SSAFA, the UK’s oldest Armed Forces charity, is urgently calling for new volunteers to support veterans in Surrey who are feeling lonely and isolated.

The latest research by SSAFA has found that more than two in five (41 per cent) British Armed Forces veterans surveyed, aged 25 to 45, have felt lonely, isolated, or suicidal since leaving the Armed Forces - with one in five (22 per cent) veterans stating that they would feel less lonely if they had a stronger support group.

In a bid to meet this need and ensure no veteran’s call goes unanswered, the SSAFA Surrey branch is urgently appealing to local residents to join its network of dedicated volunteers and provide support for the Armed Forces community.

In particular, the SSAFA Surrey branch is looking to recruit a new branch treasurer and secretary to help continue its vital work with veterans and their families in Surrey.  

A military background is not necessary, but life experience, motivation and enthusiasm are essential.  

Christine Cribb, head of volunteering at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said: “Our research has highlighted just how many veterans are feeling lonely and isolated during that pivotal transition to civilian life.

“After all they have given us, we feel it is our duty to make sure that every veteran receives the help and support they need during this time.”

Anyone interested in joining the SSAFA Surrey branch team can find more information online at www.ssafa.org.uk/newrecruits or by calling 0800 032 5612.