Envoy - Summer 2024

Welcome from the Editor

Welcome to the SUMMER edition of Envoy.

I’m reliably informed that despite the inclement weather, summer is upon us. The RAF Families Federation team is very much looking forward to attending RAF Families Days up and down the country, so if you do see our gazebo at your event, please come over and say hello, or talk about any issues you may be going through – or you could just grab a freebie or two... The stations we will be visiting are familiar territory for us, as a. Most of the Fam Fed team have served, or have been part of a Service family, and b. We’ve carried out ‘Drop-in’ visits at the majority of bases in the UK (we’ve also been abroad...) over the last 10 months. They have been both enjoyable, and informative, and we have learned a lot from our time spent in and amongst the RAF family.

Equally informative have been our online Community Forums, which have been extremely well attended. We’ve been able to use evidence collected from these discussions to identify new areas in which we can support our people, and inform the Chain of Command of policies that may need changing.

Aside from our face-to-face and online events, it’s continued to be a busy time for the Federation. Our team have been helping support and advise SPs and families with ongoing issues with their accommodation, children’s education, health, financial affairs, overseas living and spousal employment

Telephone: 01780 781650

email: enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk

Website: raf-ff.org.uk

Envoy – The magazine of the

Federation, published 4 times a year.

To have your FREE copy delivered quarterly to your home, Simply subscribe online: raf-ff.org.uk/publications/envoy-magazine

Director: Maria Lyle

Office Manager: Ruth McClelland

Communications Manager: Tim Unwin

– it's heartening to know that we are able to make a difference to the lives of so many in our community.

We hope that in these pages you will find something interesting or informative. Please do get in touch if you think we can support or highlight something important to you, that might also be important to our RAF family. We’re here for you all, and we’re here to help.

The RAF Families Federation is an independent organisation parented by the RAF Association

The RAF Families Federation is supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund

Cover Photo: WO Alan Sharp mid-race. Credit: Camipix Photography

GORDON’S SCHOOL

YEARS 7, 9 AND 12 BOARDING PLACES AVAILABLE

Students who attend the boarding school provision exceed their predicted outcomes and consistently reach, and further, their potential

BESPOKE RESIDENTIAL BOARDING HOUSE FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS

‘Did you know we represent single serving personnel….? I know, I know – the name doesn’t help, does it?! We have looked at changing it, but feedback has been mixed about how confusing that would be. Instead, we have been doing our best to tell everyone that will listen that we are happy to represent single personnel on the issues they experience –whether that is with Single Living Accommodation, allowances… or anything else.

So please don’t think you can’t come to us if your issue isn’t rooted in family life – in fact we are now busy engaging with Pinnacle, Vivo and Amey on how SLA complaints processes can be improved, and to make sure more people are aware of their rights where service isn’t as it should be.

In addition, we are working with the Chain of Command and MOD teams to amplify the voices of single personnel around issues such as allowances. Some fundamental changes for all personnel are being discussed as part of the MOD response to the Haythornthwaite Review, and we want to make sure that all cohorts have their needs considered.

I hope to see some you this summer at a Families Day – the team will be out at most of them, and I will put some in my diary! Fingers crossed that the sun shines for some of them…’

Maria

Telephone us on: 01780 781650

Contact us for help: www.raf-ff.org.uk/report-an-issue-form

For general queries, magazine article information: enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk

FOREWORD

By | Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, WO Murugesvaran ‘Subby’ Subramaniam

This past year has been an amazing journey of discovery, education and excitement, especially for someone who has spent most of their career in the RAF involved in space operations. Whilst, I class myself as a ‘people person’, I did find meeting and engaging with people in large numbers a challenge. I am pleased that I don’t seem to have this problem anymore. I have had the privilege of meeting almost 9000 people and hope to meet many more this year. As the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force who represents all rather than just the enlisted cadre, I am responsible to all members of the Royal Air Force – Regular, Reserves, Civil Service and Contractors. I have been engaging with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and University Air Squadrons because they are significant members of the Royal Air Force Family.

I am very fortunate to be given this opportunity to be the 11th incumbent of this significant role and I’m conscious that I have to deliver what is expected of me. I spend most of my time listening and talking with our people, gathering concerns, challenges and successes to be fed back to the Air Force Main Board and Air Executive Committee. We the Senior Leadership Team are doing everything we can to resolve some of the challenges facing our Aviators. We managed to deliver some quick wins, but other large challenges will take a considerable

time to fix. I have been urging our people to have the patience to see it through.

To resolve some of the challenges facing the RAF and other Services. Defence is trying to implement some of the observations made by the Haythornthwaite Review of Armed Forces Incentivisation (HRAFI). HRAFI is a comprehensive assessment of the incentive systems within the armed forces to attract, retain, and engage military personnel. It has evaluated the effectiveness of existing incentives and recommended strategies to improve the incentivisation framework to better meet the needs of the modern armed forces and its personnel. Defence has 67 recommendations to deliver to our people and I am enthusiastic about the positive change it will bring to our workforce.

Whilst, there are numerous challenges there are also countless successes. We generally don’t seem to mention them of late. Our people have won many awards nationally and internationally. The RAF personnel have always been regarded as the most professional and competent operators in delivering operations, support or training. I was very proud last year at the Pacific Air Chiefs Conference when the Senior Enlisted Leaders from the Pacific region commented on our people’s ability to deliver, and their professionalism. There have been many individuals that I have met in the past year who have excelled educationally or operationally, I am not surprised that so many of our people have been recognised for their achievements by our Allied partners and by the RAF.

Our workforce cannot be successful without the support from their families and friends. Families whatever the combinations are, whether you are married, couples in long-term relationships or single parents, play a crucial role in the well-being and effectiveness of our personnel. The sacrifices and support these families provide often go unrecognised, yet they are essential for the success of any military operation. They provide the emotional anchor that our personnel need to cope with the challenges of their duties. Knowing that their loved ones are cared for will provide peace of mind, allowing them to concentrate on their duties without distraction.

I am slightly embarrassed that I was unaware of the organisations that supported us before being appointed as the WORAF. I fully acknowledge the importance that RAF charities and external groups play in providing support to our people and their families. They are

committed to improving the quality of life for the RAF Family. The Royal Air Force Families Federation provides information, advice and guidance to all matters that concern our people. They constantly support our intelligent, innovative and remarkable people and their families.

News IN THE

2024 DTS Civilian housing brief dates

Interested in finding out what civilian housing options are available to you? Defence Transition Services have just announced their Civilian Housing brief dates for 2024.

