RAF Benevolent Fund

The RAF Benevolent Fund is an independent charity supporting the RAF Family since 1919. It provides a wide range of support to those who have served or are serving in the RAF, as well as to their dependent family members (widows/widowers, spouses, partners, and dependent children). Key areas of support include:

1. Financial Assistance
• Grants for those in financial need (e.g., purchasing white goods, furniture, funeral costs, care, and mobility equipment).
• Expert benefits advisors for benefits checks and advice.
2. Family and Relationships
• Access to free relationship and family counselling.
• Subsidised mediation for those going through a divorce or separation.
3. Wellbeing Breaks
• Subsidised short breaks at Princess Marina House (south coast).
• Funding towards breaks in other parts of the UK.
4. Emotional Wellbeing
• Free counselling for issues such as bereavement, anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, or low self-esteem.
5. Loneliness and Social Isolation
• RAF Telephone Friendship Groups for weekly chats and connections (up to 6 people).
• Community Engagement Workers in Lincolnshire to connect people to local services/support and assist with overcoming barriers to access.
6. Independent Living
• Funding for mobility equipment (e.g., mobility scooters, wheelchairs, riser recliner chairs).
• Assistance for home adaptations and care costs.
• Advocates for advice on housing and care issues.
7. Transition
• Help with costs associated with resettlement from the RAF (e.g., training or moving costs).

For further information on how the RAF Benevolent Fund may help, visit their website or contact their helpline (9am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-4pm on Friday).