News

Latest

Past Year and the Year to come.

2008 saw the formation of ‘PAFFA’, just an idea from the thought that ‘we can’t be the only ones’. Months of worry, dread and feeling isolated led to that point. The will and desire to do something positive was in us. To do something worthwhile for others in the same unique situation was the aim. Quite what, we were not really sure, but did it anyway!
With the valuable support, advice and friendship of others, PAFFA slowly gained momentum. A small acorn has grown, not quite into an oak tree, but at least a sapling that has now established its roots.

In the past year PAFFA has attended five public events to raise awareness.

Sent several ‘Hugs in a Hamper’ to Police Staff who had family being sent on deployment.

With donations from across the force, sent six large cardboard boxes stuffed full of Christmas Gifts to Service Personnel in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Donated £100 to The Yellow Ribbon Foundation.

Donated £100 to Help for Heroes.

Developed a Website.

Adopted ‘Delta’ as our mascot.

Become a Limited (not for profit) Company.

Opened a Bank Account.

Made many new friends.

The Year Ahead

PAFFA aims this year to develop further our awareness campaign by attending public events such as The Force Families Day. PAFFA is also organising a Charity Skydive for the summer.

PAFFA aims to strengthen existing links to other related organisations and to forge new links.

There will be a progression towards becoming a national organisation, to include all Police Forces.

PAFFA will be supporting two Charities this year.

The first will be a Military Charity.

A meeting is being held in February with SSAFFA in London to propose that PAFFA supports their venture into providing accommodation for families that have a member of their family who is in Selly Oak Hospital due to injuries received in Iraq or Afghanistan. At the moment local B&B is all that is on offer. A Purpose built house is being built but will need to be equipped and made comfortable.

Their website is www.ssafa.org.uk

The second will be a Police Charity.
COPS (Care of Police Survivors) provides support for the families of Police Officers killed on duty.

COPS have their own website www.ukcops.org

PAFFA believes both these Charities are very worthwhile causes, close to all our hearts, and is in keeping with PAFFA’s own emphasis on ‘families’.

PAFFA is grateful for all the help and support it has received, both in its formation and on going activity.

To finish, an email recently received by PAFFA from a mother of a soldier serving in Afghanistan:-

"Hi Bob and Margaret, have looked at website earlier and printed off copy of The Ode. Found it immensely moving and DID cry! Thank you both so much for phoning me last night, it really has helped to talk to someone who understands!!
Had a great big hug from Paffa! So many thanks to your bro' Dave for bringing that round to me. Was very tearful this morning, thinking about James and everybody! Been good, but Xmas Eve an' all, you know what I mean! Loads of people lighting candles 2.00pm tomorrow
Keep in touch and prayers for all of them."
Wendy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Finally..... Bob and Margaret are proud to announce that Daughter Laura has received a hard earned Commendation in the New Year (Defence) Honours List for Meritorious Service, including help she has given in setting up PAFFA. Well done.

PAFFA JAN 2009