Families Support

NAVAL FAMILIES’ FEDERATION (Source: NFF,2020)

Our vision is for all Naval Service Families to be able to have their views heard by those in positions of power; feel valued and be treated with fairness and respect; and thrive in their communities of choice.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find the help, support or advice you need. That’s why we’re here.

Our website has the answers to questions we’re often asked. But if you need something else, our friendly team is ready to help, or to introduce you to someone else who can.

We’re a totally confidential service, we understand the challenges of Navy life but aren’t a formal part of the Naval Service.

Whether you need help with schools, where you live or work, your finances, your future, a posting overseas, relationships or your health, our concern is always for you, our Naval Service family.

Tel: 02392 654374
Email: contactus@nff.org.uk
Website: https://nff.org.uk/

RAF FAMILIES’ FEDERATION (Source: RAFFF,2020)

The RAF Families Federation provides an independent voice for all personnel (single, married or in a partnership) and all of your families.

We work to improve quality of life around the world – at work or at home. This could include resolving problems with access to education or healthcare for children and young people, sorting out problems with accommodation, benefits and visas, or helping military spouses find meaningful employment – all issues that arise from having a mobile lifestyle.

The team can provide practical support and advice, as well as lobbying for change with politicians, the Chain of Command and policy makers in the British Government and across Scotland, Wales and NI.

We work hard with a multitude of other organisations and agencies – from the NHS to the big banks – to ensure that you and your family are treated fairly and that you do not face disadvantage because of the unique nature of service life.

Tel: 01780 781650
Website: www.raf-ff.org.uk

THE ARMY FAMILIES’ FEDERATION (Source: AFF,2020)

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is the independent voice of army families and works hard to improve the quality of life for Army families around the world – on any aspect that is affected by the Army lifestyle. AFF is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice. We will deal with your enquiry without revealing your identity.

AFF is often pivotal in achieving improvements for Army families such as changes to Government and military policy and changes to how things are provided for families. AFF does not do this by itself; our role is to highlight problems to the chain of command or service providers, and to work with them and other agencies to improve the support they provide to Service families.

AFF also provides a signposting service to help you find the right person to speak to, as well as providing useful information for Army families through its website and magazine, Army&You.

Tel: 01264 382324
E mail: us@aff.org.uk
Website: www.aff.org.uk

THE RIPPLE POND (Source: TRP,2020)

A UK wide self-help support network for the adult family members of physically or emotionally injured Service Personnel and Veterans At The Ripple Pond every members views and experiences are equally valued. How much support you give and receive can depend in what feels right for you at different times.

Members may focus on talking and discussion or may choose to do activities together such as beach walks, theatre trips and coffee meets.

The Ripple Pond team are available 9.30am-2.30pm Monday to Friday.

ACCESS PEER SUPPORT

Self-referral form webpage: https://theripplepond.org/
Tel: 0333 90001028
Email: admin@theripplepond.org
Web: https://www.theripplepond.org/

SCOTTY’S LITTLE SOLDIERS (Source: SLS,2020)

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved British Forces children and young people. Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, the charity honours husband Corporal Lee Scott’s memory – both as a loyal soldier and a loving father – and provides a practical yet personal way for the public at large to show their appreciation for those brave individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

The charity’s assistance is divided into 3 distinct programmes:

‘Smiles’ offers the children that opportunity to smile again through a wide range of fun activities and gifts. This includes holiday breaks, group events, special experiences and gifts at difficult times of the year.
The ‘Support’ programme aims to assist with the more emotional side of bereavement and includes access to professional counselling and a family support network.
Finally, the ‘Strides’ programme is designed to help with the charity’s beneficiaries’ personal development and includes a range of activity and educational grants

Tel: 08000 928 571
Email: hello@scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk
Website link: https://www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/

For the Fallen (Source: FTF,2021)

For The Fallen is formed in memory of Lance Corporal Dave Jukes & is dedicated to the memory of a brave man, a father, a husband & a soldier. We do what we do so that other families of the fallen are not alone in their hour of need, but also to make permanent changes to the way serving and veteran HM Armed Forces personnel are treated. (FTF, 2021)

If you are affected by military suicide, join with us here at For The Fallen CIC.
We know what you are going through. Together we can overcome and you will find people through our organisation who understand you and will be able to advise and support you in the hardest of times. (FTF,2021)

Email: info@forthefallen.co.uk
Website: https://forthefallen.co.uk/

The War Widows Association (Source: TWWA,2021)

The War Widows’ Association is the United Kingdom’s leading representative organisation for widows and widowers of Armed Forces Personnel where death has been caused by or hastened by service. Three core values: Campaign – Care – Remembrance.
The War Widows’ Association is a membership organisation; a Full member is anyone who meets the criteria of war widow war widower irrespective of the age, rank, service of the deceased or marital status. Regional organisers throughout the UK arrange meetings in their area and maintain contact with members locally.

