Sandes Soldiers' & Airmen's Centres

Sandes Mission was born in the heart of a young woman, Elise Sandes in 1869. Her burden was the welfare and salvation of young soldiers. Elise saw the social exclusion and neglect they faced and opened up her mother’s home for meetings to help and encourage them. The work was so successful that she opened Sandes Homes all over the world and she eventually became known as the ’Mother of the British Army’. Today there are four Centres in the UK, welcoming families and personnel of all ranks. They provide good food, wholesome recreation and quiet areas for people to unwind and relax. We are faithful to the vision of Elise Sandes to create real homes and a place to find love and care without any preconditions. This is a practical witness of God’s abundant grace and mercy and it builds friendships through which we can share our faith. We offer friendship and a listening ear to soldiers who, today are facing incredible challenges. When they are deployed, we still try to encourage them through a parcel ministry. The families of serving personnel are also our concern. Many wives are living far from home and feel lonely and anxious when their husbands are away. We offer them a secure, restful environment. Youngsters can enter Military Service at 16 and the Army put great emphasis on their protection and welfare. We are privileged to be part of that care where we help address some of the needs, becoming surrogate parents to many and a listening ear to those going through the rigours of basic training. We care for people unconditionally regardless of beliefs. People are drawn by the good food and gentle Christian ambience. Being greeted by a smile and knowing that we really care is so important. For those interested, we hold Bible Studies, Prayer Meetings, Childrens’ Clubs and distribute Christian literature. We work closely with the Chaplaincy who can use Sandes as a focal point for outreach and fellowship. It would be very difficult for an Evangelical Christian organisation to start this work today, but Sandes has a unique relationship of trust with the Military, built over many generations of faithful service. To ensure we can care for this and future generations, we need your help. So please remember the work of Sandes and help us maintain these little sanctuaries of peace and hope. Thank-you for your kind consideration.