SSAFA is the UK’s oldest national military charity. We have been providing support for members of the Armed Forces and their families in need for 130 years.
We provide lifelong support for those who are serving, or have ever served, in the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and their families, regardless of length of service.
SSAFA is the UK’s oldest tri- service charity. We have been providing support for members of the Armed Forces and their families in need for 130 years. Last year we supported more than 57,000 people, that’s 156 people every single day.
We are driven by our core values: we are committed, practical and understanding. SSAFA’s work is focused on four types of services. We provide welfare advice and support on issues ranging from financial hardship to family breakdown to homelessness. This is provided in local communities and on military bases across the UK and overseas through a network of branches and service committees. Our specialist services include support groups for bereaved families and a mentoring scheme for those transitioning into civilian life. The Norton Homes provide free accommodation for the families of the wounded, injured and sick being treated in Birmingham and Surrey and the Stepping Stone Homes is there for women and children who have had to leave married quarters when a relationship breaks down.
SSAFA’s health and social care services are on contract to the MoD in 14 countries around the world. We use the profits from these contracts, as well as generous public donations, to fund our charitable work.
All of the work of SSAFA is delivered through a combination of professional staff and dedicated volunteers. We have over 6000 volunteers in all, including those overseas- many of whom have service connections. All of our volunteers are committed to delivering our vision
Norton Homes
In 2008 and 2009, SSAFA opened two Norton Homes to provide accommodation for the families of badly injured and sick Servicemen and women. The homes are located near and work closely with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at Selly Oak in Birmingham and the Defence Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, in Surrey.
The Norton Homes provide ‘home away from home’ accommodation for the families of injured service personnel receiving treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court in Surrey.
Our homes are open every day of the year for families to have a comfortable, secure place to stay during hard times. During their stay with us, families can take strength from the care of our experienced team and the mutual support of other families going through the same emotions.
Our vision is simple and clear: that our Armed Forces (both regular and reserves), veterans and their families know that they can depend on SSAFA for support now and for the rest of their lives.