ON Saturday, June 30 the nation celebrates the commitment and dedication of our service people with Armed Forces Day.

This annual event is a time for us to think about the work of the men and women who serve in our forces but we should also remember that behind them stand the parents, partners and families of our sailors, soldiers and airmen.

These men, women and children are sometimes forgotten but they too share many of the uncertainties of service life, and have others of their own.

The Devon branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families' Association (SSAFA) Forces Help supports not only our service personnel, past and present, but also their families and dependents.

SSAFA seeks to find ways to help where there is a genuine need. This can be anything from support for a mother whose son has been seriously injured in conflict, to providing a new television for the elderly widow of a Korean War veteran.

It just takes one day's service to be eligible and that includes anyone who undertook National Service and their wives or widows. Local SSAFA Caseworkers will be present in Tavistock Pannier Market on Saturday, June 30 if you want to know more about what we do.

If you or someone you know in West Devon has served in the forces or has a service connection and needs help, then the local branch of SSAFA is here to assist. We can be contacted through our Exeter office on 01392 254611.

Alan Johnson

West Devon Division

SSAFA Forces Help