Yes Minister, it's a flag relay

09 June 2023

On Friday 2nd June, the Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer, Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs, joined SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, in kicking off the Armed Forces Day (24th June) celebrations in Launceston by greeting the Flag Relay.

The huge flag is being relayed throughout Cornwall, starting from Bodmin and ending in Falmouth, where there will be a huge Armed Forces celebration over the weekend of the 24th and 25th June.

Trish Allwood, veteran and SSAFA Branch Secretary, Cornwall said: “It was a delight to chat to Mr Mercer and the fellow serving and veteran community who attended the event in Launceston. We are all looking forward to Armed Forces Day later this month. It is so important to thank all our service men and women for their selfless dedication to our country.”

SSAFA will be recruiting volunteers at the Armed Forces day event in Falmouth, with Caseworkers needed for veterans throughout the county, and Community Connection Champions for those still in service required near garrisons and ports.

Trish said: “There is a high volume of veterans in Cornwall and we need to ensure that we have sufficient caseworkers in the county to be able to look after those of them who are in need.”

Community Connection Champions work with the serving community to alleviate loneliness and isolation. They run events which support those vulnerable to mental ill health and assist families and serving people to feel part of a community.

Each CCC has an allocated budget to help get events off the ground. You do not need to be connected to the Forces to apply for the CCC role and volunteers are fully supported, whether they be in isolated detachments or large garrisons.

For more information and to sign up visit: www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteer