For many Royal Navy families, time together can be hard to come by. Deployments, exercises and the demands of Service life often mean weeks or months apart, making opportunities to simply spend a day together all the more meaningful.
This summer, hundreds of serving personnel and their loved ones came together at HMNB Portsmouth and HMS EXCELLENT on Whale Island for two much-loved Families Day celebrations, supported by Greenwich Hospital and Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
Designed to recognise the vital role families play in supporting those who serve, the events welcomed naval personnel, civilian staff and their families for a day of free activities, entertainment and behind-the-scenes experiences in the places where their loved ones work every day.
From children’s entertainment and family activities to welfare organisations and support services, the events gave families the chance to spend quality time together while learning more about life in the Royal Navy and the community that supports them. A particular highlight at HMS EXCELLENT was the opportunity for families to watch the Royal Marines Massed Bands’ working rehearsal for the Beating Retreat, offering an exclusive glimpse behind one of the Naval Service’s most iconic ceremonial events.
By funding the events, Greenwich Hospital and RNRMC helped ensure the celebrations remained free and accessible to all, removing financial barriers and allowing as many families as possible to take part.
Lieutenant Commander Matt Paterson, First Lieutenant at HMS EXCELLENT, said:
“The support provided by Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity has made a real difference to our Families Day. Thanks to their generosity, we have been able to offer a wider range of activities and attractions, creating a fun, inclusive and memorable event for Service personnel, veterans, families and friends.
“The day provides an important opportunity for our naval and civilian community to come together, strengthen connections and recognise the invaluable support that families provide to those serving. We are extremely grateful to RNRMC for helping make this event possible and for their continued commitment to improving the wellbeing of the Royal Navy family.”
While Families Day is filled with fun, its purpose runs much deeper. For military families, who often experience long separations and the uncertainty that comes with Service life, these events provide an opportunity to reconnect, build friendships with others who understand their experiences and strengthen the support networks that are so important to wellbeing.
Supporting events like these forms part of RNRMC’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families. Working alongside Greenwich Hospital, the charity is proud to help create opportunities that celebrate not only those in uniform, but also the families whose support makes their service possible.
