SSAFA Perth & Kinross

We are the Perth & Kinross branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. Founded in 1885, we’re extremely proud of our long-standing heritage and of all the work we do with inspiring people from Perth & Kinross, across the UK and around the world.

SSAFA Perth & Kinross has an office at 7 Scots Headquarters, Queens Barracks, 131 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5BT, staffed by volunteers each Tuesday, 10.00-15.00 and by appointment on Fridays. Please call ahead to make an appointment on 07594 650900.

 

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Contact branch

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 09:30-17:00

Telephone number: 0141 488 8552

If you need urgent help, you can contact Forcesline on

0800 260 6767

Or talk to our Forcesline advisors online with our new live chat service.

Live Chat

We are open 09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday.

Meet the team

The team at SSAFA Perth & Kinross 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 Perth & Kinross, we have a variety of different personalities that together make our team so special.

Adrian Freer

Branch President

Adrian was a career soldier in the Parachute Regiment, and fought in the battle for Mt Longdon with 3 PARA in the Falkland Islands in 1982. Adrian went on to become a distinguished army commander in Kosovo and Africa, as a Major General, and was awarded an OBE. Adrian is a very keen golfer, and lives near Perth.

Andy Middlemiss

Branch Chair

Andy is a 4th generation soldier and served in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers for 33 years, in postings all over the world. Andy has worked as a volunteer for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity for over 20 years. He was awarded a BEM in 2021 for this work. His eldest son is a serving Scots Guards Officer, with Iraq and Afghanistan tours behind him.

Angela Watson

Branch Secretary

With a background in administration and office management, along with workforce wellbeing and casework, Angela joined SSAFA in 2018 becoming a caseworker in 2019. She found out about SSAFA and was inspired to volunteer after talking to a member of the Armed Forces at a Mental Health First Aid course, whilst volunteering for the NHS as a Community Connector. Angela took on the role of Branch Secretary in 2020 and is also a Prison In Reach Lead Caseworker.

Phil Ward

Branch Treasurer

Phil joined the Army in September 1981, rising through the ranks to WO1 and then commissioning in the AGC in 2000. Phil served as the Regimental Administrative Officer (RAO) with the Royal Regt of Fusiliers, 1 SCOTS and now 7 SCOTS. He became the treasurer of the Perth and Kinross Branch to use his skillset assisting the volunteers of the Branch supporting the clients in the local area.

Steve Roworth

Casework Manager

Steve joined SSAFA in 2011, becoming a Caseworker with Perth and Kinross Branch in 2013. In 2019 he assumed responsibility for Casework Management in the Branch. Steve Joined The Royal Regiment of Artillery in 1976, and had a long career, serving in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus with the UN, Iraq and Afghanistan. He retired with the rank of Major in 2012, and now lives on the South Shore of Loch Rannoch with his wife Tricia. He is a keen walker and conservationist and works part time for the Loch Rannoch Conservation Association as their Senior warden. In 2022 Steve was the recipient of the prestigious Global Sir John Gildea Award, of which he is justifiably proud.

Brian ‘Spats’ Baxter

Branch Fundraising Manager

Brian joined the Army in 1979 and served for 24 years and 99 days with the 1st Bn The Black Watch, leaving in the rank of Warrant Officer. In 2005, Brian was awarded a Queen’s Commission with the 51st Highland Volunteer Bn. He went “full time” again on an FTRS assignment as RCMO 7 SCOTS and has been with this unit since Feb 2013. He finally “hangs up” the green clothing in July 2023, having served Queen and Country for over 42 years! Brian has been with SSAFA Perth & Kinross for the last 12 years, initially as a Caseworker but then took up the role of Branch Fundraising Manager. At the young age of 59, Brian regularly runs marathons in aid of SSAFA and other charitable organisations.

Craig Dobney

Padre

Craig joined the RAF in 1984 as an Avionics Engineer. He served 22 years including active service in both Gulf Wars and travel to many parts of the world. In 2006 Craig joined Air Service Training in Perth, initially lecturing aircraft engineering then as Senior Manager, before following his call to the Ministry after a discernment period in late 2015. He graduated from Open University with a business degree in 2015 and graduated from New College, Edinburgh with a Divinity degree in 2019. In the 90s and 00s Craig was a club and radio DJ in his spare time and a lead singer in a rock band. He is a keen golfer and a Raith Rovers season ticket holder, and in 2010 he won an episode of The Weakest Link!

Volunteer with us

We love what we do. The sense of pride you get when you know you’ve helped someone get their independence and dignity back is extraordinary. Through volunteering for SSAFA Perth & Kinross, you’ll have the chance to meet some truly inspiring people, with stories you’ll never forget. You’ll also gain new skills and experiences, but most importantly, you’ll make a difference in the lives of those who have dedicated their lives, often at great sacrifice, to protect and serve our country.

Available roles