Capital Gains Tax: Living in Service Accommodation and renting out

When it comes to Capital Gains Tax the guidance can be unclear for Service personnel and families when living in Service Accommodation and renting out a property.

Self-Employment Discovery Course: Online workshop

X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) has announced new dates for its popular 1-day self-employment discovery course, designed exclusively for Armed Forces spouses, partners and family members.

RAF Museum joins Movement to Work

The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to have become a member of Movement to Work, the UK’s largest employer collaboration to tackle youth unemployment.

RAF Families Federation Impact Report 2023

The RAF Families Federation presents its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting a year of dedication to supporting and advocating for Royal Air Force personnel and their families.

SSAFA modernises its RAF service support

Late last year, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity was successful in its bid to continue its RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service (RAF PS & SWS).

Service Police and Crimestoppers team up

Service Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers have teamed up to help further protect. Service Police will now benefit from access to information reported anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Get financial help if you have children

Did you know that parents can claim child benefit to help with the cost of raising children? Find out if you’re eligible and how to make a claim.

RAF Benevolent Fund and One YMCA launch Airplay Annual Review 2023

The 2023 Review highlights the key findings and impact of the Fund’s national youth programme Airplay, delivered by One YMCA, across 24 RAF stations.

UK Space Command and Jon Egging Trust sign collaboration pledge

JET and UK Space Command are currently co-designing a series of space-related sessions which will be delivered within JET’s existing threeyear Blue Skies programme from September 2024.

Pensions considerations when leaving Service

The Forces Pension Society explains the ‘importance of ticking all the right pension boxes before you leave’. Choosing the right departure date carefully can make a significant difference to your pension.

Career support for young people

New findings reveal 1 in 6 military spouses and partners worry about the impact that being from a forces household will have on their children. The Forces Employment Charity unveils new career support.

Discover My Benefits changes – more accurate

Discover My Benefits now gives a more accurate and tailored financial value for your RAF Regular or Reservist total reward package.

this

and Luftwaffe personnel involved in the rescue of two German soldiers.

JCCC Virtual Contact Card: who to contact about compassionate cases

A reminder of the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) Virtual Contact Card for Service personnel deployed overseas and their families.

Lower minimum income requirement agreed for the Armed Forces

The Government has announced new immigration rules that has increased the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) to £29,000 to sponsor family members to enter, stay or settle in the UK.

Story of the RAF pilot who rescued two German soldiers

In

new BFBS Radio documentary, NATO 75 – an Alliance Rescue – BFBS Radio presenter Amy Casey interviews Royal Air Force

details on all these stories can be found on

Search for the headlines on our website

New guides added: Global Support Organisation overseas guides

The Global Support Organisation (GSO) European location guides to be made available on GOV. UK in a move to better utilise existing technology in order to aid communication and support.

Updated regulations for expenses and allowances under JSP 752

JSP 752 is the policy document that provides guidance to determine entitlement to expenses and allowances. The document is reviewed bi-annually and it is important all Service Personnel.

Government respond to the Quinquennial Review

The government has published its response to the Quinquennial Review (QQR) of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

“The Fund gave us the clean slate we so desperately needed”

Shameem Kabir joined the RAF in 2015, after moving to the UK from Bangladesh to study. Posted with King’s Colour Squadron providing ceremonial support and managing a team of 30 personnel.

DIO Accommodation Update, Service Family Accommodation

Update from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for those of you living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA).

Give Us Time launches a new programme – Give Us a Moment

Give Us a Moment will give days out and exciting experiences to Forces families who are separated due to deployment or other reasons.

Defence Minimum Standard Update – SLA

Defence Minimum Standard Update

The Defence Minimum Standard (DMS) for Single Living Accommodation (SLA) was launched as part of the Defence Accommodation Strategy (DAS)in 2022.

Overseas families survey: your feedback is helping Defence

Defence would like to thank those of you who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback is valuable and is helping to inform Defence policy to better meet the needs of you and your family.

What happens when you report an issue to the RAF Families Federation

We represent youinfluencing Parliamentary Committees, Government Departments, Councils and private companies. Your evidence leads to long term, positive change.

* Wraparound Childcare

* Long Term Relationship eligibility

* Military Coworking Network hubs

* NHS single point of contact

* MOD Virtual School

Our specialists support you, where possible resolving the issue.

Anonymised issues from our database, surveys, Station visits and our online Community Forums form our evidence base.

With permission, facts are captured in our secure database. 1 2 444 444 444 44 44 44 44 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 5

So please make us aware of the problems you are facing – we may be able to resolve your issue and you will be providing vital evidence for us to influence decision makers.

raf-ff.org.uk/contact

Last year I returned to motorcycle racing after a long period away. I surpassed my own expectations, helping the RAFMSA retain the Inter-Service (IS) trophy for the fourth consecutive year, finished sixth in the IS league and third in the RAF. March 2024 and the new season started at a very cold and very windy Snetterton but firstly let’s roll back to November 2023 and one thing the team needed - to look as good as we rode. The team had previously secured funds for awnings, but both the bikes and the riders looked a little dishevelled and in need of a well-deserved spruce up and refresh.

The RAFMSA management had some funds for new race fairings which needed painting and luckily, I had a contact, so the bikes were sorted. After some engagement with the Engineering Professions Advisory Team (EPAT), explaining the advantages and huge improved safety benefits available to riders via the use of RST Airbag kangaroo race suits, they too were placed on order. Now the team would look as good as they can ride.

Back to Snetterton and the team had riders in nearly all classes with a number of ‘novice’ riders joining us this year, all highlighted by the dreaded orange vest, normally ceremonially burnt once 10 races have been completed. All performed outstandingly with the standout performance from Cpl Dean Turner who ran in the top 10 within the ‘Novice 1000’ class but also secured a lap time of 2:04.9, which is all the more impressive as this was his first visit to the circuit. This ensured he took home the RAF Rider of the weekend, a great start to his new racing career!

The Inter-Service race resulted in an exceptional performance from all RAF Riders. This race is an ‘open’ series which has all manner of bikes on the packed grid ranging from the mini twins, 600cc up to the 1000cc, 200BHP monsters all on track at once and the racing is far closer than you might imagine. At the end of the final lap, the RAF had six riders in the top 10 securing a great points haul which will hopefully be a solid foundation to build on to secure an unprecedented fifth title in a row, fingers crossed.

Flt Lt James Leslie

617 Dambusters bounce to great result

By | WO Alan Sharp Pictures | Camipix Photography

Racing is an expensive sport; nobody forces us to do it, but it does result in having to decide between a holiday or new tyres and entry fees. There is some finical support available via the RAFMSA, the Sports lottery, we get some sponsorship from GB Racing protection or some gain private sponsorship but we all look at ways to get competitive time on track verses the overall costs. One solution that works for me is to enter endurance races. Still highly competitive with lap times comparable with the sprint races but you have to maintain these times across a team of 2-3 riders for up to 5 hours. Fitness, stamina and focus is key to achieving a good result.

