The RAF Benevolent Fund has confirmed it will extend and expand its Holiday Provision pilot in 2026, after what it described as overwhelmingly positive feedback from RAF families and participating stations.
The scheme was launched in summer 2025 in response to growing need identified by the RAF’s People and Families team and station colleagues. It was designed to help serving personnel and their families access affordable, high-quality childcare and activities during school holidays – a period which can place added strain on military households, particularly during deployments.
Pilot supported 139 families across five RAF stations
Five RAF stations took part in the initial programme – Odiham, Valley, Lossiemouth, Coningsby and High Wycombe. Across those locations, 255 children from 139 families were supported through local, flexible holiday provision.
At RAF Odiham, for example, a £5,000 grant subsidised places on the Kings Camp programme, supporting 42 children over a two-week period. The fund said the financial support helped families who might otherwise have struggled to afford holiday childcare.
Positive impact on wellbeing and family stability
Feedback collected from participating families suggested the scheme had a broader impact beyond childcare. Parents reported reduced stress, improved routines for children and more opportunities to connect with other station families. The programme was seen as particularly valuable for those facing financial pressure, limited local support networks, or a partner deployed away from home.
Survey results from the pilot found:
- 86% said they would have found it difficult or impossible to arrange holiday childcare without the scheme
- 90% said it made them feel more supported by the RAF
- 88% said it helped them perform their roles more effectively
The fund also said the scheme supported financial resilience and enabled partners and spouses to remain in employment during the holidays.
Expansion planned for 2026, including overseas unit
Following the pilot, the RAF Benevolent Fund said it will increase the programme in 2026 across more RAF units and include at least one overseas station.
Maria Lyle, associate director of operations at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said the trial demonstrated “the real difference that accessible holiday provision can make”, adding that the charity was proud to expand the scheme so more families feel “supported, connected, and able to thrive”.
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, practical and emotional assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families, including grants for hardship, mental health support services and youth provision through Airplay clubs.
