The Association’s Constitution states that one of the objects is ‘to relieve members or former members of the Regiment or their dependants who are in need by virtue of hardship, sickness or old age’.
In recent years we have found that there has been a significant increase in members with medical conditions that have become more acute given long NHS waiting lists. This can be devastating both mentally and physically. We utilise the help of our own ‘medical advisor’ who is available to advise and recommend private consultants and surgeons to speed up treatment. In addition, we also have helped our members with post operation needs such as physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
Though medical welfare is by far our largest area of funding we also support in the area of social welfare. The type of support given is varied and ranges from helping with utility bills, general maintenance, purchase of household items and white goods. We also help with the purchase of disabled scooters, wheelchairs, stair lifts, walk in showers, household repairs, decorating and the purchase of carpets. We have also paid for members to have holidays and respite care. These are just some of the examples of the help and support the SAS Regimental Association gives to over 170 welfare cases (on average) each year.
We are fortunate that we can contribute and/or fully fund these activities given the generosity of donors and benefactors and many years of skilful management of our financial assets.
66% of income is spent on charitable activities, and 55% is spent directly on welfare.
There have been over 140 welfare cases this financial year to date, of which 25 are mental health cases