Support for RAF veterans

The coronavirus crisis has led to financial hardship for a great many people across the UK.

Work at the RAF Benevolent Fund hasn’t stopped and we have awarded more than £1.5 million in individual grants since lockdown measures were announced on March 23.

These grants help support retired and serving RAF personnel and their families at this challenging and uncertain time.

And we have launched a new online application system to allow members of the RAF family to access financial assistance more easily.

Many older members of the RAF family struggle with social isolation and loneliness daily, a problem compounded by the current necessary social distancing rules.

To tackle this issue, we have introduced a weekly check and chat service and our welfare team is currently contacting vulnerable members of the RAF family to invite them to use this. We have also expanded our telephone friendship groups service to allow more veterans to join in a weekly chat.

Last year we launched an awareness campaign, ‘Join The Search. Change A Life’, aiming to get more veterans and their partners back on our radar. This initiative is more important now than ever.

I urge readers to consider their neighbours, their family and their friends. If they previously served in the RAF, or are the spouse of someone that once served, they are eligible for our support be it financial, practical or emotional.

To refer someone to the RAF Benevolent Fund, please visit rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919.

Air Vice Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund.