Live ChatFighting loneliness and isolation with the DCMS
04 December 2020
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers Ruth and Mike at SSAFA Durham, Wear Valley and Teesdale were working hard to improve the lives of many in the local military community, through regular social sessions and meetings.
However, the pandemic and lockdown restrictions meant that SSAFA had to postpone or cancel their social clubs in order to protect their beneficiaries and volunteers, as well as follow Government guidelines.
Earlier this year, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity were awarded a grant by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to help alleviate loneliness and isolation amongst the Armed Forces community during the Covid-19 outbreak and pandemic.
The SSAFA Durham, Wear Valley and Teesdale division used some of this funding to support the local Armed Forces community through activities, such as the SSAFA Break initiative.
The division began delivering fresh breakfast rolls to veterans in the local area though an initiative called SSAFA Break One in October. The division began working with volunteers, such as RAF Adult Cadets and from other organisations to help deliver the fresh rolls to veterans and their families.
Ruth, SSAFA Divisional Treasurer, said, “I think the main thing for our veterans is that someone cares for them. It’s a simple thing but it means a lot to them. Some of our veterans get really overwhelmed when they see us and receive their roll – it means a lot to them.”
SSAFA Break Two took place on the 30th October, with a total of 64 rolls delivered and eaten by members of the local Armed Forces community. SSAFA Break Three is due to take place on Friday 27th November.
The division continued to support the local Armed Forces community with another initiative titled, Operation Gala Bags, on Wednesday 11th November to coincide with Armistice Day. The division delivered bags filled with food, such as biscuits and cakes, to veterans and their families across the region.
Ruth continued, “These small gestures really mean a lot to our veterans. Some of them live alone, some of live with just one other person or have been shielding for months. This social interaction and a small gift means that someone is there and cares for them which means a lot during this difficult time.”
One of the recipients of the rolls was John, who served in the Royal Signals, and his wife, Pauline. They said: “The rolls arrived this morning and were excellent. Thank you very much to you and the delivery team for organising this. Something a little different to the norm during these dreadful times that are keeping us locked in at home.”
Another couple, Paul and Ruth, are both in their 50s and have recently undergone cancer treatment during lockdown. Paul served in the RAF and is also a SSAFA caseworker. They received a roll as part of the initiative and said: “Thank you for the buns that were delivered this morning. They were consumed with great efficiency as I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know.”
“I would like to thank you, SSAFA and everyone else involved. For primarily the thought, the funding and most of all, the effort that was put into this.”