SIR, At this time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving our nation.  Thankfully our Forces have recently returned home nevertheless, 453 British Service Personnel have lost their lives and hundreds have become wounded Warriors having sustained life-changing injuries in Afghanistan since 2001.

It is not just those on the frontline who are affected. Conflict can also have a devastating impact on those left at home – the mums, dads, wives, partners, children, brothers and sisters.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association (SSAFA) – Forces Help has been providing vital lifelong support to our servicemen and women and their families for over 128 years. From the elderly World War Two veteran with mobility problems, to soldiers seriously wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, SSAFA’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of our service community means we will always be there when we are needed.

The charity has two 'home-from-homes’ allowing seriously injured troops to spend much-needed quality time with their families and also runs family support groups for those coping with a sudden bereavement or coming to terms with life-changing injury to a loved one.

Our nationwide network of 7,000 trained volunteers is on hand to provide practical, financial and emotional support whenever anyone turns to us for help.

During the last century, British troops saw action in many different conflicts, from the National Service generation fighting in Korea to those who served during the troubles in Northern Ireland, the Falklands War and the campaigns in Bosnia and Kosovo, many veterans feel their sacrifices and those of their comrades have been forgotten.  The mental and physical scars of a conflict can last a long time after the battles have left the front pages.  The Borders Area Branch of SSAFA Forces Help provides a lifetime of support to servicemen and women and their dependants.  We’re here for them long after conflicts have become history.    If you think SSAFA Forces Help can assist you or someone you know, or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Borders Branch on 01361 883335 or visit www.ssafa.org.uk I am, etc.

Adrian Lucas Chairman Borders SSAFA Forces Help