Free relationship support for RAF personnel, their partners and families – RAF Benevolent Fund pilot project
For almost 90 years the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) has been helping serving members of the RAF with a wide range of problems. Now it is trying to find the best way of supporting those who have difficulties in their relationships.
Working with Relate
The RAFBF is paying Relate to provide up to six counselling sessions and a number of training courses at three RAF stations during 2008 as part of a pilot project. If the pilot project is successful, the RAFBF will consider funding similar services for all RAF stations in 2009.
Which stations are included in the pilot project?
RAF Brize Norton, RAF Marham and RAF Leuchars.
Who can take part?
All serving personnel at these three stations and their partners. Whether you are married, living together, in a same-sex relationship, separated, divorced or single, Relate's confidential service can help you to deal with your relationship difficulties. You can take part on your own or with a partner.
What help is being provided?
Face-to-face counselling sessions will be available at each of the three stations and at the nearest Relate Centres. Telephone counselling will also be available, including for those currently deployed overseas.
The counselling sessions will give you the opportunity to talk about your relationships - past, present or future. They can help you understand how your family is affected by your relationship, how you can improve your relationship, how you can manage a separation constructively, or how you can get over a break-up.
Four training courses based on Relate's popular Lifeskills Programme will also be available at each of the three stations. Each course focuses on one of the following topics: building strong relationships, coping while a partner is away on deployment, coming to terms with the end of a relationship, and empowering partners of serving personnel to support each other by providing a listening service.
How can I get access to these services?
If you are serving in the RAF and based at one of these three stations, or the partner of someone serving in the RAF, you should call 0845 0775556 (charged at local call rates, except from mobiles). You will then speak in total confidence to a trained Relate consultant who will be able to provide you with some immediate support and talk you through the options available.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Everything you say to a Relate consultant, counsellor or trainer will remain confidential. No-one in the RAF will be told that you have accessed these services. You will need to give your service number, or your partner's service number, but this is solely so the RAFBF can check that it is only paying for those eligible for the services.
What if my station is not included?
You can locate your nearest Relate Centre through this website by using the Find Your Nearest Relate Service link. If you need help with the cost of counselling, speak to your SSAFA welfare officer or the Relate Centre.
Further information
More detailed information about the services provided at each of the three stations is available at the HIVEs, the welfare offices and on station intranets.
Useful pages
Useful websites
If you are serving at RAF Brize Norton, RAF Marham or RAF Leuchars, or you are the partner of someone who is, call:
0845 077 5556
