The recent GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) awards evening presented mixed emotions for the volunteers of the Gwent branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
The event was a celebration of the effort put in by volunteer caseworkers, but it also began the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one for the Armed Forces community the area as it heralded the merger of three local branches – Gwent, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, and Mid Glamorgan – into SSAFA South East Wales.
SSAFA Gwent caseworkers received the High Sheriff of Gwent award for
“… contributing in a meaningful way to their community”.
In a letter to the branch, Malgwyn Davies, the High Sheriff of Gwent, continued:
“You have been recognised for the work you do in helping to relieve need, suffering and distress amongst the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families… [You] are the lifeblood of SSAFA without whom the organisation could not exist.”
Trevor Scott, the then Gwent Branch Chair and now Chair of SSAFA South East Wales, commented:
“I’m immensely proud of Gwent’s casework team for the stalwart work they have done and to be awarded The High Sheriff of Gwent Award is an absolute honour for these five volunteers. It is a privilege to work alongside them.”
Trevor added that he is as enthused to work with a now larger team providing support to the Armed Forces family in the new SSAFA South East Wales Branch, saying:
“First, I must reassure veterans, serving personnel, and their families in the former three branches that we here in SSAFA South East Wales remain as committed as ever to supporting you when, where, and how you need it.
“The change to a larger regional branch means we have an even greater range of skilled and dedicated volunteers to help serving or retired military personnel, and their families.”
Trevor noted, however, that the branch is always keen to recruit new volunteers.
“Military experience is not a prerequisite for volunteering with SSAFA,” he began. “What are crucial, though, are empathy, a non-judgemental attitude, and the passion to help people through a tricky patch in their lives. A range of positions are available, so do get in contact with us.”
Whether looking to volunteer or to access support, contact SSAFA South East Wales by:
- visiting its website ssafa.org.uk/south-east-wales
- telephoning 029 2294 1004
- or emailing sewales.branch@ssafa.org.uk
