The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has launched the second in a series of new Covenant Fund programmes under its exciting three-year Funding Framework.

Apart Not Alone: Support for Serving Families programme is now open for applications for grants between £5,000 and £15,000 for projects that will help to mitigate the impact of long or frequent involuntary separation for families, spouses, and serving personnel, including Reservists and their families.

The Trust ran a public consultation in 2023, which identified that one of the key areas to focus on was ‘Reducing stress and challenges for Armed Forces families. This family focused programme will address the unique needs of serving Armed Forces families facing long and/or frequent involuntary separation which can have significant impact on different aspect of family life. The consultation findings are available to read on the Trust website.

What is the Apart, Not Alone programme all about?

Apart Not Alone: Support For Serving Families will support projects which achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

  • Improved mental health and wellbeing for serving families.
  • Enhanced access to support and activities that improve quality of life for serving families.
  • Improved understanding of effective models of support for serving families.
  • Supporting the reintegration of Service personnel back into their family homes and units after separation through developing and piloting new approaches.

Who can apply? 

The Trust is inviting applications from UK-based registered charities, Community interest Companies (CIC) with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities, and Armed Forces units or bases.

What type of projects are The Trust looking to support? 

Projects that can significantly benefit Armed Forces families impacted by frequent or long periods of involuntary separation. You will need to show that your project will address current and immediate needs identified within the community and how you have identified any gaps in support or provision.

The programme is now open for applications and the closing date is 12 noon on 25 September 2024.

Anna Wright, Chief Executive at the Trust said: “We’ve designed the Apart, Not Alone programme, with community feedback, to help with issues such as emotional wellbeing, mental health, social connections and other issues which can arise from long or frequent separations due to Service. This is the second in an exciting series of new programmes we are launching, which all aim to have an important impact on the quality of life for members of our Armed Forces community.”