Contact Information
HQ DAAvn
Middle Wallop
Stockbridge
SO20 8DY
Middle Wallop
Stockbridge
SO20 8DY
The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity, here for soldiers, past and present, and their families for life.
We stand at the forefront of support for the Army family, last year supporting 65,000 people in 48 countries around the world. As one of the largest funders in the sector, we award grants to individuals and families, and fund leading organisations that support soldiers, former soldiers, and their families. When we hear of a person or family in need, we aim to respond within 48 hours.
Financial assistance to relieve hardship:
Grants for living costs, emergency needs, debt relief
Provision of annuities and Educational Bursaries
Care home fees
Home adaptations
Furnishing and equipment
Mobility assistance
Funding Holiday breaks
The British Army’s own grant-making fund which supports charities and projects that benefit serving Army personnel and their families, both Regular and Reserve. The Fund makes annual grants to Army welfare funds, to the Army Families Federation and to the Army Sport Control Board. One-off awards are also made to national charities that support the Army community and to Army and Joint units for welfare projects and activities. Each application is considered on its merits.
Charities seeking a grant should contact the Secretary for advice and for an application form. Recent projects have included contributions to; NSPCC Families Centres in Catterick and Tidworth, SSAFA Norton House, Home-Start UK local schemes, CESSAC café refurbishments, RBLI Families Lifeworks courses and the Combat Stress helpline. The fund’s annual report is published on the Charity Commission website and gives further details of grants awarded.
Recent unit projects supported, many in conjunction with the Nuffield Trust and other Service charities, include; improvements to community facilities in Wattisham, Naples, Brunei, Kineton, Bramcote and Tern Hill, digitisation of SSVC cinemas, grants for all-weather sports pitches at Abingdon and South Cerney and a contribution to the new parachuting aircraft in Cyprus. Grants have also been made to welfare projects for troops in Poland, Estonia and for families in the Falkland Islands and Kenya. Unit staff, garrisons and sports association secretaries should read Army Command Standing Order 3206 for advice and the instructions on submitting applications.
The Army Central Fund works closely with ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is keen to retain links to other COBSEO member charities and to Regimental and Corps Associations in order to optimise the effectiveness of all grants awarded.
The Army Dependants’ Trust is a charity which provides discretionary cash awards to dependants of officers & soldiers who die in service, from whatever cause, on or off duty.
For a small annual donation the Trust relieves financial hardship for the member’s family in the immediate period following their loss. The Trust also supports ABF – The Soldier’s Charity, in its work with dependants. All members of the Army – Regular, Reserve and MPGS – are eligible to be members. This includes FTRS and NRPS personnel.
AFF is the voice of the Army family. It empowers and acts as an advocate and an independent expert witness to promote a quality of life which reflects the military covenant.
Highlights problems to chain of command and service providers.
Sign-posting service for assistance of every kind.
Offering comfort, support and friendship to widows and widowers of Service people.
Friendship, support and advice.
We are the Association of Service Drop-In Centres, better known as ASDIC. We represent, advise and unite service drop-in centres across the UK, working together to ensure veterans and their families receive the comradeship and support they need in their local community.
When a Drop-In Centre becomes a member of ASDIC, they join a supportive network that spans the UK with every member working towards the same goal – to improve support for veterans in the places they call home. We believe together is stronger, so as your Association we encourage collaboration and create opportunities to exchange ideas and overcome shared challenges as a community. Your free membership also includes:
Advocacy: we make sure your voice is represented at all levels of the veterans’ welfare system
Guidance: we offer advice on governance, share best practice on all aspects of Drop-In operations, and offer a Code of Conduct to support our members
Freedom: we do not over-regulate or enforce restrictive practices so you can best serve the unique challenges within your local community
Online support: you’ll have access to the online Community Hub, where you can connect with other members, and get real-time updates on available services and assistance
Fast service verification: you’ll have exclusive access to VetCheck to verify Drop-In users’ service records within hours, created by ASDIC in partnership with Veterans UK
Funding guidance: we signpost funding opportunities and offer advice on applications
Training: we create and signpost training and development opportunities
Events: from regional workshops to national conferences
The Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services exists to bind together in practical friendship women of the Royal Naval Services, past and present, by sharing achievements, traditions and heritage.
Frequent meetings / reunions held throughout UK. Representation at military parades / commemorative events, throughout UK
In-house magazine ‘The Wren’ posted to all members.
Opportunity to attend reunions, meet locally, find former colleagues.
Contact with HM Ships / RN establishments.
Referrals to WRNS Benevolent Trust.
BASIC exists to serve people recovering from a traumatic brain injury or neurological illness. The organisation specialises in rehabilitation services for people and their families who are recovering from stroke, head and spinal injury, brain haemorrhage, brain tumour or similar injury/condition.
Mental health services
Physical rehabilitation services
Cognitive rehabilitation services
Vocational support services
Complimentary therapies
Benefits and welfare rights advice
Social and therapeutic activities
Battling-On has developed a number of programmes that provide activities, training, support, and wrap-around care to armed forces veterans. Battling On provides mentorship and, where necessary, individualised support for veterans with mental health difficulties and long-term health conditions, with the aim of helping the veteran to improve their confidence and self-esteem and, where appropriate, return to full time employment.
Links to Counselling, financial and mental health support systems.
Green space interventions to improve mental wellbeing.
Direct educational support for functional skills and outdoor education Courses.
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here