice and guidance.
Southampton pop In centre is at the same location as our Dorset and Hampshire Area Office at 104 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DT.
Opening hours: 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Arrive by bus: a wide range of buses stop just outside our centre.
Arrive by train: Southampton Central train station is just ten minutes away.
Arrive by car: our nearest car parks are the NCP Portland Terrace Car Park, the West Quay Multi-Storey Car Park and the West Quay Podium Car Park.
Army Widows’ Association
The Association was founded in 2004 by a group of Army widows who felt that there was a need for an organisation that represented and understood the needs of today’s Army Widows. We welcome Widows/ Widowers and recognised partners of Army personnel, regardless of the cause of death.
Although we do have members who have been widowed through conflict, a significant number of our members are widowed through road traffic accidents, suicides, accidents in training and through cancer, heart disease and other long term illnesses. Our youngest member is 19, the majority of our members are in their twenties, thirties and forties, and unfortunately, our membership continues to grow. All our members know how it feels to have lost a spouse and we offer mutual support, sympathy and friendship.
Army Widows’ Association help members with information about pensions, savings and tax issues, through signposting. When required, we direct widows to support agencies such as SSAFA, RBL and Regimental Associations, and we have a thriving private Facebook page where information and support is available. There are usually members who can answer questions because they have faced similar issues in the past, and are willing to pass on helpful information and experience.
0300 666 0136
www.armywidows.org.uk
You can write to us at:
Army Widows’ Association
C/o Bereavement Aftercare Support
428 Ramillies Building, Marlborough Lines, Monxton Road, Andover, Hants, SP11 8HJ
Alternatively, you can contact: Chair: info@armywidows.org.uk
Help For Heroes
Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry OBE to provide lifetime support to those wounded in the service of their country. No matter when someone served, Help for Heroes believe that those prepared to put their lives second, deserve a second chance at life. Every course and activity we offer aims to empower them to look beyond illness and injury, regain their purpose, reach their potential and have a positive impact on society.
Call: 0300 303 9888
To give your support to Help for Heroes email: fundraise@helpforheroes.org.uk
If you think you can benefit from the support Help for Heroes offers email: getsupport@helpforheroes.org.uk
Armed Forces COVENANT
Veterans UK is MOD’s dedicated veterans support organisation. It provides assistance on many issues including MOD’s injury and bereavement compensation schemes, armed forces pensions, benefits, housing and welfare.
Free Helpline (UK only): 0808 1914 218
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Opening times: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Thursday
7:30 am to 5:00 pm Friday
- Visit Veterans UK for more information.
- Find out if you are eligible for the Aged Veterans Fund grant.
- The Veterans Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans seeking support.
