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FEDERATION NEWS


SUPPORT GIVEN TO RAF FAMILIES OUR SURVEY


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or the RAF Families Federations third survey this year, run in Sep 12, we gathered evidence on ‘Support to Families’. Here, ahead of the publication of the full report, we offer a flavour of your feedback and experiences.


The survey was designed to investigate the welfare support services and facilities available to RAF personnel and their families. We sought to clarify whether or not families were aware of the wealth of services offered by the RAF, MoD and military charities, whether families made use of these services and what they thought of them. We also wanted to take the opportunity to inform those who may not have been aware of the support services available to them.


A total of 728 serving and non-serving RAF family members took part in the survey, either voting online or by attending one of our interactive workshops on unit. Voters came from 39 locations, in the UK and overseas, and from across the rank structure.


To follow is a glimpse at how people voted and what they said.


Military Charities in Support “I don’t know much about the support services. It would make an enormous difference if non-serving spouses were provided with a support pack upon marrying in. The support I’ve received has been almost entirely from the other wives, who are nothing short of amazing.”


Airplay has been a life saver for our children, a safe place for them to go and feel welcome and able to talk about missing Daddy when he is away. Affordable visits during the holidays as well as weekly sessions, which at


the moment is fantastic, with there only being one wage coming in. The children also used Storybook Wings the last time their Dad went away on det, it really helped them through the four months and they loved listening every night.”


“Most of the listed services are not very well advertised and only available to those who are offered them either via their serving partner via, pre deployment materials or the HIVE. For those who are overwhelmed by the paperwork and a spouse leaving, or for those who work full time, these services can be hard to reach.”


Points of Contact “The POC system only works if the contact puts a bit of effort in (the odd phone call, Facebook message or popping round to check everything is ok). During one of my squadrons’ shifts tours I was POC for 4 families and making contact every other week just reminds families that they are not being forgotten by the Service community.”


“Have used POC system twice once in SFA, once in own home. Whilst in SFA the POC called round about once a fortnight whilst in own home I had no contact with POC.”


“Despite having POC I found myself very much alone and out of the loop with little information provided for me especially as my POC ended up away for 4 weeks of the time my spouse was away.”


Feeling part of the Family


“I want to live within the camp with my partner, to be a part of the RAF family and be with other women in the same position as me but because


24


Envoy Winter 2012


www.raf-ff.org.uk


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