After the Snetterton Round I approached Flt Lt James Leslie, a fellow ‘Cup 1000’ licence holder, and Cpl Dean Turner, one of our novices. We all ride 1000cc bikes, so my intention is to race as a team within the 5-hour or 700km *whichever comes first*

We looked the part; we can all do competitive times just once thing… we all raced on different numbers, so we needed to pick a number for the team. I could only think of one number that would be in keeping with the new RAF paint scheme, an iconic Squadron that everyone had heard of due to the exploits during WW2, ‘617 Sqn, The Dambusters’ so that’s what we entered the race as… RAF DAMBUSTERS 617.

DONINGTON PARK CIRCUIT

13th April late morning and the three riders had 35 minutes for each one to put in a qualification time to be eligible to race. The old man of the group, Alan Sharp, aboard his 2005 GSXR went out first, completed four laps and came in. As Dean Tuner, aboard his 09 Fireblade, exited, Mr Sharp was informed that his transponder hadn’t been registering so needed to do another session, ‘No Time = No Race!' Dean returned without issue. Final rider James Lessie on his 07 R1, three laps in he got a black flag for excess smokedoing a great impression of a Red Arrow, but had secured a time. Alan went back out whilst the team worked on the sickly R1. End of qualification and we had qualified 28th out of 43 and eighth in class.

An hour prior to the race and we had everything crossed that the R1 was sorted. Alan on the GSXR would ride the first stint including the infamous Le Mans start. All bikes are held by a teammate whilst the rider is on the other side of the track, a flag is dropped, and the rider sprints across the track, jumps on whilst systematically staring the bike then heading off towards turn one. The start was on point gaining seven places, but this is endurance racing not sprint and in 5 hours a lot can happen.

Sharp's stint was without issue albeit the need for a safety car to come out due to an on-track incident which cost the team losing track position and a hard earnt 40-second gap being eaten up, Alan completed 50 minutes hitting consistent 1:43>1:44s gaining two places to place in sixth in class.

Dean, a newbie to endurance was steady away for about three laps then turned up the wick and got into a great rhythm consistently maintaining those needed 1:43>1:44 laps which meant we again slowly moving up the placings, now into 5th… At about 30 minutes one of the lead teams crashed heavily bringing out the red flag to allow the ambulance on circuit. Dean was lined up and

617 DAMBUSTERS RIDERS

(Left to Right) : Alan Sharp, James Leslie, and Dean Turner

post the recovery the 40+ riders re-entered the circuit and Dean continued his sterling performance.

One, two miss a few.. GO

A rule introduced this year is to ensure that rider handovers take a minimum time, this prevents bikes speeding in the pit lane. we had been told 37 seconds from the incoming rider to the outgoing rider entering back on the circuit… as such we calculated a 10 second ‘HOLD’ was needed. James either can’t count, misheard or was thinking about pasta so he left far too early. The penalty? for every 1 second early the organisers add four seconds. we received a 20-second penalty.

James was now on circuit and was nursing the R1, testing its limits to ensure that all was good before upping the speed.

The bike was running well and James in his second ever endurance completed over 50 minutes, and we maintained class position. During endurance races events can significantly affect the final outcome, poor pit stops, riders falling, safety cars, red flags.

Alans Second stint and due to issues with other teams 617 had moved to fourth. 25 minutes in and another safety car, this time however the team increased the gap on the teams behind and by the end of his second and final ride *or so he thought*

the team were holding a safe third.

The return of Dean and the newbie smashed it even managing to save a front-end tuck thanks to his elbow, that could have been disastrous, but it inspired him to maintain concentration and continue to hold 3rd. With 50 mins to go and only one rider to go we just needed a little luck to gain a trophy in the team’s first ever outing…

Lady Luck had other ideas. Our plan from the outset was for the rider to indicate when they were coming in, this was determined by not how tired they were but if their fuel light had come on. James indicated at 34mins he was coming in, there must be a problem. Alan got ready to go, just in case.

James came in, the bike steaming like a boiling kettle, a pipe had split and showered the bike and him in hot water.

Both were okay, but he had to stop, Alan went out now in a 1min 23 sec deficit to the third-place team. With time and light running out the race had to stop at 8pm, The race hadn’t run the full 700km or 5hrs and Team Dambusters were 15 seconds behind the team in 3rd. We hope and think that ‘IF’ the extra 54km had been run there may have been a trophy to collect.

As legendary racing driver Nikki Lauda once said, “You learn nothing from success”, but in many ways, we had succeeded, and oh how we had learned. Five hours flat out riding is exhausting, extremely hard on motorcycles, it is great fun, James has now learned to count to 10, it’s amazing for the team ethos and proves that 15-year-old machinery can compete against much newer bikes! We will also add that the first time out, RAF DAMBUSTERS 617 beat all four teams from the much more experienced ARMY Team so every cloud! Until next time…

For more information about RAF Motorsports and the Central Fund, visit www.rafcf.org.uk/sports/raf-motorsports or

Facebook: RAFMotorcycleRoadRacing Instagram: rafmotorcycleroadracing

LEFT TO RIGHT: Kai Byford-Howard, Laura Muir (rider Alan Sharp) Mathew McCreadie, Paul Cunvin (Centre rider

James Leslie) Piotr Gawaluch, Gary Lawton (rider Dean Turner) Kenny Macleod, Lee Barnes.

Dean Turner

COMFORT BLANKET Crochet Crew help Georgie Kick Cancer

“I’m sorry to confirm that the test results are positive – you have breast cancer”. This is a sentence that no one wants to hear but it’s made more complicated when you’re in Oman accompanying your RAF husband on a military tour.

At 47 years old, Georgie was too young to qualify for a routine mammogram but was aware of the importance of breast checks and became concerned when she saw some unusual dimpling. Health care for Loan Service (LS) personnel and families in Oman is provided by the Armed Forces Hospital and is extremely comprehensive. Following tests and a biopsy, Georgie’s cancer was quickly identified, and a course of treatment planned.

Georgie and her family considered returning to the UK for treatment, but she knew that she had access to considerably more support here from the close-knit community of spouses, plus the treatment on offer in Oman was exceptional.

