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If you would like to make a Donation below are some links to our donations page.

Thanks so much your donation will make a difference.

  1. One off donation of £5
  2. One off donation of £10
  3. One off donation of £15
  4. One off donation of £20

Options below are for a monthly direct debit:

  1. Make a donation of £10/month to SANDES
  2. Make a donation of £15/month to SANDES
  3. Make a donation of £20/month to SANDES
  4. Make a donation of £25/month to SANDES

ABOUT SANDES

Founded in 1869 Sandes serves the military community working with soldiers in centres located on military bases across the UK. These neutral, non-military spaces provide a home from home for soldiers and their families who can face incredible pressures and stressful working lives.

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LATEST NEWS

For such a time as this

For such a time as this

Jun 22, 2022

Since 1869 Sandes has been an integral part of the military community. Over the years we have...

Precious memories

Precious memories

Jun 22, 2022

By David Young. I recently returned to worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ after being in a...

Remembering Wendy

Remembering Wendy

Jun 21, 2022

Since 1869 Sandes has been an integral part of the military community. Over the years we have...

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Sandes Soldiers’ & Airmen’s Centres, Unit 7, 30 Island Street, Belfast BT4 1DH
Phone: 028 9050 0250 / Email: admin@sandes.org.uk
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Registered Charity No 250718 NI Reg 7273 /

ABOUT SANDES

Sandes is a highly respected Christian charity working to support those who serve in Armed Services and their families. The charity was started in 1869 by a young woman, Elise Sandes. She was deeply concerned for the welfare of English soldiers in her home town of Tralee who were scorned by civilian society. Recognising the temptations and loneliness of these men serving away from home, she went against the prejudice of her time offering them friendship and inviting them to meetings in her mother’s home.

She inspired many others to catch her vision. Starting with a coffee room in Tralee the work quickly developed and Sandes Homes were opened throughout Ireland and England. Elise used the phrase a ‘Home from Home’ to summarise her radical vision. The social, emotional and spiritual needs of soldiers were paramount and this was appreciated by the military command who warmly invited Sandes into their establishments. The work followed the Army overseas to South Africa, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Iceland and France. Elise became known as the ‘Mother of the British Army’.  Sandes was a sanctuary in the midst of the challenging military environment, where soldiers knew they would be welcome, regardless of rank, beliefs or background. Elise spent her life caring for soldiers and was given a full military funeral upon her death. The headstone on her grave reads ‘For 66 years The Friend of Soldiers’.

Today

Sandes remains faithful to the same vision of providing friendship and support for the military community as a witness and practical expression of the Christian faith. With the changing face of the British Army and Royal Air Force all Sandes Centres are currently based in the UK, three in Northern Ireland (Lisburn, Ballykinler and Holywood) and two in England (Pirbright and Harrogate).

The Centres fulfil a distinctive role being seen as a neutral, non-military space within the army camps. They provide catering and recreational facilities along with quiet areas for people to unwind and relax in a homely atmosphere. Families and personnel of all ranks are welcome in Sandes.  Staff offer friendship and a listening ear to soldiers, many of whom are facing incredible pressures. The support of wives and children is also a key focus of the charity.