Families were out in force for the Army Families Federation (AFF) Scotland roadshow on 23 March, with people travelling from as far as Glasgow and Penicuik.
Stands from Donna McCartney, Parent Support Officer Scotland, Barry Nichols, Armed Services Advice Project and Kinloss HIVE proved popular, as did the AFF specialists who spoke with numerous families to discuss their issues and concerns. In particular, the AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist Katherine Houlston drew soldiers from Inverness to access her expert knowledge.
Answering your questions
Colonel Charles Wallace, Deputy Commander HQ 51 Brigade and HQ Scotland, and AFF Chief Executive Sara Baade chaired the charity’s formal Q&A session. This lively debate featured questions from spouses and soldiers on local issues including the removal of the bus service for families in Kinloss and Inverness, education in Scotland and possible issues for F&C soldiers if Scotland becomes independent.
Wider issues such as the future accommodation model (FAM) were also raised and the panel responded to all questions from both a military and family perspective.
AFF Regional Manager North Annabel Ingram said, “The main issue of the day was education and this mirrored the feedback we received in our recent Scotland survey. Spouses raised concerns about school places, curriculum differences and the later starting age for children in Scotland. AFF plans to look at this issue, along with all other questions asked, in more detail.”
A family focused day
There was luck in the air for three attendees who each won an Amazon voucher in AFF’s prize draw. A noisy lunch showed that many conversations were taking place between AFF staff, families, chain of command and stallholders.
AFF was delighted with the success of this family event and would like to thank the welfare team in Kinloss for their support, as well the families who attended – many of whom stayed for the whole morning.
Find out more
For further updates on the issues that were raised, go to www.aff.org.uk or catch AFF on Facebook and Twitter. If you would like to discuss family life in Scotland in more detail, please contact AFF Scotland Co-ordinator Zoe Teale at scotland@aff.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
- The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of Army families: Regular or Reserve, wherever they are based, whatever the make-up of their family.
- Throughout the UK and overseas, AFF works hard to achieve policy change and progress in favour of Army families; they offer advice and guidance on all aspects of Army life, confidentially and in an easy-to-digest way.
- They work with other agencies such as MOD, government, charities and other key players to strengthen their cause and fight for a fair deal for families everywhere.
- Their family-focussed website (aff.org.uk) contains information about all aspects of Army family life, and their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages offer families another easy way to contact us, interact or simply follow the work we are doing.
- AFF operates by four core values, which are pivotal to our work. These are:
- AFF always puts families first
- AFF can be trusted
- AFF is bold and determined
- AFF is inclusive
Media Contact:
For more information about AFF’s work in support of Army families, contact Sarah Bowie, AFF Comms & Marketing Director, at commsmarketingdirector@aff.org.uk