Naturally, her LS friends all wanted to help in any way possible. The care plans and hospital trips were quickly covered but the ladies also identified the

need for something more motivational for both Georgie and her family. Somehow, the suggestion that the creation of a crochet blanket in her favourite colours would be something fun for a group to make together and give Georgie something to follow as it grew. This idea took hold and soon there was a group of ladies from the three different married quarter compounds covering all ranks and all services keen to be involved in some way.

And then we realised that only one person in the group, Donna, knew how to crochet! She accepted the challenge and ran a series of lessons for absolute beginners where they created some rather peculiar Halloween and Christmas decorations. Skills improved and soon they were sufficiently competent to be allowed the best yarn and start the circles and hexagons for the blanket itself.

Over three months, while Georgie struggled through a course of high dose chemotherapy, a core team of around ten ladies met weekly (with many ad hoc correction meetings in between) and the number of circles increased. The crew weren’t all crochet queens; there were also the super sewers, biscuit bakers, coffee makers, fund donators not forgetting the many motivators. Georgie joined the meetings when she was well enough

and had photo and video updates when she couldn’t come. The updates included tales of failed circles, far-fetched suggestions for future projects, old childhood photos of the ladies as children in weird looking crocheted outfits and other local banter; all providing camaraderie, friendship and motivation to support Georgie through her treatment.

The tests after the chemo sessions had ended showed that the cancer had disappeared. A mastectomy and preventative radiotherapy were to follow.

It took three months of crocheting, hand sewing loose ends, edging, blocking and finishing, countless cups of coffee, cakes and biscuits but they achieved their goal just a few days before Georgie was admitted for her mastectomy operation. A celebratory coffee morning was held to present Georgie with her blanket in time for her to take to the hospital for her op.

Georgie says, "The Crochet Crew have been the most wonderful distraction during this emotional diagnosis and subsequent treatment of my breast cancer. We have laughed and joked, told stories and embraced major and minor faux pas!! Everyone in our selfless group has gone out of their way to make sure that I could get to our mornings which gave me much needed respite. The blanket of friendship, love and hope clearly has all the verbs to describe it. It means the world to me. To know that, when I wrap my beautifully crafted piece of love around me, it is a hug from friends, fellow military wives, mothers, aunts, daughters and sisters, who might have to endure cancer at some time in their lives."

If you, or a loved one, are living with cancer and are in need of advice and support, you can call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, (or +44 207 091 2230 from Overseas). 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Pam Mossman, Lia Bird, Donna Middleton, Georgie Walker, Sara Quick, Andrea Elsey, Jen Roy, Jacky Nelson

Missing from photo are: Polly Gedney, Sarah Cooper and Sam Wall.

THE FUTURE OF RAF TRAINING?

An ongoing RAF Astra Project is embracing the use of VR technology for recruits.

RAF Halton’s Astra Project - Next Generation Phase One Training has been hugely successful so far. The project seeks to test and exploit Virtual Reality technology to enhance the learning experience of RAF Phase One recruits; improving their confidence, competence and capability. This technology has been used to supplement and not replace the first class training that Recruit Training Squadron provides, and is the first time that Virtual Reality has been used within a Phase 1 RAF Training establishment.

Last year, proof-of-concept exercises were carried out using Virtual Reality headsets and Virtual Reality content created specifically for weapon handling training, provided by SimCentric. Recruits were able to use the Virtual Reality headsets during the evenings and weekends to practice what they had learnt in the classroom. In essence they had access to a real weapon system during the day and ‘synthetic’ weapons system during the evenings. This blended learning approach proved hugely popular with the recruits. When the time came for them to complete the Weapon Handling Test with a real weapon system, 98% passed first time. Access to and the availability of the Virtual Reality learning platform was a key contributor to such a high pass rate.

Focus then switched from utilising to promoting this technology, where the project lead, Flt Sgt Mark Sibley, Training Wg, RAF Halton, took the Virtual Reality headsets to the Royal International Air Tattoo and showcased this to the RAF’s Senior Leadership Team and members of the public. This was a real key engagement event which generated a lot of excitement around the project which has the potential to benefit every training establishment across defence.

Latterly, the project was showcased at the Annual Astra Awards at the RAF Museum in Hendon. There was huge interest shown from Defence personnel, Defence partners and industry representatives as well as delegates from allied nations. Flt Sgt Sibley and his project Next Generation Phase One Training were nominated for four Astra awards (Astra Ambassador award, Rising Star award, Astra Core Team award and the People’s Choice Award) more than any other project that night which was an achievement in itself. Project Next Generation Phase One Training was awarded the Astra People’s Choice award, sponsored by Babcock. Ten Astra projects were nominated for the People’s Choice award with voting open to all RAF whole force personnel; RAF Halton personnel voted in huge numbers; project Next Generation Phase One Training received more than a quarter of all the votes.

Going forward, the intent is to build on this success and continue to seek funding opportunities so additional Virtual Reality content can be created and requisite hardware purchased. Recruit Training Sqn provides the ideal environment in which to fully explore and exploit the benefits of Virtual Reality for training and education. This project has shown that Virtual Reality technology is well suited to a blended learning environment and has the potential to transform the learning experience for the Phase One RAF Recruits of the future.

Envoy caught up with Project lead Flt Sgt Mark Sibley, who told us:

“The idea of using Virtual Reality (VR) in a phase 1 training establishment came about as a result of seeing the success of an already established Astra Project - Ready Gunner One. This project used VR to provide a dismounted close combat training system and allowed multiple aviators to collectively train together in VR. I wanted to see if this technology (software and hardware) could be scaled down from collective training to individual training. I engaged with Sim-Centric who were providing the VR system (known as SAFTAC) for Ready Gunner One to scope the art of the possible; they introduced me to another VR System they had created (SAF-SOLO), designed for individual training which exceeded my expectations. I was able to get hands on with a VR weapon training package which replicated all the elements of the Weapon Handling Test; I was impressed with how intuitive and immersive the experience was and how well it simulated weapon handling training.”

MOVING FORWARD

“Due to the demands of my current primary role I have had to scale back my work on Project Next Generation Phase 1 Training in recent months. However, after delivering a variety of demonstrations and trials of SAF-SOLO across many key events in the RAF Calendar last year (RIAT, WORAF Conference for example) has helped to generate positive interest in Project Next Generation Phase 1 Training. Ways forward for the project are currently being explored.”

BRIGHT IDEAS

“I took my inspiration from the RAF Regiment and their Ready Gunner One project; this is a well-established project and has featured on the BBC technology programme ‘Click’. I have been very well supported by The RAF Astra team who have provided me with the platform to showcase the potential of this project.”

