SSAFA’s Personal Support and Social Work Service (PS&SWS) based at RAF Waddington, alongside their RAF Personal Support and Chaplaincy colleagues, won the “Outstanding Team Achievement Award” at this year’s RAF Waddington Awards.
Station Industry Awards Night photos taken in Royal Air Force Waddingtons Officers Mess on the 26th of September 2024.
Since 1990, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has provided assistance to the RAF community through providing dedicated team members at RAF stations across the UK. SSAFA’s PS&SWS provides tailored welfare and wellbeing support to the whole RAF family. They help regulars or reservists; parents or partners; those living on the base or off it.
Ahead of this year’s RAF Waddington Awards, three teams were nominated for the Outstanding Team Achievement Award. But due to the exceptional work of Chaplaincy, RAF Personal Support and SSAFA PS&SWS colleagues, the Welfare Team took the accolade on the night.
There to receive the award on behalf of SSAFA was Mikey Coulson, a Welfare Officer who joined the team in April. Having served in the Armed Forces as a firefighter for a decade – and spending part of that time at RAF Waddington – Mikey was especially proud to be recognised alongside the Welfare Team.
Mikey Coulson commented:
“Having served in the Armed Forces myself, I find working with serving personnel and their families incredibly meaningful. It’s an honour to see the team’s efforts recognised by RAF Waddington’s Station Commander.
“SSAFA’s Personal Support and Social Work Service works alongside RAF Personal Support and Chaplaincy colleagues to ensure the RAF family is embraced and supported through whatever challenges they may face. We want people to know that we are here, and that help is available, should they need it.”
Cathie Johnson, Head of Service for SSAFA’s Personal Support and Social Work Service, added her praise, saying:
“I’m delighted that the collective Welfare Team at RAF Waddington was nominated for and subsequently won this award.
“It’s been a challenging year for the station for a number of reasons and this award is testament to the commitment, dedication and resilience of those who provide welfare support to the RAF Community – a well-deserved award for all concerned.”
SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.
The welfare team is located in the Pip Beck Centre at RAF Waddington. To access support, visit SSAFA’s Personal Support and Social Work Service page.
