The UK’s oldest military charity, SSAFA, is in good heart and continues to serve the service and ex-service community across the county.

At the annual meeting for Wiltshire branch, a state of the nation presentation revealed that the need for its services was as great as ever, but the branch continued to meet that need and was going from strength to strength.

The branch has some 120 volunteers across the county, with Salisbury Division having 15 volunteer caseworkers.

Financial hardship was the core problem in some 80 per cent of cases that were dealt with last year, with more than £240,000 of funds sourced and distributed to clients during the year.

Salisbury division dealt with 50 cases and distributed £34,000 of funds to people in need. Every member of SSAFA in Wiltshire is a volunteer and gives their time, energy and expertise freely.

SSAFA is a charity that does whatever it takes to get things done. It provides practical support and assistance to servicemen and women, veterans, and the families of both, every single day of the year.

There will be a flag day in Salisbury on Saturday, May 17; if you see us out and about in town, please give generously to help us continue our work.