There is a SSAFA presence throughout the serving community, both in the UK and overseas. In many areas SSAFA has Serving Community Teams which offer financial, practical, and emotional support to serving personnel and their families. Each team consists of a group of dedicated volunteers who make this possible. That’s where you come in, to help bring people together. Community Connection Champions plan, organise and run events and activities to support those feeling lonely or socially isolated within the local serving community. By listening and responding to the needs of the community, you will develop groups which are interesting, engaging and available at times to suit all the community. Your unique local knowledge provides the best support.

• Creating, planning and facilitating events and activities that are well suited to your local serving community.
• Reaching out to those who are interested in attending activities. Providing support and encouragement for them to attend - including those who may face barriers in attending. Signposting attendees to external support as required.
• Recording and reporting on activities, which includes tracking attendance to show the impact the support has.
• Keeping in touch with other volunteers in your local Serving Community Team such as the Chair and Events and Fundraising Coordinator.
• Being an ambassador for SSAFA, building relationships with welfare providers to ensure they are aware of the support that SSAFA can provide.

• Friendly and approachable with effective communication skills.
• Empathy regarding the needs and challenges of the serving community. Experience of organising and running groups, activities, or events.
• Ability to travel to venues (out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed).
• IT skills; communicate online, access eLearning courses and update forms with event information.
• Non-judgemental approach in alignment with SSAFA’s values and BRAVE standards.
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA is committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

• Give back to the Armed Forces community.
• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others, and highlight these in your CV and in job interviews.
• Become part of the SSAFA community and build networks across the serving community and local area.
• Receive support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.