What is SSAFA?

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - Forces help, known as SSAFA, is the oldest national welfare charity for the forces. We provide a wide variety of assistance to both serving and ex-service communities, especially families. We've been doing it since 1885 - and we're still doing it today!

Our aim is to do whatever possible to relieve the need and distress amongst those eligible for our help. We do this for as long as necessary. In Greater Manchester we achieve this through a network of volunteers working throughout Greater Manchester - Manchester City, Trafford, Salford, Wigan & Atherton, Bury & Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside & Stockport.

How does SSAFA operate?

When we hear about someone who might need our help we SEND a trained caseworker to visit the person in their home to assess the situation. We do this in strict confidence ensuring the individual retains their dignity.

The case worker and the client jointly will decide what is required; the caseworker then takes the necessary action to relieve the problem. If financial help is needed, we will approach the relevant service charity and many other organisations for funding to meet the needs of the client. Often we can work together with statutory bodies to ensure that all entitlements are being received. We can assist in many different situations, providing aid by acquiring disability aids, household items and even clothing for the individual or their family. We can advise and refer people to expert organisations and can help people find assistance with debt problems.

Do you need our help or advice?

If you need help or advice and are a serving or ex-service person, or are a partner or a dependant of one, please get in touch with us.

Even if you are the dependant of an eligible person who is deceased or your relationship with an eligible person has ended, we can often still help - ask us. You can contact us directly by phone. If there is no reply, please leave a message, including your name and phone number. We will get back to you as soon as we can. You can also contact us via email greater.manchester@ssafa.org.uk or through our central office.

Could you help SSAFA?

There is much more to be done to enable us to help all those who actually need our assistance.

You can help us in a number of different ways

If you know of someone who might be eligible for our assistance, then please encourage them to contact us. SSAFA Greater Manchester needs more people to help us reach all those who are eligible and need us. You could help by becoming a friend or member of SSAFA.

We need volunteers to raise awareness of who we are and what we do. We need help in running the branch administration. We need volunteers to train as caseworkers.

Many of our volunteers get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that they have really helped and changed lives. Where necessary our members receive professional training and are always paid 'out of pocket' expenses. We can discuss how you can best help us when you volunteer.

Some people may prefer to help us making a donation or leaving a legacy. No matter how you decide to contribute, every donation to SSAFA Greater Manchester helps us to aid those who need our assistance in the County. We rely upon public donations and are always very grateful for them, no matter how large or small. Please contact us for more details.