HIVE Information centres support the chain of command and Tri-service communities through the provision of up to date and relevant information.

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help was founded in 1885 and is the national charity helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve, and the families of both.

Each year SSAFA provides a reliable, caring and trusted service to more than 50,000 people through a network of professionally trained staff and volunteers.

The eleven SSAFA In Service Committees across Western Europe provide assistance and support to serving men, women and their families as well as contributing to community projects.  Made up entirely of volunteers, the Committees meet regularly to discuss applications for funding or other matters of concern for the local community.  Every year they collectively raise and spend tens of thousands of Euros on a variety of local projects and offer financial assistance to many families in times of need.

The Volunteer Projects Office based at JHQ, Rheindahlen offers advice and support to the In Service Committees and organises several big events during the year such as the Young Achiever Awards which recognises the outstanding achievements of young people in Western Europe; the annual Holiday for Children with Additional Needs; the Service Volunteer Awards which recognises the contributions of SSAFA and Victim Support Volunteers to the community and it also coordinates the publicity for the Big Brew Up fundraising events in the autumn.

The Volunteer Projects Office also coordinates the Carer Support Scheme through which trained Volunteers offer respite care to children of families where at least one person has an additional need or disability.

If you would like further information on any of the services SSAFA Forces Help can provide, or if you are interested in becoming a SSAFA Volunteer, please call JHQ Mil 72 3392 or 02161 472 3392 or email bfgvpo@ssafa.org.uk.

Further services offered by SSAFA Forces Help:

Family Escort Service
The Family Escort Service provides help (usually free) to Service families and their dependants who are travelling to, from and within the UK by air, rail or ferry.  It is intended to help those with compassionate needs.  However, if you are travelling with young children and luggage and dread the thought of negotiating public transport systems, help may be available.  For more information, please contact the SSAFA Forces Help Central Office on +44 (0) 207 463 9249.  Please note that this service cannot be used for children going to and from school.

Stepping Stones Homes
Situated in the UK, these homes provide temporary accommodation to separated wives and children of serving and ex-serving personnel who are likely to become homeless, be evicted, have nowhere to go or are in need of emergency accommodation.  The homes, located in Tyne and Wear and NW London, are fully equipped and can accommodate families for as long as they need to get themselves back on their feet.  The homes are run by fully trained staff who can offer practical support and advice during the search for a new home and help families to adjust back into civilian life.

Women should contact their Unit Welfare Office, BFSWS Social Worker, Army Welfare Service or SSAFA Forces Help Central Office.  The Unit normally pays for the transport to a Stepping Stones Home from Germany.  For a dvd and information leaflet, please call JHQ Mil 72 3392 or 02161 472 3392.  For detailed queries, please contact SSAFA Forces Help Central Office on +44 (0) 207 403 8783 and ask for the Welfare Department.

Please note, Stepping Stones Homes are only open to the wives of British military personnel. Wives of Foreign and Commonwealth military personnel , and serving Foreign and Commonwealth military females, may be eligible to the temporary accommodation offered under this scheme, but each case will assessed individually due to recourse to public funds in the UK.
Single serving females and partners with children with a serving parent are eligible.  British wives of MOD employees may be eligible for help depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

Norton Homes
Run by teams of dedicated, trained staff, SSAFA Norton Homes give families the time and space to come to terms with difficult choices and start to look towards the future together.

SSAFA Norton House, Selly Oak – Families arriving at Selly Oak are often coming to terms with the news of serious or life-threatening injury to a loved one. Our six-bedroom house will provide a safe and supportive environment, close to the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, where both their practical and emotional needs will be met.

SSAFA Norton House, Headley Court – Patients can spend many weeks and months undergoing treatment at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, placing a huge strain on their families. Our spacious six-bedroom home is fully accessible to the disabled and allows injured servicemen and women to visit their relatives and spend quality time with them. 

SSAFA Forces Help Confidential Support Line
This help line provides support and options for Armed Service Personnel and their families and offers advice and assistance to those wishing to discuss problems with an independent, non-military advisor.  From depression, bullying and debt to bereavement, drugs, and relationship breakdown, our operators are trained by specialists to provide a skilled listening service outside the chain of command and to offer callers a menu of options.

The Confidential Support Line is open from 1030-2230 (UK local time) 365 days a year can be reached from Germany by dialling 0800 1827 395.  There is also a confidential email facility which can be accessed via www.ssafa.org.uk.  Free phone lines also operate from Cyprus, Bosnia and the UK.