‘It becomes a way of life’: SSAFA volunteer Mark honoured for decades of service
14 August 2026A huge thank you to veteran Mark Macarte for his incredible 38 years of dedicated volunteering with SSAFA.
Do you need our support?
We are SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, supporting our Armed Forces and their families, across France.
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force and their families, both Regulars, Reserves, and National Service is eligible for their help. There are branches in many cities and counties in the UK.
There is also a branch in France; SSAFA France was set up locally in Castillonnes, Lot-et-Garonne, in 2004. It is now active throughout France and our aim is to assist current and former members of HM Forces and their families in their time of need. We divide France into three divisions, each with a Division Secretary: North down to the Loire, Centre down to the Dordogne and South to the Mediterranean.
We have more than 40 caseworkers who visit beneficiaries and locate funds as needed. There are visitors who assist with case visits, and helpers who assist at local events and fund-raising. There is training for caseworkers and visitors. Some of this is residential in London, and the remainder on-line. We always need people to join our team of volunteers.
Thank you for getting in touch with SSAFA France. Someone should be in contact soon.
Opening times: We do not have an office, and coordinate our France-wide group of caseworkers and visitors remotely. Due to the current Covid situation some of our client's follow-up may initially be remotely using phone/email. You can reach us via the contact details below.
Telephone number: 33 0392 250504
We are open 09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Thursday, and 09:00 - 16:00 on Friday.
A huge thank you to veteran Mark Macarte for his incredible 38 years of dedicated volunteering with SSAFA.
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The ABF's grant provides important financial support to the Armed Forces community, delivered through SSAFA's caseworker volunteers.
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