At SSAFA we’re already responding to those needs, through a vast range of services designed to support the injured and their families, those who are suffering with loneliness or isolation, and those who have been bereaved. But we know from past experience that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Issues relating to active service can often lie dormant for many years, sometimes because of people’s resilience, pride, or simply not knowing where to turn for help.
Over 7,000 of those we are helping today last saw active service during conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia and Iraq. Many last served over a decade ago, yet they still need and deserve our help. So while we welcome home the final few troops, I would urge everyone to remember the work that still remains to be done supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families here in the UK.
You can show your support this Christmas by posting a personal salute to them at www.ssafa.org.uk/mysalute, or text ‘HERO29 £3’ to 70070 to help continue SSAFA’s vital work with the entire military community.
Air Vice-Marshal David Murray CVO OBE
Chief Executive of SSAFA
(formerly The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)
