THIS Saturday marks Armed Forces Day – a time for the nation to celebrate those who serve our country.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity recently highlighted how little people know about the Forces community – 64 per cent of Brits don’t know what the Armed Forces do on a day-to-day basis, while 48 per cent do not know where our Armed Forces are currently based.

So, I would like to take time to give thanks to the incredible military community in your local area.

SSAFA has In-Service Committees at Blandford Garrison and at the Armour Centre, Bovington.

The committees are on-hand to provide practical, emotional and financial support to the members of the military community living and working in the area.

SSAFA has been supporting families in the area since the charity was set up in 1885 and is proud to still be doing so today.

If you would like to support your local military community this Armed Forces Day and beyond visit ssafa.org.uk

Whether you’d like to offer your time, your money or find out more about the work of SSAFA, your gesture of support will allow us to continue assisting the men and women working tirelessly to protect our country, when they are in need.

JULIE MCCARTHY

Director of Volunteer Operations at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity