Listen: armed forces charity warns about financial hardship and food poverty

The rise in household living costs, including heating and rent, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a growing number of Armed Forces veterans and their families struggling to make ends meet – a leading charity warns.

Today SSAFA appeals for more members of the Armed Forces community to step forward to access the support they need. The charity has so far distributed more than £377,000 to help struggling members as financial hardship and food poverty becomes an increasingly alarming issue amongst serving personnel and veterans.

Throughout the crisis, SSAFA’s work to support those who are suffering financial hardship has been funded by a variety of donors, including the charity’s corporate partners, Boeing and Sodexo. In 2020, SSAFA’s Boeing Crisis Fund, directly helped 387 individuals and families, with over £60,500 being distributed to those most in need.

Aston spoke to Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA and former lieutenant general.