How does your soldier’s work/life balance affect your Army family? That’s what the Army Families Federation (AFF) is asking families in their latest survey, now live until 31 May.
AFF is aware that some families struggle with their soldier’s working hours and inability to take the annual leave they are owed. They are keen to learn more about the barriers to a good work/life balance families are facing, and importantly, what families feel would make a positive difference.
For nearly 100 years we have assisted former officers and their families to help them in challenging personal situations.
Last year, the Benevolence team dealt with 1,107 cases, providing welfare advice, signposting to other organisations and accessing financial support. The OA awarded £1,369,000 in grants. The team authorised 3,766 financial transactions paid to beneficiaries, charities and suppliers.
Nigel Hare, OA Head of Benevolence, said: “The OA is here to support the officer community in difficult circumstances. Our team is dedicated to providing the best possible service, and we do all we can to help.”
Read moreFollow this link for all the latest news from the RAF Families Federation.
Read moreForces in Mind Trust (FiMT) is delighted to announce an award of £91,707 to Barnardo’s to assess the needs of ex-Service personnel and their families who are serving, or have served, a custodial prison sentence.
Focusing on the Southwest and West Midlands areas, the project will access the connections that Barnardo’s have already developed in HMPs, the Criminal Justice System and Armed Forces charities.
The 18-month study will consist of interviews with ex-Service personnel and their children and families to ascertain the need, unmet need, the availability of support services and the impact of imprisonment.
Read moreA new series of books aimed at improving the mental health of the RAF Family has been launched at RAF Benson Community Primary School by the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The Fund is piloting the books in response to research which found more than half of military parents believed a military lifestyle had a negative impact on their children and led to an increase in psychosocial problems.
Read moreThe Army Families Federation (AFF) is delighted to hear that a new £200,000 fund to support Service families in Wales has been announced by the Welsh Government. In 2017, the charity sent a detailed brief, on families’ behalf, to the Education Minister Kirsty Williams, highlighting the need for targeted pupil funding for Armed Forces children in Wales, and they are pleased to see that this important issue has now been recognised.
Read moreKing’s Lynn based medical device manufacturer, Bespak, has chosen to support its neighbouring charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers as Charity of the Year.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity which supports over 300 bereaved Armed Forces children across the UK, was selected following an employee vote to benefit from the company’s support over the next 12 months.
As part of its Charity of the Year commitment, Bespak, the leading developer and manufacturer of complex medical devices, are looking forward to getting involved in the many challenges that Scotty’s Little Soldiers participate in and will be organising a number of fundraising activities.
Read moreAll too many veterans find leaving the Armed Forces, and returning to civvy street, a huge struggle due to physical injuries and mental health issues. This may result in homelessness, unemployment, family breakdown, and a dramatic deterioration in their well-being. The Veterans’ Foundation is a charity that was created to raise funds for military-related charities and other organisations that do excellent and effective work in helping veterans in need. This Heropreneurs Award category seeks to recognise an individual in civvy street, or a business, that has given outstanding help to such veterans.
Read moreFollow this link for all the latest news from the RAF Families Federation.
Read moreThe Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day will open its gates on Saturday 7 July 2018 to 40,000 visitors, just as it did over 70 years ago, in 1947 at its first ever Open Day. As one of the Southwest’s largest one day events, the award-winning Somerset airshow offers an action-packed day out for all the family with thrilling flying displays and amazing ground attractions. Over five hours of incredible flying displays will feature fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters and formation display teams. There are already some rare and exciting aircraft confirmed.
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Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
