The RAF Association launched our emergency Operation CONNECT, to combat the issues we are finding daily.
- A telephone outreach service which is contacting vulnerable individuals by telephone to check on their welfare, offer them ongoing telephone friendship from a regular volunteer and alert them to other support services
- A friendship helpline that anyone in the RAF community can call if they are feeling isolated or lonely and want a friendly chat with someone who understands.
- Bag drops providing vital provisions to the doorsteps of the most vulnerable members of our RAF community when their need is critical and desperate.
- A daily RAF-themed online entertainment programme giving much-needed routine and happiness for anyone who is isolated.
Website https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/raf-personal-support-and-social-work-service/
SSAFA provide a personal support and social work service for RAF personnel and their families throughout the UK and may be able to help with enquires from RAF personnel. They can offer support and advice with many welfare issues.
The RAF Association has launched a new, free UK-wide mental well-being training programme. The courses are specifically designed for the needs of non-serving members of the RAF family and take a practical, down to earth approach.
For more information, please visit their web page where you can also sign up to the courses. You can also view videos here which may help relate to situations that people are experiencing.
The training is available to:
- Partners, parents, siblings and children (over 18) of anyone currently serving in the RAF
- RAF veterans and close family members
- Anyone (non-serving) working on an RAF base (e.g. MOD civil servants and defence contractors)
Website www.rafa.org.uk
Provides a range of welfare provision, including domiciliary and day care, nursing and residential provision and sheltered accommodation. In addition, there is free advice and support concerning resettlement, pensions and finance.
Website https://www.rafbf.org/get-support/care-and-independent-living/advocacy-service
The RAFBF Advice and Advocacy Service provides former and serving RAF personnel and their families with the information they need to make informed choices about their care and welfare benefits.
Website https://www.rafbf.org/get-support/financial-assistance
The RAFBF have introduced a simply to use Form for individuals to apply for financial assistance without the need for caseworker. This applies to any member of the RAF family up to grants of £750.
Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund provides support and advice for both serving and ex-service RAF and WRAF personnel and their dependents. They also provide an advice and advocacy service.
See RAFBF
Website https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/
The RAF Families Federation is made up of a team of professional staff who have considerable experience of the RAF way of life and who stand ready to represent families on a wide range of issues. Their website has up to date information on many issues including education, housing and finance.