Ultrathought

Serving personnel in the Armed Forces often forego many of the normal rights and freedoms enjoyed by those outside of the Military. In light of this they should be able to expect fair treatment, to be valued and respected as individuals, and that they (and their families) will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service. This forms the basis of the Military Covenant, an agreement that the government consistently fails to uphold; the recent spate of conflicts in the Middle East has highlighted many of the shortfalls in the care and rehabilitation of our troops. There are however many independent organisations that are working overtime to fill the charitable gap.

Founded in 1921, the British Legion is the organisation most readily associated with forces support. They provide financial, social and emotional support to to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants. One of their current campaigns is Broken Covenant.
Support the British Legion.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help is the leading national charity committed to helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve, and the families of both. They spearheaded the recent campaign to acquire temporary accommodation for the families of those injured personnel being treated at Headley Court, as reported in this item.
Support SSAFA.

New Charity Help For Heroes was the idea of Appeal Chairman Bryn Parry and a group of friends and relations, many of who have connections with serving servicemen and women. They have organised the Big Battlefield Bike Ride event scheduled for 2008 and fundraising for other initiatives including the building of a new gym and swimming pool at Headley Court.
Support Help for Heroes.

The British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Associations (BLESMA) welfare Service is assisted by 36 Branches throughout the United Kingdom, manned by individuals all of whom give their services voluntarily, and work to ensure that no service limbless or immediate dependants shall needlessly suffer additional anxiety or hardship.
Support Blesma.

Support Our Soldiers aim is to provide support for our serving men and women, and their families at home. They do this in every practical way possible – writing to deployed personnel, sending care packages, responding to current needs and by being there when needed.
Support SOS.

There are of course, many other worthy forces charities and organisations, including the Army Benevolent Fund, Combat Stress, the British Armed Forces Federation, Royal Navy Charities, Royal Air Forces Association, Airborne Forces Charities, Royal Marines Benevolent Fund, Yellow Ribbon Foundation and Supporting our Troops. Additionally, check here for a larger list. For the ones that I have missed, I sincerely apologise. Please add by the way of comments.

Finally, remember to write to your local MP. They work for you .

[tags]Military Covenant, forces charities, support our troops[/tags]