INNOVATION

“I’m really pleased that Project Next Generation Phase 1 Training captured the imagination of all those that voted for the project at last year’s Astra Awards. In years to come, VR will be used more and more within training and education, this technology can be used to enhance the training and improve the confidence, competence and capability of our next generation Aviators, Sailors and Soldiers. We need to explore opportunities to bring this technology from niche to normal and continue to build on the project’s success.”

SHAPING YOUNG MINDS AND FOSTERING AMBITION

Before joining the Royal Air Force in 2000, George Slater had never left Scotland. However, during the course of a 22-year career - which all began with an apprenticeship - he would go on to visit over 20 countries.

George was selected for aircrew service on the Nimrod MR2, Hercules C130J, and Airbus A400M Atlas, post-apprenticeship. He qualified as a Rearcrew Instructor in 2014, and started volunteering as a STEM Ambassador in 2017. He now uses the knowledge, skills, and experience he acquired in the RAF to guide his delivery of aviation themed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) engagement into schools in Cornwall.

George’s business, Soaring STEM Ltd, is an education outreach provider that builds confidence through practical activities –providing access to equipment and experiences to enhance learning opportunities.

“I launched in March 2022,” George explains, “although this coincided with plans to relocate and a change in the framework model, so I opted to take on a part-time role as Education Projects Manager with Cornwall Council to complement my work while I got things started.”

When asked about his motivation to start his own business, George’s answer is compelling, especially when one considers his own background and humble beginnings in a fishing community in north east Scotland:

“I believed that it was possible for me to make a difference, and I saw an opportunity to address a lack of enrichment opportunities faced by lots of children growing up with very little visibility of inspiring careers. I gained excellent feedback from STEM Ambassador events, and recognised that this type of opportunity often helps children who are disengaged to demonstrate what they are capable of.”

X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) first came into contact with George when he attended one of their Self-Employment Awareness workshops at Aldershot during his resettlement period. George has since joined numerous XFE networking sessions, and has attended marketing and goal setting workshops online. These events not only provide attendees with the skills and knowledge they need to start their self-employment adventures, but also facilitate access to a wider network of like-minded individuals embarking on similar journeys. This support is invaluable, especially when one is faced with challenges along the way.

“The transition from military to civilian life, coupled with a relocation from Gloucestershire to Cornwall and a need to maintain a steady income, have all taken up capacity,” says George. “Additionally, I act as a delivery partner for the RAF Youth STEM team, and this involved a rigorous framework bidding process which took a long time. However, I have successfully bid to be part of this for five years and am now in a position to start expanding into new areas.

“It has been difficult at times to manage all my different commitments and to ensure my effort is being placed in the right areas. I attempt to manage this by setting and reviewing goals at regular intervals. I always prioritise the quality of delivery above all, and I have tended to avoid risks to ensure the reputation I am building is positively maintained.

“I value the advice and guidance received on all the XFE courses and workshops - it is always worthwhile hearing new perspectives and getting feedback or suggestions. The XFE networking events have also been great to retain contact with the military community and be inspired by my fellow veteran business owners.”

The work he does alongside his business for Cornwall Council has allowed George to work on a diverse range of educational projects. This includes being the project manager for The ASK Programme (a Department for Education funded apprenticeship programme), supporting

Cornish Primary School children aligned to Armed Forces Day, delivering the IET Faraday Challenge to Y8 students, and much, much more. To say this keeps him busy is something of an

understatement, but the work is rewarding and there is plenty of scope for growth, as George explains:

“I recognise a demand for quality enrichment and believe veterans can fill this gap. I want to expand my portfolio of projects and get to a position where I can employ fellow veterans to deliver these projects aligned to a positive military ethos.

“I love to get feedback from the teachers and students I support - it has been consistently excellent and drives me to continue delivering first-rate experiences. Since leaving the Royal Air Force, I have delivered support to more than 16000 students – from reception through to Further Education. So far, there have been 42 events delivered through my business – reaching 2565 pupils, with another 16 events secured and in planning.”

George’s journey has taken him from rural Aberdeenshire, across the globe, and on to his new home of Cornwall. He is putting his experience to work in shaping young minds and fostering ambition. Not a bad way to make a Iiving.

Website: www.soaringstem.co.uk

Twitter: @SoaringSTEM

LinkedIn: George Slater: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-slater-soaring-stem/

For more information about X-Forces, the leading organisation in the UK for enterprise in the military community, visit x-forces.com

Overseas and Spousal Employment

During this busy period, I have joined with my Naval and Army Families Federation colleagues to deliver both online and face to face overseas briefs to spouses of those attending the Defence Attache and Loan Service course. We also visited the FCDO for a meeting with the Diplomatic Service Families Association, to share information and ideas, particularly around the complicated issues of spousal employment overseas. Spousal employment, particularly overseas, continues to be at the top of my agenda and we have received a number of enquiries relating to this. I was recently able to help a family who had not received maternity pay from their overseas location. Despite their continued efforts, they still hadn’t received it before coming back to the UK. I’m pleased to report that it has now been paid to them.

Closer to home, I continue my meetings with Forces Families Jobs - Forces Families Jobs and Military Coworking Network | Coworking space to keep up to date with employment and training opportunities for spouse/partners of serving personnel. I have forged links with employers and training providers and sit on various working groups to keep spousal employment issues in the limelight.

I also helped organise the Celebrating Forces Families awards with my colleagues from the Partner Employment Working Group. I very much enjoyed the night - a fitting occasion to celebrate the amazing people in our Armed Forces communities.

Accommodation

In the previous spring edition of ‘Envoy’ we announced that the New Accommodation Offer, now called the Modernised Accommodation Offer (MAO) was due to launch on 11 March 2024; the MAO has paused UFN. We are aware of the frustration for all RAF SP and their families that the decision made by the Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Defence People and Families took to pause the Service Families Accommodation (SFA) elements of the MAO was untimely. The development and design of the policy will continue to be informed by research and engagement with Service personnel and families. Therefore, at this point, no date has been set for the SFA element of MAO to commence. Both Stan and Mark will continue to work with the RAF and MOD accommodation policy holders in order to ensure that all RAF SP and their families voice is represented at the highest level. More information can be found https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/housing3/modernised-accommodation-offer/.

In February Stan and Mark hosted an online RAF Families Federation Single Living Accommodation’ (SLA) Community Forum where we were joined by Air Cdre Will Dole - Hd Infra at HQ AIR Cmd, WO Phil Chadwick - WO Accn & Families at HQ AIR Cmd and Paul Bond from VIVO Built Estate. The aim of the forum was to develop our understanding of the issues that RAF SP who reside in SLA are experiencing in order to increase the awareness of what is happening in our Service communities such as, future SLA ‘modular units’, MAO, Defence Minimum Standard of SLA, fault reporting/repair priorities and the complaints process.

