Landmarc announced an official partnership with Armed Forces charity, SSAFA, cementing its commitment to supporting veterans as they transition into civilian life.

SSAFA is a nationwide charity that exists to provide direct support to serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families who are in need of physical or emotional care. SSAFA understand that many problems only become apparent when an individual has to leave their life in the Forces and is committed to helping the community overcome these problems and help rebuild their lives.

Landmarc, which supports safe, sustainable training solutions for the Armed Forces on the UK Defence Training Estate, has been an active supporter of SSAFA since 2019. Landmarc employees have organised and taken part in a number of fundraising events and the company is also a main sponsor of SSAFA’s Wellbeing Conference for its mentoring service volunteers.

Over 25 per cent of Landmarc’s employees are made up of personnel with an Armed Forces background, this includes veterans, reservists, their families and those who support the cadets. Two of which are Training Area Operatives’ Paul Biggin and Martyn Hutton, both veterans who have benefited from SSAFA’s support since leaving the forces.

Martyn Hutton commented: “During the process of being medically discharged from HM Armed Forces, I reached out to SSAFA with regards to seeking assistance. A case worker kindly secured the purchase of an orthopaedic adjustable bed and adjustable/recliner sitting room chair and footstool.

“Their support was unwavering and my case worker really recognised my needs and ensured they were met swiftly. SSAFA were completely empathetic throughout the whole process and I felt that they were totally on my side throughout my discharge.”

Paul Biggin, added: “My experience with SSAFA was back in 1998, when I found myself in difficulties in more ways than I can mention. SSAFA were extremely supportive and understanding, and they were instrumental in helping me find my way again.”

Managing Director at Landmarc, Mark Neill, continued: “Recently Landmarc has been awarded a £560m contract by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which allows us to continue to manage the land on which thousands of Armed Forces personnel train. On the back of this, we have pledged our continued support to SSAFA for the duration of the seven-year contract. This is something we are very proud to do – as a company that strives to support the day-to-day work of the Armed Forces and aims to continue that support even after they leave, SSAFA is a charity that is very close to all our hearts.”

Colonel Stephen Oxlade, a Trustee of SSAFA and late the Gloucestershire Regiment, recently visited Landmarc’s HQ at Westdown Camp, Wiltshire to observe Armed Forces Day with the company.

Commenting on the renewed partnership with Landmarc, Col Oxlade said: “The journey from a Forces’ life into the civilian world presents challenges as any major life and career change might. 

“However, the funding provided by Landmarc to SSAFA and in turn to support service leavers such as Paul and Martyn – clearly makes a real and practical difference to serving men and women as they leave the Armed Forces, and I am delighted that our long-standing relationship with Landmarc will continue.”

(Source: Landmarc)