Following a Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) grant of £5,000 last year, support network The Ripple Pond has reported that the ‘self-help support network’ offered to families from the Naval Service, has had an overwhelmingly positive impact…
The Ripple Pond was originally created by the mothers of two seriously wounded servicemen who recognised that there wasn’t enough support for family members following the injury of a loved one and recognised the difficulty of coping with their long term recovery.
The organisation gives members a safe space, both physically and mentally, by offering services that include; group meetings, a unique ‘buddy system’, an online forum, accessible support and confidentiality.
Although a tri-services charity, it is with the vital contributions from RNRMC funding that The Ripple Pond provided support to 90 Naval families in need of help following the injury of a loved one. Their research found that from the 23 groups taking part, 86% of participants said that they felt better as a result of attending the group meetings.
The Ripple Pond also host a secret Facebook page that gives its members an opportunity to relate and support others in a similar situation. In their members’ survey, over 90% of members stated that they used The Ripple Pond Facebook page.
The RNRMC raises vital funds for those in the Naval Service who need support after injury, bereavement or illness, whether currently serving, veterans or families. The funds raised by the charity are distributed to over 30 frontline charities, ensuring that vital support is provided to where the need is greatest.