196. SSAFA, Old Bailey, 30 May 2024


Livery Masters and clerks were invited to a reception hosted by Sheriff Bronek Masojada in support of SSAFA (previously known as the Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association), the armed forces charity. They support regulars, reserves, veterans and their families.

The evening was introduced by Bronek - the Old Bailey is home to the Sheriffs and their families.  He observed that the Old Bailey is one of the most popular “must see” sights in London, although many never want to see the inside of the building. It is a fascinating building inside a very austere façade.

We then heard about the work of the charity which is increasingly tackling mental health not only in ex service personnel but also in their families. They currently help more than 59,000 every year.  They provide a help line and temporary accommodation for injured, wounded and seriously sick personnel.

While the armed forces are a family, often individual service personnel, ex-service personnel and their families can feel isolated.  Individual cases included an ex-serviceman who was suffering from bad memories of war which were destroying his mental health and his relationship with his family, hurting them as well. SSAFA provided practical and mental health support such that he was able to rebuild his life.

Another case was from a family who tragically lost their son who took his own life. They were helped with support for their other children and themselves.


It was a very moving evening.  I was pleased to share it with fellow Masters.

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