Engagement and Outreach

Engagement had a busy start to 2024, with 8 drop-in clinics being carried out at various units between January and March. A total of 23 clinics were complete in tranche two, which commenced at RAF Benson on 18 October 2023. Thanks to all who supported and who came along to chat. I also undertook informal visits to Lincolnshire stations, where a majority of RAF SP and their families are located, to maintain the visibility of RAF Families Federation within this important geographical area. Attendance at Families Day events will form part of our engagement focus across the summer.

THE TEAM ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU AS A SERVICE PERSON OR FAMILY MEMBER.

We provide an independent voice, educate networks and push for policy change that supports the RAF community. Here is a snapshot of a few of our current areas of work – aimed at making life better for you at work or at home whether in the UK, or overseas.

Sue Gee

Stan Brathwaite

Mark Hayhurst

Ian Todd

HEALTH AND ADDITIONAL NEEDS

In January I attended the Royal British Legion Special Educational Needs and Disability Roundtable event in London, which brought together a variety of research, policy and lived experiences to further RBL’s knowledge in this area and facilitate discussions for change. The aim was to understand barriers, identify good practice, and agree next steps to improve policy & practice for Armed Forces families with SEND. It brought together a wide range of organisations and individuals with lived experience to really bring focus to the unique stressors for military children with SEND and to create a plan for what needs to change and what we, as organisations can do to effect that change.

As Finance lead, I continue to support our families across a wide range of issues, support with entitlements to allowances, benefits and tax liabilities where specific exemptions are made for Armed Forces families to prevent disadvantage due to service. Our most recent RAF-FF Forum focussed on Allowances, Entitlements, and the Cost of Living; we saw our biggest attendance since the inception of this event, with invaluable updates and information from the RAF Reward Team and an interesting range of questions and inputs from our Forum members.

EDUCATION

With Government funded childcare provision (www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/childcare-expansion) expanding for eligible families in England this April, we are keen to understand how this is impacting the RAF community - thank you to those families that have already been in touch to share their insights with us. To ensure that up-to-date evidence on the needs and experiences of RAF families is available, we are currently developing plans to launch a new childcare survey to update the evidence we published in the 2021 Childcare Survey Report (www.raf-ff.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/RAF-FF-Childcare-Survey-Report-2021.pdf). Evidence you share with us can help us to ensure your lived experience is heard and understood as we work with key stakeholders to shape change and influence policy. Look out for further information on the childcare survey in our weekly eBulletin (https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/publications/register-for-ebulletin/ ) and on social media – coming soon!

The Service Children In State Schools (SCISS) (https://www.sciss.org.uk/ )Supporting Service Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Voice of Schools Report was published in April 2024 and provided an insight into what school leaders are saying about support for Service children with SEND in schools in England. As this is a subject that impacts many RAF families, the RAFFF scheduled a community forum (https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/federation/raf-community-forum/ ) focusing on SEND for 18 June 2024 to enable us to gain a greater insight into how SEND provision and support is impacting the RAF community. If you need support or would like to share your experience with us, please do get in touch via https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/contact/

Communications

The Comms team have had a busy first half of the year. A selection of our projects include; helping organise our Community Forums www.raf-ff.org.uk/federation/raf-community-forum/, improving the functionality of the RAFFF website and the way we approach our social media output, spreading the message about the Families Federation representing ‘Single’ individuals in the RAF, and contributing to our annual Impact Report, which showcases the work we did across 12 months, and can be found online at bit.ly/ImpRep2023

Alexandra Stokes

Tim Unwin

Caz Evans

MEET THE TEAM: WENDY DRYSDALE

Evidence Officer at the RAFFF

I joined the RAF Families Federation as the Evidence Officer this year. For me, joining the team has been like coming home.

At just 17 years old, I joined the RAF and went on to complete 22 years Regular service in the Personnel trade, followed by a further six years as a Reservist. During this time, I have had a variety of roles, the majority of which have been in some form of customer service role; working in Personnel Services Flights, operational Fighter Squadron, Engineering Training School, RAF Statistician, an operational tour in Kuwait/Iraq during the 2003 Gulf conflict, before finally taking up residence in Royal Air Force Recruiting & Selection, where I spent over 10 years (Regular and Reserve). I have also taken advantage of many opportunities that the RAF offers including learning to waterski which led to me becoming the Ladies RAF Waterski Champion (quite a few years ago), and furthering my education, eventually gaining a BA Hons in Businesses Studies in 2002.

I eventually handed in my blues in 2022 to try something new and to gain some experience in my passion of photography. I therefore spent one year as a school photographer, covering the vast Lincolnshire area visiting schools and nurseries to take the infamous ‘school photograph’. This was a very insightful job, and I certainly learned a lot about the wider community that we are all part of. I then spent one year as a School Administrator at a primary school, which again, taught me a lot about the wider community and gave me an insight into the education sector and an appreciation for the variety of challenges that families and education professionals experience.

marquee style tents in the middle of deserts (in 50 Degree heat!), bunkbeds in cold and noisy hangars, sleeping on floors whilst on exercise, guard duty or waiting for flights, and finally to being a homeowner and settling in a quiet Lincolnshire village.

During my time in the RAF, I have been single, met and married my husband, Darren (who is ex Regular RAF now serving on a full time Reserve contract), and become a mother to my two wonderful boys who are now 15 and 12. I have experienced life in Single Living Accommodation (in the UK and overseas), Transit Accommodation, Service Families Accommodation,

I am therefore joining the RAF Families Federation with a wealth of first-hand experiences that not only allows me to relate to the many challenges the RAF community face, but also my naturally empathetic and inquisitive nature means that I am keen to help and look for answers (evidence) to make life better for our service personnel and their families. I am also joining a very close-knit team (Two of which I have previously worked with during my RAF service); all of which are extremely passionate about being part of a fantastic organisation that works hard on behalf of an even more fantastic Service community.

Wendy with her family

Wendy and her husband Darren, pictured after both being presented with the Iraq Medal with Clasp.

MCN – ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

An independent evaluation survey of the Military Coworking Network (MCN) project was conducted end of 2023 and shared with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for an in-depth review as part of a new funding bid.

The review was a success, and an additional two years’ funding has now been awarded via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, which is sponsored by the MoD.

The new funding starts 1st April 2024 and runs through to 31st March 2026.

The need for the MCN.

Our mission is clear and simple. We want to enable military spouses and partners to have and maintain professional careers alongside military life.

