Since COVID-19 outbreak and lock-down, calls and requests into the SSAFA  front-line staff for help have increased dramatically, especially from those who are older, who have health problems, who are on low income or self-employed and who are at the greatest risk of harm. The response to this crisis is the SSAFA Emergency Response Fund (ERF). SSAFA's mission is to do whatever they can, for as long as they can, to ensure that all veterans, serving personnel, and their families' access and receive the assistance they urgently need - at this time more than any other. 

The ERF will prioritise support for the critical frontline services, ensuring they are able to help those impacted by COVID-19. Furthermore, the ERF will be used for those in need of financial assistance on basic living, heating and warm clothes, paying for bills, rent and food, by distributing vouchers or delivering food parcel, welfare and emotional help for those who have lost their jobs, are grieving or in crisis. Many of those who need help have fought battles on our behalf to protect our freedoms and liberties. With your help, SSAFA is here to support them to survive this battle with COVID-19. 

Alongside this, SSAFA is keeping as many of the residential facilities open as safely as possible including Gildea House, a refuge for women and children who are victims of domestic violence, Fisher House which supports the families of those in military hospital and currently offering additional housing for NHS staff based in Birmingham, and Queen Alexandra Court which provides independent living to over 70 elderly individuals. 

On Fri 24 Apr 20, I will be running a 10 mile solo social distancing run in aid of the SSAFA ERF, not only for a good cause but for a personal goal I have been working on the past few weeks, for wellness mindfulness and keeping motivated at this unprecedented time we are all going through. If you could donate a small amount for me to reach my goal that would be amazing and most importantly stay safe.