The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (The Trust) have awarded funding worth over £70,000 to five fantastic projects designed to mitigate the challenges posed by long or frequent involuntary separation on families, spouses, and serving personnel.
Supporting those most affected
The Apart Not Alone programme was developed as part of the Trust’s three-year framework, shaped by insights gathered during the Trust’s public consultation in summer 2023. This evidenced based approach ensures targeted support for those requiring special consideration while addressing diverse needs through effective, tailored solutions.
Collaboration with beneficiaries played a pivotal role in the programmes design. Consultation with those directly impacted provided invaluable insights, enabling a shared understanding of challenges and ensuring that the project aligns with evidenced needs.
These new awards aim to address the emotional and practical impacts of separation, loneliness, and isolation experienced by serving families, including Reservists.
By enhancing access to support pathways, the initiatives focus on improving the quality of life for those most affected by long-term or frequent separation.
RAF Coningsby
This Apart, Not Alone project offers dedicated support to the families of deployed personnel at RAF Coningsby.
Understanding the challenges of caring for a loved one from afar, the aim of this project is to raise awareness about the resources available and enhance overall wellbeing through tailored assistance and guidance.
Community Development Officer, Benjamin Rossi shared:
“We are delighted the Armed Forces Covenant have selected us to benefit from ‘Apart Not Alone’ funding initiative for 2024-25. It will make such a difference to our People and Families Provision, whether that is through additional events, support groups and social activities to being able to provide more for those impacted by separation from Deployments or Exercises.
“We have a large number of personnel deployed at any one time and this funding will enable the Station to bring more people together to ensure they truly are Apart but Not Alone.”
Turn 2 SSAFA
Glasgow’s Helping Heroes’ “Turn 2 SSAFA” project supports naval spouses and partners based at HMNB Clyde, Scotland, who face frequent and lengthy separations due to deployments. The project offers social activities, interactive talks on key support topics, and one-on-one consultations.
Operations Manager, Ryan MacDonald said:
“We are delighted to have the chance to continue making a positive impact on our Armed Forces community in Scotland, thanks to the continued support of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The “Apart not Alone” programme will allow us to extend our services out from Glasgow to the Helensburgh area for the first time. The project will allow us to provide naval spouses with social activities, interactive discussions and one to one support covering a whole host of essential issues such as housing, budgeting and employability, among others!”
“We are very proud that this project will be led by a Veteran, our Peer Support Worker, Nicola Webster. Nicola is a naval Veteran who lives in the Helensburgh area and recently served on HMNB Clyde, so she brings with her a wealth of experience and local knowledge that will be invaluable throughout the project.”
Creating meaningful change for Service families
The Trust has awarded projects to tackle the challenges of involuntary separation faced by Service families and Reservists.
Developed in partnership with Armed Forces families and guided by evidence, these targeted projects aim to create a lasting impact to those most in need.
Carol Stone, Director of Grants at the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust said:
“Reducing stress and challenges for Armed Forces families was a core theme which emerged from our consultation data. Separation, either frequent or lengthy, can present a range of challenges, both for the serving partner and for those left at home. The projects we’ve supported under the Apart not Alone programme will help to manage feelings of disconnection and isolation, while focusing on fostering a sense of community and improving wellbeing for those affected.”
Find out more.
Check out the full list of awards made in this latest round on their website here