50% of the military spouses and partners who took part in the survey told us that military life has had a negative impact on their careers. One in six stated that they’d had to leave a job or education to allow their serving partner to pursue their military careers.

And this is what we are doing to turn that statistic around, by providing:

• Free access to a professional network of like-minded people to help our members meet, connect, and grow.

• Free access to a comprehensive resource library, as well as online events and other opportunities, to support their career progression, help them navigate their way around available support, and make informed choices.

• Low-cost, affordable access to a professional network of coworking hubs on Navy, Army, and RAF bases across the UK and abroad to enable remote, home, and hybrid working.

Next Stop Hereford

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve recently opened a new coworking hub at Credenhill, Hereford, the home of Stirling Lines. You’ll find it on the patch.

Hub Membership costs just £30 / year and gives access to fabulous, fully equipped office spaces.

The funding will be used to support the opening of further coworking hubs across the UK and drive the growth of the MCN Online Community, providing a larger window of opportunity to demonstrate our impact with the long-term aim of seeing this fully adopted by the MoD as part of its Family Provision Offer.

Our hubs are predominantly for use by spouses and partners of serving personnel; however, can be used by reservists who may be temporarily attached to the regiment and need somewhere to work.

To become a member of this hub or to discover other hub locations, scan the QR Code.

Affordable

Extensive

Excellent

Outstanding

OVERSEAS POSTINGS

What should you consider if thinking about an overseas assignment?

By | Sue Gee, RAFFF Partner Employment and Overseas Support Policy Advisor

Overseas postings in the Royal Air Force can be an exciting opportunity, offering unique experiences and an opportunity to see the world. However, there are things to consider, not only for the Serving person but also for their family.

Here are a few things you may need to think about, if considering an overseas assignment:

Spousal Employment

This can be a significant factor when thinking about whether to volunteer for an overseas posting. There are many reasons why working overseas may not be practical, for example, childcare limitations, visa restrictions or challenges finding work in-country.

That said, it is not impossible to work overseas, but it does require some research. Whether you want to try and keep your UK role and work remotely, run your own business or look for employment in-country, please see our www.raf-ff.org.uk/ overseas/before-you-apply/employment website page for more information and useful links.

If you can’t or don’t wish to work whilst overseas, there are lots of options to access free training or volunteering opportunities, this information is also on our Overseas Employment page.

Family Well-being

The well-being and adjustment of family members to a new environment is paramount. Will schooling options be suitable? What about healthcare facilities?

On volunteering for an overseas posting, the serving person and their family will go through a supportability process. This is to ensure that medical and educational needs can be met in the particular country that you may be going to. Please see our www.raf-ff.org.uk/overseas/ao-received/applicationprocess page for further information.

You may need to consider the ages of any accompanying children and at what stage they are in their education. This is just as important on your return to the UK. Will they be in a crucial year such as GCSE’s or A levels? Depending on the country, qualifications are not always easily transferable.

For more information, including the options of education overseas, UK boarding schools and elective home education please see www.raf-ff.org.uk/overseas/before-you-apply/education

Pets

It may be possible to take your pet with you on an overseas posting however; this is at your own expense. The MOD does not cover the cost of moving pets to or from the overseas location. Depending on the country you go to, it can be extremely expensive. Returning your pet to the UK can also be a costly undertaking and should not be underestimated. Other considerations include import requirements and additional costs, such as passport, vaccinations, insurances, in-country vets, kennelling and boarding options.

Accommodation

If you own your own home, what will you do with your house whilst you are overseas? There are various options including leaving it unoccupied, selling or renting. There are different considerations with all of these options, information can be found in the link below.

Depending on the area you are posted to, the overseas accommodation offer will differ – from whether they are on or

off base to private rental properties.

Information can be found here www.raf-ff.org.uk/overseas/ before-you-apply

Cultural Adaptation

Part of the draw of an overseas assignment is experiencing a new culture. This will mean that offbase the local lifestyle will be different to what you are used to at home; make sure you are upto-speed with the local currency, laws, regulations and customs. Also, bear in mind, some things which you take for granted in the UK may be unavailable.

Moving overseas without knowing anyone can feel lonely initially, particularly if there is a language barrier, you are not working, have no access to a vehicle or live in a remote location. It is important to do your research before you go and put networks in place. This could include reaching out to people already there via the serving persons predecessor, Facebook groups or the HIVE.

There are also online communities such as the www.militarycoworking.uk which is free to join as an online member.

Financial Considerations

Assess the financial implications of living abroad, including cost of living differences, taxation, and allowances. Understanding the financial package offered for overseas postings is essential for making informed decisions. See our Finances – Overseas Assignments article in the Spring edition of Envoy for lots of useful information: https://bit.ly/OverseasFinances

Further information

Accepting an overseas posting in the RAF offers exciting opportunities and can be an amazing experience. By knowing what to consider and doing some research, you can ensure you are prepared and limit unexpected hurdles.

Whether you are thinking of going overseas, are making preparations to go or return to the UK, our website has the information to help you at every stage www.raf-ff.org.uk/overseas

If you cannot find the information you are looking for or have a specific question, please complete our short www.raf-ff.org.uk/contact form and we will put you in touch with one of our policy advisors.

Easy access to London transport links. Close to M1 & A1 Outstanding Pastoral Care & Extracurricular Activities Consistently Excellent GCSE & A Level Results

Navigating Results Day: A Guide for Students and Parents/Carers

By | Ali Stokes, RAFFF Education and Childcare Policy Advisor

As August rolls around, a key moment looms on the horizon for many students across the UK: results day. This day brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and nerves as students await the outcomes of their GCSE, A level, or other examinations. Whether you're a student awaiting your grades or a parent/carer nervously pacing the floor, it's crucial to approach results day with a clear mind and a plan in place.

1. Keep Calm

First and foremost, regardless of the outcome, try to keep calm. Results day can be emotionally charged, but it's important to maintain perspective. If the grades you receive aren't what you were hoping for, don't panic. Take a deep breath and remember that there are always alternative paths to your desired destination.

2. Evaluate Your Options

If the grades you receive aren't what you expected or needed for your chosen course(s), it's time to assess your options. Sit down, perhaps with your parents/carers, teachers, or careers advisor, and explore alternative pathways. You could consider retaking exams, exploring different courses or vocational qualifications, or taking a gap year to gain experience and reassess your goals. Remember, there's more than one road to success, and sometimes setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities.

3. Seek Support

You're not alone in this journey. Whether you're a student grappling with disappointing results or a parent/carer unsure of how to best support your child, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to your teachers, who can provide guidance and support, or seek advice from college or university admissions tutors or careers advisors. Remember, there's a wealth of support available to help you navigate what may be a challenging time and make informed decisions about your future.

