A further three projects have been awarded bringing the total number to 14 projects worth over £1.25 million! These inclusive projects will improve the quality of life for service families affected by the difficulties and challenges relocation can bring, by implementing support for families not to just adapt but thrive in their new communities – in the latest round of grants from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.
Tackling the challenges head-on, each of the projects is all about connecting families with local groups, services and activities; helping to build friendships and making sure service families have a community to lean on, so relocation doesn’t have to be such a struggle.
CEO Anna Wright says:
“This funding in vital in ensuring service families feel supported, connected and empowered as they navigate the challenges of relocation. By having these projects, we’re strengthening communities and hopefully make every move a little easier.”
Connect, build and explore
The first few weeks and months at a new location can make or break a posting. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) have funded Home-Start Norfolk to provide one-to-one practical support to settle families into their new home and provide opportunities for families to meet through baby and toddler groups and planned activities. The project also links with the community hub and HIVE service to provide bespoke resources and information on services to the new families stationed at RAF Marham.
Caroline New, Fund Manager said:
“We are overjoyed to have been chosen to support Families on the Move through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund and help those serving families to adapt to a new environment and for many, a new area. We’ll compliment this with exciting and engaging groups for families with children under 5 and are fortunate to be able to add accredited infant massage and sleep support into the mix.
“Last but by no means least, we’ll be bringing playful music sessions to families and our dedicated Family Services Co-ordinator will be on hand to help for the next 3 years! We cannot wait to get started”
Creating welcoming spaces
Getting to know an area takes time, but creating support networks that are ready to welcome newcomers from the off can make a huge difference. Serving RAF Honington, Families Together Suffolk’ Little Flyers project gives newly relocated service families a helping hand right from the start. Tackling isolation and limited support networks, the project will make sure families have the right information to get to know their new surroundings, while creating a welcoming space with activities and guidance to help them feel part of the community.
Amanda Allen, Family and Development Manager said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have received funding through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund for our Little Flyers group at RAF Honington. This support will make a significant difference to the lives of newly relocated Service families, helping them build connections, reduce isolation, and feel part of a welcoming community. With this funding, we can continue delivering tailored early years activities and wellbeing support that strengthens families and fosters lasting community ties. We’re so grateful to be part of a programme that truly understands the needs of Armed Forces families.”
Bonding through music
Listening to families’ needs is vital and can help to shape great activities and services that people, even those newly arrived, want to be a part of. The Make Some Noise Upbeat Families project is working in partnership with Army Welfare Service (AWS) to run weekly creative music sessions at four military bases across the West Midlands. This project is a response to families’ requests for support to make service life easier after relocating. They’ll use music to help parents and children bond, reduce isolation, and give children a strong start by boosting early development through making music together.
CEO, Tim Sharp, shared:
“We are really grateful to have the continued support from Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust once again. Their support is enabling this programme to really grow and will support hundreds of families over the next 3 years.Moving regularly makes it harder for families to develop and maintain family and social networks and frequent relocation can sometimes impact children emotionally and behaviourally. Providing early-intervention support focussing on child development alongside parent/carer support with our pioneering, creative, accessible activities improve everyone’s wellbeing, reduce isolation and loneliness.”
