SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families' Association), which pre-dates even the Royal British Legion by 30 years, was first founded in 1885 by Major James Gildea and was active during both world wars.

Established when the 2nd Expeditionary Force set sail for Egypt, SSAFA assisted the wives and families who had been left behind — and today that role is still fulfilled.

SSAFA provides lifelong advice and support for service men and women and veterans of all ages who are serving or who have ever served in the British Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force and their families.

Helping to spread the vital work undertaken by SSAFA and its many volunteers is Alan Johnson, a retired commander from the Royal Navy and divisional secretary for SSAFA West Devon.

Under the charity's values of 'commitment, practicality and understanding' it deals with some 35 cases in West Devon each year, by raising approximately £25,000 from the big service charities.

Grants raised have included help to improve domestic access and mobility arrangements for handicapped dependent family members of ex-service men; arranging to obtain an ex-husband's medals for a Royal Marine's widow; and help with furnishing and equipping accommodation for ex- soldiers and a Royal Marine.

'We want to let people know that we are here and we are here to serve,' said Alan.

'It has been 100 years since the beginning of the First World War, the 70th anniversary of VE day and SSAFA has been around for 130 years this year — we are the oldest.

'In 2014 we helped 34,000 people in the UK and to be eligible for practical help by SSAFA, people only have to have completed one day's service — we do what it takes to provide support in particular to our veterans.'

Alan added that the thousands of volunteers play a 'crucial' role into the delivery of services and raising funds nationwide.

Case worker Yorkie Malone, a former Royal Marine, is one of eight volunteers in West Devon for SSAFA. He decided to volunteer after the charity was able to help him and his wife Trish.

As a volunteer case worker Yorkie visits a person and assesses their situation, after which he will either raise money or help with the person's needs.

Yorkie, who has been a case worker for three years, said: 'I have helped at least half a dozen Army, Navy and Air Force personnel all within the West Devon area.

'The reason I'm doing it is SSAFA helped me and now I am helping to support them.'

SSAFA continually updates what it does to ensure it meets the changing needs of servicemen and women, veterans and their families.

SSAFA works in partnership with other military charities and specialist organisations to ensure that those who turn to the charity for help receive the support they need.

Alan said: 'SSAFA was first established in February 1885 as Soldiers' Sailors' Families Association (SSFA). as Major Gildea realised that there was no back up at home to provide support to wives and children when people went to war.

'SSAFA was called upon to ensure that families didn't suffer hardship. Maternity homes were even built by SSAFA before the First World War. During World War One SSAFA assisted a million people as there was no other organisation to do it.

'Today SSAFA helps 40,000 people in a year throughout the country with any kind of practical request, not just for men and women who are serving but also for the families and dependants.'

Trained branch volunteers support veterans and their families in the community.

There are more than 90 SSAFA branches across the UK and it also has branches in Ireland, France and Germany. Service volunteers work in army garrisons, RAF stations and naval establishments helping families to meet the unique challenges of military life.

'Whenever we are needed, we'll do whatever we can to help,' said Alan.

l A coffee morning to raise funds for SSAFA will be held on June 26. During the event will be a raffle, plant stall, cake stall and book sale. Please see forthcoming events listings on page 18 for more information.