HELP AT HAND

IT is important to remember that, behind the political arguments of British military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, our Armed Forces are made up of individuals.

As we approach the time of Remembrance, we should consider the families living with the grief of having lost a loved one in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Other servicemen and women have returned with physical or mental injuries that they must overcome in order to make a new start in the civilian world.

SSAFA Forces Help - the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - is an independent military charity which supports those who serve, or have served, in our Armed Forces, and their families. We are working harder than ever to meet the needs of those who have recently returned from operations. The work of SSAFA Forces Help Sedgefield Division is carried out by trained volunteers who try to help make life better for an individual or family in need, assisting with all manner of emotional, financial and practical needs.

To contact the the branch, either for assistance, or to learn more about volunteering, call 01388-818237 or visit ww.ssafa.org.uk. - Colin Watson, SSAFA Forces Help, PO Box 33, Spennymoor

CARELINK

I HAVE been interested in the Carelink alarm service for vulnerable and elderly people since 1987, and I would like to assure users that it is still a good service, with a good safety record.

However, funding for the service has been reduced since 2003-04, and its new criteria mean that warden visits have been reduced to once a quarter.

Some elderly users have complained to me and now have to pay for a more regular visit.

Surely, the Government could provide the Carelink service free for users aged over 75, whether they live in private or social housing.

Services for the elderly should be given priority funding and not be subject to cuts. - Councillor Ben Ord, Liberal Democrat, Sedgefield Borough Council.