Merged branch will provide even better wraparound care for military community in area.
Following the successful merger late last year of the Mid-Glamorgan, Cardiff, and Gwent branches of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, the newly formed South East Wales branch enjoyed its inaugural meeting on March 24.
Held at Raglan Barracks in Newport, the well-attended meeting was the first opportunity for all the branch volunteers to come together face-to-face following the three-branch merger and was especially important as many of the volunteers from the separate branches had not before met.
Trevor Scott, the Chair of SSAFA South East Wales, addressed the new branch thanking all volunteers for their continued work for serving personnel and veterans – regulars and reserves – and their families, just as SSAFA has done for nearly 140 years.
Among others there were the SSAFA Wales Regional Operations Support Manager Steven Boswell, staff from SSAFA HQ, and guests from the local Armed Forces community and the local authority.
James Powell, the Branch Fundraising Coordinator, said:
“This was a fantastic opportunity for all branch volunteers to meet each other following our merger last year, bringing us closer together meaning we can provide even better wraparound SSAFA support to those that need it in the Armed Forces’ community in the area.”
The next event public event for SSAFA South East Wales is an Easter-themed Big Brew Up on Saturday, April 8 at Tŷ Price St Thomas’ Community Hall in Monmouth, which will be a chance not only to savour some delicious cakes, but also an opportunity to learn more about SSAFA, its work since 1885, and how to volunteer.
The Big Brew Up runs from 9.30am to midday. Entry is free, and cakes and other refreshments will be available to buy with proceeds going to SSAFA.
For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk/south-east-wales.
