AN ARMED forces charity is desperate for volunteers after receiving an overwhelming amount of requests for support from servicemen and women.
The SSAFA is appealing for residents across the county to donate their time after data showed an 11 per cent increase in demand in Worcestershire between 2014 and 2015. The need for home visits has also increased by 196 per cent in the last two years.
The organisation works to adapt homes for servicemen and women injured during duty, raise rent for unemployed young veterans and those struggling to adapt to life after the military, provide company for elderly veterans and support with issues of homelessness, marriage breakdown and mental health problems.
Sue Pillar, SSAFA director of volunteer operations and former army Lt Col, said: “In Worcestershire not only have we seen the needs of the local armed forces community increase significantly, but their welfare needs have become more complex.
“As a result we desperately need more local volunteers to help our local armed forces community.
“SSAFA predicts the welfare needs of this community will continue to grow as Second World War veterans are now well into their 90s.
“At the same time, the impact of recent conflicts on our younger veterans and their families continues to reveal itself.
“If we take a moment to think about the courage shown and the sacrifices made by our armed forces whilst serving our country, it is shocking we still see veterans of all ages, and their families, struggling.
For more information or to volunteer visit www.ssafa.org.uk/newrecruits or call 0845 658 1167.
