RECENT publicity surrounding the announcement of awards to those in our armed forces brings sharply into focus the continuing need for a strong and effective military presence as conflicts around the world continue.
Of course, medals don’t pay household bills or put food on the table and when the adulation dies down these brave men and women return to their ‘day jobs’ with the possibility of facing extreme danger in the name of Queen and country.
Some will be affected – either physically or mentally – from the action they experience and there are many excellent organisations and charities here to support those in need.
One is SSAFA, marking its 130th anniversary this year. It was the only charity to support families in Herefordshire in the First World War. In 1914 alone the charity helped more than 1,700 people – 1.5% of the county’s population at that time.
Similarly in the Second World War, SSAFA helped local families of service personnel with practical support – including offering reduced-price potatoes at Sid Wright’s Bazaars in Hereford, Kington and Leominster.
Today our work continues and last year alone, volunteers offered a wide range of support to more than 90 individuals and families in the county distributing over £50,000 in financial help as well as other practical and emotional support.
SSAFA offers support to serving and former military personnel and the families of both. Along with the Royal British Legion, we also operate a drop-in Military Charities help desk, courtesy of Herefordshire Council at Franklin House in Here ford, open from 10am-2pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If you need help or know someone who might need assistance, or you would like to get involved with SSAFA, call 01432 273932, visit www.ssafa.org.uk or follow us on twitter @SSAFA_Hereford To slightly misquote the Irish philosopher Edmund Burke: “All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing.”
Luckily, we have good men – and women – prepared to do something and put their lives on the line. Let’s continue supporting them.
JOHN TOOLAN SSAFA – Herefordshire Cross Keys
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