SSAFA’s South West team wins Sir James Gildea global award

A team that quietly props up serving personnel, veterans, and their families across the South West, Cornwall included, has been singled out for one of SSAFA’s highest honours. The recognition came with a link back to the charity’s own beginnings in 1885.

The award

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has recognised its South West Regional Team with the Sir James Gildea Global Staff Award for its passion, dedication, and commitment to those it supports.

The award was presented at the Victory Services Club during SSAFA’s Annual General Meeting and recognises exceptional contributions to the charity’s work and values. This year’s presentations carried a special link to SSAFA’s history, with the awards made by Sir James Gildea’s descendants, Edward Gildea and David Santa-Olalla DSO MC.

The team behind it

The South West Regional Team includes Rachel Harris, Pippa Weaver, Laura Lewin, Alex Swinard, Cassie Feltham, Victoria Rieger, Brigitte Kuipers, Rachel Mobbs, Stef Quarman, Pippa Gregory, and Naomi Nicholson, who between them cover a broad range of disciplines and services.

Some members have serving experience, family connections to service, and lived experience of SSAFA’s help. Together they support volunteers and beneficiaries across the region, bringing professional expertise alongside a deeply personal understanding of the Armed Forces community.

For one team member, SSAFA was there after her husband was injured in action. That support later inspired her to join the charity herself, a reminder that behind the team’s work are people who know, personally, what the right help at the right time can mean.

That human understanding sits at the heart of the team’s work, helping people in the Armed Forces community access timely, compassionate support when they need it most.

In their words

Victoria Rieger, speaking for her colleagues, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award. It means a great deal not just to me, but to the whole team and the dedicated volunteers we work alongside every day.

“This recognition reflects the compassion, commitment, and professionalism that everyone brings to supporting our beneficiaries. Seeing the positive difference our support makes to people’s lives is what drives us. To have that recognised in this way is incredibly special, and we are so proud of what we achieve together as a team.”

For the team that means helping people through difficult moments, connecting them with the right support, and making sure no-one feels they must face challenges alone.

Victoria added: “We’re incredibly proud of the volunteers in the South West region who give their time, energy, and compassion to support others, reaching those within local communities to reach those who might otherwise go unnoticed.

“We know it can be really difficult to ask for help, but we always encourage anyone in the Armed Forces community, serving or retired, reserves or regulars and, crucially, their families, who is struggling not to hesitate to pick up the phone and reach out. There’s support available, and you’ll always be listened to by a member of our team without judgement.”

Where to find help

SSAFA has one aim, to make sure that no-one in the Armed Forces family ever battles alone. Its trained teams of volunteers and employees help nearly 51,000 people a year, including veterans, serving personnel across regulars and reserves, and their families. The charity has provided welfare and wellbeing support tailored to the Armed Forces community since 1885.

Anyone who wants to learn more about SSAFA in their region, whether as a potential volunteer, beneficiary, or fundraiser, can search for “SSAFA near me” or visit the SSAFA website.

📷©SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. The South West Regional Team with David Santa-Olalla (left) and Edward Gildea (right).