Telephone: 09452 412189
Email: info@warwidows.org.uk
Website: https://www.warwidows.org.uk/

Army Widows Association (Source: AWA, 2021)

The Army Widows’ Association was formed by widows in 2004. We are a volunteer run Organisation and Charity. Our aim is to offer comfort, support and friendship to the widows and widowers of service men and women.

We aim to offer help on your terms when you need it. We know that despite all the love and support from family and friends, widows/widowers can feel very alone.

All the members have lost their husbands, wives or partners, under a variety of different circumstances, and are able to offer support and sympathy to those who have been recently widowed. (AWA,2021)

Telephone: 0300 666 0136
Email: info@armywidows.org.uk
Website: https://www.armywidows.org.uk/

The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows Association (RNRMA,2021)

The Royal Navy Royal Marines Widows’ Association was formed in 2008 by a group of volunteers most of whom are widowed.

Aims of the Association:

To offer support and friendship to the bereaved whose spouse/recognised partner was serving in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines at the time of their death.
To help the bereaved and their children to address issues with Royal Navy and Royal Marine organisations.
To work with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and Ministry of Defence to improve their approach to the bereaved widows/widowers/recognised partners.
To ensure representation in relevant forums such as the Defence Bereaved Families Working Party meetings.

Telephone: 07462 376850
Email: chairmanrnrmwa@aol.com
Website: https://www.rnrmwidows.org/

RAF Widows Association (RAFWA,2021)

The RAF Widows’ Association (RAFWA) is a national charity for women and men who have lost their spouse or partner whilst serving in the RAF at the time of their death or who died within two years of leaving the RAF.
The Association is run by a network of volunteers who themselves are RAF widows and widowers, so they do really understand what the members are going through.
The RAFWA was founded in 1992 and aims to provide friendship, practical and emotional support to men and women – married or not, with or without children, whatever their sexual orientation as they adjust to life after the death of their spouse or partner.

Telephone: 0870 5143 901
Email: raf.widows@gmail.com
Website: https://www.rafbf.org/raf-widows

FORCES FAMILIES’ JOBS (Source: FFJ,2020)

About us

Recent Tri-Service research conducted by Warwick Institute for Employment Research resulted in a key recommendation, the need to create a central portal for employment and training opportunities for military spouses and family members.

We know that being a military family member often means moving with your service person, gaps in your CV and regularly changing jobs and/or career. We also know you have a wealth of knowledge, skills, expertise and work ethic to share with employers.

Who is eligible to use the site?

Spouses and partners of currently serving and reserve personnel, and adult children (aged 18-25).
Spouses and partners of service personnel who have left the Armed Forces within the last 12 months, and adult children (aged 18-25).
Bereaved spouses and partners for up to two years post service, and adult children (aged 18-25).

Registration weblink: https://www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk/contact/
Email: help@forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk

RECRUIT FOR SPOUSES (Source: RFS,2020)

About

Recruit for Spouses is an independent social enterprise dedicated to supporting, championing and finding gainful employment for an untapped talent pool of spouses and partners to members of our Armed Forces.We work to overcome outdated perceptions about mobility and suitability and provide the tools for spouses to return to the workplace and excel in their chosen path.

We provide unparalleled understanding and support of the employment situation of military spouses and provide a supportive community for spouses to get back into the workplace.

The RfS Career Academy aids the spouse to prepare for their journey back into work by providing tools such as coaching and mentoring, CV workshops and Interview techniques.

These free to use resources help people to focus on what they want to achieve and increase their confidence in going out to get it.

Registration weblink: https://recruitforspouses.co.uk/contact/
Phone: 0333 2020 996
Email: info@recruitforspouses.co.uk
Webpage link: https://recruitforspouses.co.uk/

MILITARY CHARITIES (examples)

Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity

Tel: 023 9387 1520
Email: theteam@rnrmc.org.uk
Web: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/

RAF Association

Tel: 0800 0182 361
Website: www.rafa.org.uk