THE Gwent Branch of SSAFA (formerly Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association) is urgently seeking volunteers who have the time, energy and commitment to train to be caseworkers for its enlarged Abergavenny and Blaenau Gwent Division.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides lifelong support to those who are serving or have ever served in the military and their families.

Around 2.6 million people living in the UK today are estimated to have served in the Armed Forces at some point in their lives. Every year, around 20,000 service men and women leave the services and return to civilian life.

Over 5,800 volunteers lie at the heart of SSAFA’s work with the Armed Forces family. In 2017, SSAFA volunteers provided vital support to over 20,800 serving personnel, veterans and their families. This translates into our volunteers donating 1.25 million hours of their time to make a difference to the military community.

SSAFA’s Abergavenny and Blaenau Gwent Division is responsible for cases in north Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent and surrounding districts.

Trained volunteer caseworkers offer practical, financial or emotional support, including offering friendly advice on personal affairs, accessing financial assistance or assessing the need for special equipment for those with disabilities. A spokesperson for the division said: ’The work we do is limitless in its variety’

A two day training course is provided for volunteers who have completed their induction programme which includes two visits with an experienced caseworker to see clients.

Volunteering for SSAFA is a great way to give something back to your local Armed Forces community and meet new people. A military background is not necessary, but life experience, motivation and enthusiasm are essential.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Every year our staff and team of volunteers help more than 73,000 people, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts.

To find out more about how you can support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, visit www.ssafa.org.uk and click on Volunteer.

You can also contact Trevor Scott (SSAFA Divisional Secretary Abergavenny and Blaenau Gwent) on 01873 855310 or by e-mail on [email protected]

If you know of an individual or a family who is eligible and in need of assistance contact SSAFA Gwent on 01633 246269 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 am to 11 am) or on [email protected].