The team at SSAFA Grampian is dedicated to helping veterans, service personnel, and their families, in the local community. Our commitment is to provide support with experienced, non-judgemental and friendly advice, as well as a variety of practical services that cover a range of emotional, practical and financial issues. We are proud to say that we help our Armed Forces family whenever they need us, for as long as they need us. Here at SSAFA Grampian, we have a variety of different personalities that together make our team so special.
Julie Silva
Branch Chair
Julie lived and worked in Suffolk from 1989 until 2021, where she was a history teacher for over 30 years, a job that she loved. In July 2021, Julie moved to St Cyrus, Aberdeenshire, a bold move that left her seeking a sense of purpose and longing to feel part of something. Julie decided to take on a voluntary role of Branch Secretary for SSAFA Grampian. This challenging, yet rewarding, role has given her the opportunity to meet fellow volunteers from the Grampian branch together with the wider Scotland network. In April 2024, Julie became Branch Chair.
Ranald Cameron
Branch Treasurer
Born and bred in Aberdeen, Ranald was involved with Aberdeen University OTC for 4 years, as a member of the pipe band. On graduation with a business studies degree, he moved to London to seek further opportunities, and carried on his involvement with pipe bands. His career focused more on financial work and he rose to company accountant for a builders firm when he made the decision to return to Aberdeen after 17 years. His work since then and up to retirement has been as a project accountant or company accountant.
Shirley Lumby
Branch Secretary
Shirley served 12 years in the Royal Air Force as a personnel administrator working in general office and as a squadron clerk on 111 squadron. During her time in the RAF, she spent time in RAF Akrotiri and served 4 months in the Falkland Islands. Upon leaving the RAF both her and her husband, who also served in the RAF, decided to relocate to Calgary, Alberta Canada. During the 10 years whilst living in Canada she held various accounting and administrative roles within private health care and oil & gas industries. Since returning to UK Shirley decided to become a volunteer for SSAFA, initially becoming branch administrator for SSAFA Grampian, and now branch secretary.
Eleanor Macleod
Caseworker
Ellie is a caseworker in the Grampian branch. She has many relatives serving or having served in the Armed Forces and joined SSAFA in 2022 to contribute to an important part of the forces support network. Originally from Perthshire, she has been living in Aberdeen for two years, where she works as a marine scientist for one of the Universities. Outside of work, besides being a volunteer, Ellie enjoys hillwalking, playing hockey and running.
Sheetal Gandhi
Digital Marketing Volunteer
Sheetal came to the UK in 2021 to pursue a masters degree in Birmingham, immersing herself in its vibrant and diverse culture. After successfully completing her masters, Sheetal joined SSAFA Grampian in 2022 as digital marketing volunteer, and she's enjoyed learning more of digital marketing, getting involved with local community and engaging with veterans and their families. In her downtime, Sheetal is an advocate for holistic well-being, often seeking solace in long walks and nature's beauty.
Jamie Yates
Caseworker
Jamie joined the branch in 2024 and is a current serving member in the RAF as mission aircrew alongside previous army service. With family connections to military going back to the 1970's Jamie felt SSAFA was a worthwhile cause to volunteer for. Originally from Yorkshire he now lives in the Scottish Highlands and enjoys the landscape by going hill walking and mountain biking.
Stacey Milne
Digital Marketing Volunteer
As a mature student Stacey really wanted to utilise her new-found skills to assist SSAFA in increasing their online presence. Finding a local charity whereby she can make a real impact makes it all worthwhile for Aberdeen-based Stacey. Despite not having a military background she felt the welcoming environment enabled her to feel part of the team. We cannot wait for Stacey to be part of SSAFA Grampians journey!
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