4 July 2017 – The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has partnered with Cruse to provide a new bereavement service for those coping with a death.
Launched this month, the confidential service provides RAF veterans, those who are serving, and family members, with free telephone, face-to-face and email support.
Many of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s beneficiaries have placed bereavement as one of the top ten difficulties they have experienced, while for beneficiaries over the age of 65, bereavement was reported within the top five difficulties.
Alison Wyman, Head of Welfare Programmes & Development at RAF Benevolent Fund said: “Our aim is to support the RAF family with whatever their needs may be, and we know from past research that bereavement is an important struggle for many of our beneficiaries. While grieving is a natural process, it can feel overwhelming, and so this seemed like a natural programme to offer, and we’re excited to be working with an organisation like Cruse to make it happen.”
Andy Langford, Chief Operating Officer of Cruse said: “When someone close dies it can be a devastating experience for many people and coping with that loss takes time. Our services are provided by our dedicated network of 5,000 trained volunteers who commit to full confidentiality. As the largest national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we’re pleased to be partnering with the RAF Benevolent Fund to help the RAF family around the U.K.”
Those who have experienced a bereavement and need to speak to somebody should contact 0300 222 5703 (calls charged at local call rate). The helpline is open Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm (excluding bank holidays).
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For further information, please contact:
Ashley Tilley, RAF Benevolent Fund on 0207 307 3305 or ashley.tilley@rafbf.org.uk
RAF Benevolent Fund: The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF, as well as their partners and dependants. We help members of the RAF family with everything from disability, injury, financial hardship and youth support to living independently and providing dignity in retirement. For more information visit: www.rafbf.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RAFBF
Cruse Bereavement Care: Cruse Bereavement Care is the largest national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies and work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.
