Could you sign up and learn new skill?
This January SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is urging the people of Ayrshire to build on their New Year’s resolutions and learn new skills, while giving something back to their local Armed Forces community, by becoming a new volunteer.
In 2016, volunteers for SSAFA Ayrshire supported 274 veterans and their families in need in the county. The military charity, which has supported currently serving members of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families for over 131 years, is seeing the requests for support from this group increase and become more complex.
SSAFA Ayrshire operates volunteer led support services based in Prestwick with a county- wide need for new volunteer caseworkers who directly deliver the support.
Volunteer caseworkers support members in a range of ways:
Visiting them in their homes, assessing their needs and building a bespoke package of support. Providing support with issues such as – mobility, home repairs, household goods, homelessness, marriage breakdown, mental health problems, urgent debt support, essential food and groceries and clothing and training costs to help younger veterans back into work.
Accessing funds for house adaptations for a service man or woman injured whilst fighting.
Befriending elderly veterans and providing them with company and happiness to combat loneliness and isolation.
Raising the rent for a young veteran unemployed and struggling to transition from military life to civilian life. To illustrate what impact volunteer case working can have watch Jason’s story - https:// www. youtube. com/ watch? v= BlYSHEGvjpc
Former teacher Pam Reynolds has been a SSAFA volunteer caseworker for more than seven years.
She says: “I have met some of the most interesting and wonderful people while working with the charity and love the work we do. It’s the satisfaction of seeing a person in need go from sometimes dire circumstances, through to getting back on their feet and living the life they deserve.
“It’s such a rewarding role that is never the same day by day so you’ll never get bored. For me, especially since retiring from the education sector, volunteering has given me new life and energy and I am keeping fit and my mind active as a result, all whilst supporting the Armed Forces community. I love it and it gives me a chance to continue to use my professional skills and those gained in my personal life
“So whoever you are – whatever age or background and wherever you are, give SSAFA a call or visit www. ssafa. org. uk/ newrecruits to find out more or to sign up, you won’t regret it!”
In a survey of SSAFA volunteers in 2016, the charity reported:
95 per cent of its volunteers are proud to tell people they volunteer for SSAFA.
93 per cent of its volunteers enjoy the work and feel their role allows them to make use of their skills and experience.
More than half ( 52 per cent) have volunteered for the charity for more than five years and more than one in four ( 27 per cent) have volunteered for the charity for more than 10 years. Sue Pillar, SSAFA Director of Volunteer Operations and former Army Lieutenant Colonel said: “SSAFA predicts the welfare needs of the Armed Forces community in Ayrshire will continue to rise. World War Two veterans are now well into their 90s and the impact of conflicts such as the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan on our younger veterans and their families continue to reveal themselves.
“SSAFA is looking for local men and women who are willing and able to help provide a lifeline to veterans and their families in need. Volunteering for SSAFA is a unique challenge that is rewarding, interesting and hands- on, that requires planning and problem solving using local knowledge to support the varying needs of a wide range of people.
“The men and women who served in our Armed Forces have given so much it is now up to us to support them. Please get in touch with one of our team to find out more.”
If you are interested in joining your local SSAFA Ayrshire team, please visit www. ssafa. org. uk/ newrecruits or call 0800 032 5612.