I find it quite emotional when I walk into a supermarket and there are x forces highlighting how many of our military men and ladies are homeless or are suffering for many reasons, how on earth does this happen? I appreciate this is nothing new but hopefully you will help me raise some money to support the “SSAFS” (Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association)

The SSAFS covers both regulars and reserves in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force and their families, including anyone who has completed National Service.

Recent research shows that service leavers aged 25-64 need more specialised support. The challenges they face are complex – from low income to life-changing injuries or hidden wounds, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

SSAFA helps the armed forces community in a number of ways, though our focus is on providing direct support to individuals in need of physical or emotional care.

Addiction, relationship breakdown, debt, homelessness, post-traumatic stress, depression and disability are all issues that can affect our members of our Armed Forces community. Many of these problems only become apparent when an individual has to leave their life in the Forces and join ‘Civvy Street’. SSAFA is committed to helping our brave men and women overcome these problems, and rebuild their lives.

Thank you for reading and let’s hope it is not a windy day on 26th September!