Support groups for bereaved families
SSAFA offers three support groups, providing events which facilitate peer support, a safe space to grieve and an opportunity for respite.
Being in a group, able to express my feelings and hear others' experiences was like a release.
- Support Group Participant
SSAFA's support groups provide a network of people who have been through a similar tragedy, giving you the opportunity to talk though your emotions with an understanding compassionate group.
Each support group runs one or two day events throughout the year, where beneficiaries can meet up together and receive peer-to-peer support, facilitated in a safe environment.
Bereaved Support Group
This group is for anyone in the family unit (18+) who has suffered a bereavement of a veteran or Serving Armed Forces Personnel.
Military Families Affected by Suicide
For anyone in the family unit (18+) who have been affected by the loss of a loved one through suicide of a veteran or Serving Armed Forces Personnel.
Families of Wounded Injured and Sick Personnel
The FISP support group is for a spouse/partner/parent or carer (18+) of Armed Forces personnel who have been wounded or suffered an injury, or sickness.
Covid-19 Update: At the moment we are still running online information sessions. Please see below for dates for 2022 and use the contact form below to register your interest or email supportgroups@ssafa.org.uk.
2022 Dates:
Please make a note of the session dates for 2022.
29 January – group session for members of all three support groups – online
2-3 April – Military Families Affected by Suicide group – face to face
18 June – group session for members of all three support groups – online
24-25 September – Bereaved Support Group – face to face
5 November – group session for members of all three support groups – online
Please note that SSAFA's services are only available to people who have received at least one day's pay from the Armed Forces (British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, including Reserves), or are in the immediate family of someone who served.