FEATURES
THE CASE for TEENAGERS
by Matt Williams L
ife in the Forces can definitely, at times, prove difficult for all involved, whether you’re serving, a husband, wife
or partner of somebody serving, or indeed a child. Children are often unaware of the implications of RAF life, however teenagers often understand exactly what is going on…
We all know, and have lived through, the stresses and pressures felt and faced in regards to moving to different stations, and when our loved ones serve long periods of time away on detachments, for up to six months at a time. Many will have experienced the worries of the impact on children’s schooling, the impact on partners having to be further away from friends and often having to leave jobs, and for serving personnel they have these worries too, as well as preparing to work in new squadrons, camps and units.
The strains can be unbearable and distressing. Many choose not to watch the news when family and friends are on detachment because it is too upsetting.
Being in that position myself over the years with relatives on detachments, it is impossible not to worry.
As a young child I knew very little of the implications of Forces’ life but as I got older, I became more aware of the realities of it, both positive and negative. As a teenager it was definitely difficult going through adolescence on an RAF base, which is what inspired me to write.
Growing up around different RAF stations, I noticed there were often activities and clubs for younger children, for example, Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts, Cubs, and of course the sports/social clubs and societies for serving personnel. However, I felt there wasn’t a great deal for teenagers other than a few Youth Clubs, at bases such as Benson. Teenage friends expressed the same thoughts as me, and the lack of emphasis on teenagers whose needs were perceived to be forgotten about caused frustration.
In recent years, I have enrolled at The University of Plymouth and am due to begin my second year studying a BSc in Health and Social Care, later moving on to a MA in Social Work. In my first year I have undertaken a number of placements, one of which put me in the training role of a youth support volunteer with the RAF (I am still there!). This enabled me to identity the needs of the youth of today, and the obstacles needed to be tackled in order to meet them.
Shortly into the placement, I began to reflect on what it used to be like as a youth myself back at RAF Benson, and what my needs were along with the needs of my friends, as these were likely to be the needs of those living there now. I reflected on the level of support I had and in all honesty, I did not feel like I had enough support. Although RAF Benson is a small unit, I feel that across the Forces emphasis is placed on younger children and serving personnel, leaving myself and fellow teenagers to just wander around the streets with little to do.
Noticing how much change is possible with passion and fresh ideas, I decided to apply to be a SSAFA volunteer. This way I could gain
10 Envoy Autumn 2011
valuable experience prior to my university course, and also put forward possible solutions to the frustrations myself and other teenagers felt as we were growing up in that environment. Hopefully then I could be part of any implemented solution.
I remember adolescence like it was yesterday. And thanks to the youth support background and healthcare education I now have, I felt inspired and supported enough to put myself forward.
Now as a part-time SSAFA volunteer, I recognise other teenagers in the same position I was once in. And because of my age I don’t feel too far removed from the latest trends and feel in tune with what teenagers want and need.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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