In February 2015, Margarette had her third hip operation, which unfortunately was not the success they hoped for, leaving Margarette with hip pain and reduced mobility. Her husband John became her Carer. The Carers Association advised him to contact SSAFA, which he did.

A few days later, a SSAFA Caseworker, Mr Bob Scollick, an ex-Royal Marine, visited the house to see how SSAFA could be of help. Bob suggested that a stairlift might be considered in view of Margarette’s mobility issues and suggested that three quotes should be obtained in order Bob could begin to apply for funding.

During the application process, fund providers were approached, including……… the Royal British Legion RBL) and the Royal Airforce Benevolent Fund (RAFBF). As Mr Ward had served in the Royal Airforce, the RAFBF provided the main funding for the stairlift. The RAFBF Occupational Therapist also suggested a riser recliner chair would, which would benefit Margarette with support to her posture and help her stand up.

The stairlift was installed in December, and the installation required the repositioning of a power point and the replacement of the heater.

The stairlift is now in daily use and Margarette says “I feel the benefit of the stairlift every day. The pain in my hip is relieved as I go up and down the stairs. The new chair offers me good support and helps me stand up more easily. Before this we had no idea that this sort of help was available. I am very grateful to SSAFA, RAFBF, the NUJ for working together to make my life easier, Thank you so much.”

Mr Frank Green, a WW2 Veteran was invited by Melbourne RBL to attend their official opening ceremony at this years poppy appeal. Franks son contacted SSAFA for help with his fathers Care Home top up fees, our case worker raised just under £3,000 which will extend Franks time at Pool Cottage into the middle of next year and give him peace of mind.

When our Caseworker visited Mr Nash she found him living in mouldy, damp, inadequate accommodation which had aggravated his severe ill-health and depression. Caroline accompanied Mr Nash to the Council to sign up on the housing list and then they went on to a Housing Association. She realised that Mr Nash’s health issues would not improve and would continue to deteriorate in his current environment and that it was imperative he was re-housed as soon as possible.
After being offered a flat by the Housing Association Mr Nash needed to provide a deposit or else lose the offer. With SSAFA’s help this was resolved and Mr Nash was able to take up a tenancy. However, as his previous accommodation was partially furnished, Mr Nash was in need of various items of furniture and white goods.
With his Caseworker’s help, Mr Nash now has settled into his new flat, and Caroline has managed to fund carpets, cooker and fridge/freezer, chest of drawers and living room/bedroom curtains and a shower curtain. We wish Mr Nash better health for 2017 and that he is happy in his new flat.
SSAFA is always ready to listen – we can’t wave a magic wand, but with the dedication of our Volunteers, we do our very best for our clients.

The Children at Dot's Daycare Nursery - Erewash completed a sponsored walk and raised £200, well done everyone,and thank you

Both Mr and Mrs Hickey are over the moon with their newly fitted stair lift and told our caseworker how much of a difference its made to their lives.
Getting up and down the stairs had been a worry for both of them for some months now and Mr Hickey didn't know were to turn for help until he remembered SSAFA.