THIS is the time of year when most of look forward to meeting up with friends and family, enjoying each other’s company and cherishing the time we have together.

However, there are those for whom the Christmas period brings high anxiety and stress, opening unseen wounds from times long gone.

I’m thinking particularly about those men and women from our Armed Forces community here in Herefordshire who for many reasons struggle at this time of year and feel the cold wind of isolation while the rest of us nestle in the comfort of our homes surrounded by loved ones.

Your readers may recall a letter you published on 2 November from the Coronation Street star Antony Cotton, one of SSAFA’s National Ambassadors, on the subject of veterans who

feel lonely and vulnerable. 

SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity is on hand to help those who serve and have served, and their families, every day of the year.

In Herefordshire we have a team of highly trained, dedicated case workers, many of whom have themselves served, and who understand the traumas of those damaged by conflicts long since forgotten.

We also understand that it is often the families of service personnel and veterans who carry an unseen burden; we are here to help them as well.

Should any serving military personnel, service veterans or their families need assistance from SSAFA they can contact us on 01432 273 932: the line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

TIM HOWSON

Air Commodore (Retired)

Chairman SSAFA Herefordshire