The RAF Association, the University of Exeter and Nottingham Trent University have been awarded funding worth over £32,000 to run a pilot programme to support military families dealing with the challenges of relocation.
The Association, alongside the universities, will deliver the Serve Connect Programme that aims to support serving families to strengthen identity development and social connection during relocation, by helping them develop tools to maintain supportive relationships.
The programme will be delivered through a range of workshops and activities designed to build practical skills, increase a sense of belonging and create shared understanding and togetherness among participants.
Dr Juliet Wakefield, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University, said:
“I am delighted to be involved in this project. NTU’s commitment to the Armed Forces Community has been recognised by it receiving the bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. NTU’s aims also align with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. This research project will thus support and extend NTU’s valuable work in this area by shedding light on how service families can be better supported.”
Dr Stefan Schilling, Lecturer in Social & Organisational Psychology at the University of Exeter, said:
“Relocation is one of the most disruptive experiences serving families face, and such transitions have frequently been found to worsen mental health. Unfortunately, until now there has been no targeted, evidence-based support to help them rebuild the social connections and sense of identity that frequent moves erode. This grant allows us to address that gap directly, and so we are delighted to be working with the RAF Association to adapt and pilot this intervention, ensuring that serving families receive the dedicated support they need to thrive during what are often repeated and demanding transitions.”
Rory O’Connor, Charity Director at the RAF Association, said:
“For many service people, relocation is part of life, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging, especially for spouses, partners and children. Indeed, half of the UK’s serving families report that frequent relocations have a negative impact on the mental wellbeing of the whole family. We hope this programme will give the Armed Forces community the tools they need to overcome some of these challenges.”
The grant was awarded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Serving Families: On the Move programme that supports projects that aim to improve the quality of life for service families impacted by relocation due to service life.
