SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity

SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity


Contact details

Website: https://www.ssafa.org.uk
Get Help: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help 
Main telephone: 0800 260 6780 
Forcesline (free and confidential support): 0800 260 6780 
Main office address: SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, Queen Elizabeth House, 4 St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 8AD
Contact page: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/contact-us [ssafa.org.uk]

What this organisation does

SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity, provides practical, financial and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. The charity works across the UK and internationally, helping members of the Armed Forces community access welfare support, advice, housing assistance, wellbeing services and other forms of assistance when needed. 
Although SSAFA is not a maritime welfare organisation, it may be particularly relevant to seafarers, fishers and family members who have previously served in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, other Armed Forces branches, or who are part of a military family.

Who can use the service

SSAFA supports:
  • Serving members of the UK Armed Forces. 
  • Veterans. 
  • Military families and dependants. 
  • Older veterans. 
  • Members of the Gurkha community and their families. 
  • Armed Forces personnel and families serving overseas who require health or social care support. 
  • Veterans involved in the criminal justice system. 
Eligibility depends on an individual's connection to the UK Armed Forces community and the type of support requested.

Support available

SSAFA offers a wide range of support services, including:

Welfare and practical support

  • Welfare advice and casework. Case working is extended to the Merchant Navy.
  • Social care and housing-related support. 
  • Assistance during the transition from military service to civilian life. 

Financial support

  • Help to access grants and financial assistance where appropriate. 
  • Guidance on benefits and welfare entitlements. 

Emotional wellbeing

  • Emotional support for individuals and families experiencing stress, bereavement, illness or significant life changes. 
  • Mental wellbeing support and signposting. 

Specialist services

  • Disability support and advice. 
  • Gurkha services delivered in Nepali language where required. 
  • Community health and social care support for Armed Forces families overseas. 
  • Support for veterans in custody, on probation or re-entering the community. 
  • RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service. 
  • Serving Community Teams operating on military establishments. 
  • Safe To Serve support for women currently serving in HM Armed Forces who are experiencing bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment. 

Features and benefits

SSAFA can help eligible individuals and families:
  • Access practical support during difficult circumstances. 
  • Receive guidance from experienced welfare staff and volunteers. 
  • Navigate benefits, housing and support services. 
  • Improve emotional wellbeing through confidential support.
  • Obtain specialist help for disability, transition to civilian life and other service-related challenges. 
  • Connect with local SSAFA branches and support networks. 
For former Royal Navy or Royal Marines personnel working at sea or retired from maritime employment, SSAFA may be able to assist where there is an eligible Armed Forces connection. 

How to get help

  1. Visit the SSAFA Get Help page: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help 
  2. Contact Forcesline on 0800 260 6780 for free and confidential support. 
  3. Use the live chat service available through the SSAFA website where available. 
  4. Find your nearest SSAFA branch through the organisation's website. 
  5. A representative will discuss your circumstances and identify appropriate support or referrals. 

Things to check before contacting them

Before making contact, it may be helpful to have:
  • Information about your Armed Forces service history or family connection.
  • Details of your current circumstances and support needs.
  • Relevant financial, welfare, health or housing information if seeking assistance in these areas.
Specific documentation requirements may vary depending on the support requested. Confirmation should be obtained directly from SSAFA. 

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