From April 2025, serving Army personnel and accompanying family members who have an assignment order to British Forces Cyprus (BFC) will have free access to a range of relationship counselling services provided by Relate at Family Action. Up to six sessions can be provided via webcam to individuals, couples, families or children aged 11 to 18. The free service will run as a pilot for 12 months.
Relate at Family Action has a long track record of supporting military personnel and families over the last decade, delivering around 6,000 sessions of counselling each year to RAF and Naval personnel. The extension of the service to serving Army personnel and families in Cyprus is made possible through grant funding from The Army Central Fund.
Unique challenges of military life
Carol Florin-White, National Partnerships Director at Relate at Family Action said
“We are thrilled to be able to offer relationship support to Army families in Cyprus. Working with military personnel for many years, we know that everyday relationship challenges can be amplified by the unique circumstances of military life. Our counsellors are highly trained and skilled and understand the pressures that military life and a posting overseas can involve. As the specialists in relationships, we’re proud to be a part of the support network available in Cyprus”.
The charity is the largest provider of relationship support in England and Wales and helps millions of people every year. Its confidential counselling services support people to overcome a range of challenges whether in their intimate relationship or within their family. They help people to develop techniques and coping strategies, and most clients see an improvement in their situation and their emotional wellbeing.
Caroline Crewe-Read, Director of the Army Central Fund, said:
“Army personnel, as well as their spouses, partners, and children, experience many challenges as a result of their service, and this can put significant strain on relationships. Service overseas can be particularly tough, and the Army Central Fund is pleased to support this pilot programme to offer counselling support to our people based in Cyprus, helping to improve their mental and social wellbeing.”
How to access the service
Serving personnel or partners can self-refer directly to the service by emailing armycentralfund@relate.org.uk, quoting their service number. Young people can be referred by a parent. The service can be accessed at any stage of your assignment journey to Cyprus, while in location, or during the period you are assigned on from BFC until you are in your next location.
Relate at Family Action has a dedicated administrative team who will respond to emails within two working days with a link to a short registration form. They aim to offer adults a first appointment to take place within 10 working days. This may be longer for young people.