There are several organisations across the UK dedicated to providing careers advice and support to students:

National Careers Guidance: If you would like to explore different careers; what a job involves to help you decide whether it’s right for you; and the courses which may help you

to achieve your career goals, the following online resources offer information and guidance.

nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course (England), www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk (Scotland) https://careerswales.gov.wales/ (Wales) www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers (Northern Ireland)

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service): While primarily known for managing university applications, UCAS also offers a wealth of resources and information to help students make informed decisions about their higher education and career choices. Visit the UCAS website for guidance on results day at www.ucas.com/undergraduate/ clearing-and-results-day/results-day

Forces Employment Charity (FEC): As well as supporting anyone who has served, the charity also has a dedicated Families Programme. It offers mentoring and career guidance to service children and young people aged 16-24, plus spouses and partners of those who are serving / have served. For more information, or to request help, contact the charity through their website at www.forcesemployment.org.uk/ programmes/families-programme

The RAF Families Federation website also offers guidance on Further and Higher Education options, Training Opportunities and Wellbeing Support to help the RAF community navigate educational options, access training programs and mental health support. Scan this code to visit the Education section of our website, or visit www.raf-ff.org.uk/education

If you’re not sure where to turn, or you need support, please do get in touch with us at www.raff-ff.org.uk/contact Remember, results day is just the beginning of your journey, not the end. No matter what grades you receive, there are always opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Take a deep breath and try to keep an open mind as you consider the possibilities that lie ahead.

Close to Army Headquarters with bus routes to Middle Wallop, Worthy Down and Tidworth 15% tuition fee discount for serving members of British Armed Forces All year swimming coming soon!

Rookwood School has great teachers and lovely parents. I have never felt more welcomed by a school. Current parent “ “

Rookwood School is highly experienced in educating and caring for children from armed forces families, with many families currently on roll and staff with military backgrounds. Find out more

Finding Your Way

FINDING YOUR WAY

At the RAF Families Federation (RAFFF) we understand that navigating educational pathways can be challenging, particularly for Service personnel and families that may move across the UK and overseas.

To support with this, neaco (The Network for East Anglian Collaborative Outreach) have produced a ‘Finding Your Way’ guide (see below for the link) focusing mainly on provision in England to help students and parents/carers to consider post-16 options.

Making post-16 and post-18 choices A guide for service children and military families

Finding Your Way

Choosing what to do after your GCSEs and again once compulsory education ends can pose unique challenges for students, especially for those from families who serve in the RAF or other armed forces and may face frequent relocations and changes in educational processes. Recognising the need to provide additional support, neaco developed a guide tailored specifically for Service children and their families. The Finding Your Way booklet aims to empower students and their families with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the crucial decisions surrounding post-16 and post-18 education.

Who developed it? The guide was created by neaco’s Higher Education Champions (HECs) who are experienced education and outreach professionals based in schools and colleges. HECs facilitate sessions in schools, organise external speakers and events, and coordinate

trips to university campuses all with the aim of improving understanding and preparedness to enable informed choices and increasing passion and ambition as they explore their options. The Finding Your Way booklet was created collaboratively with HECs from across East Anglia, drawing on a range of experiences as well as utilising knowledge from organisations who specifically support Service children such as the SCIP Alliance.

Why was it developed?

WHAT IS HIGHER EDUCATION AND WHY SHOULD I BOTHER?

While working closely with students in schools and colleges, neaco observed a gap in the support available to Service children during key educational transitions. It became evident that students transferring into new schools may have missed vital information about their postsecondary options. To address this gap, we embarked on creating a guide that could serve as a reliable resource for students, whether they were navigating their educational journey independently or with the support of a trusted adult. Who is it aimed at?

Higher Education covers any study and qualifications that you gain above Level 3. The table below shows the different types of qualifications you can achieve and at what levels.

Finding Your Way is written primarily for Service children, offering an easy-to-follow guide of information and guidance, covering their options, what they need to know, how to make their applications and next steps. Our aim was to ensure that Service children could find all the necessary information in one accessible resource, regardless of where they are in their journey of choosing their options.

How can it support young people and parents/carers?

Most people going to university study A Levels first, but many universities will also accept people who have studied BTECs or taken an Access to HE course The new T Level courses, which are an alternative to A Levels, are also accepted by a range of universities If you have studied for qualifications overseas; these can often still count towards your university application Always check with the individual institution and UCAS first, you may need to request a statement of comparability if the qualification is from outside of the UK

This guide serves as a roadmap for Service children and their families, offering clarity on various post-secondary pathways including A-Levels, T-Levels, apprenticeships, and university. There are pages explaining the financial support available specifically for Service children, providing them with tailored information.

You can study for a degree full-time or part-time at university You can also access higher education through a Degree Apprenticeship where you work and study at the same time Many large employers are now offering these schemes, including the Ministry of Defence, which is the largest provider

With parents and carers as the number one influencer on young people’s decisions the guide includes dedicated information on how to support and talk to their young person with confidence. At any point in the school year, families can turn to the guide to identify key decisions and deadlines.

of apprenticeships in the UK This is a great way to earn money and gain valuable experience whilst completing your degree People go to university for many reasons and gaining a degree can improve and widen your career choices. Going to university is an opportunity to explore a subject you enjoy, make new friends, have new experiences and gain skills

We hope you find this guide helpful as an overview of the different options available to students in post-16 education. Please be aware that entry criteria and deadlines for applications vary and we recommend you make early contact with any schools, colleges or universities you are interested in applying to, in order to check the application and admissions arrangements.

If you need support considering your next steps in education, you may find the organisations highlighted in our Results Day article helpful or fill out the form at www.raf-ff.org.uk/contact if you need the RAFFF’s support or advice in any way.

Visit bit.ly/neacofyw to download a copy of the guide

There can also be financial benefits to gaining a degree Recent statistics show that 75% of employers look for a degree in any subject and that the average graduate starting salary is £30,000 Studies have also found that a graduate can earn £200,000 more than a non-graduate over their lifetime and that 65% of graduates are in full time employment within six months of graduating

Any one of these apprenticeships may run into the next, depending on your employer's initial offer.

an

HOUSING UPDATE

By | Group Captain Dawn Murty, Assistant Head People and Families Support

In recent months, there has been lots of media coverage about the Modernised Accommodation Offer (MAO). My Accommodation Team and I, within the RAF People and Families Support Team, continue working alongside our MoD, Royal Navy, Army and Strategic Command colleagues to refine the policy that will underpin this absolutely vital initiative. The MAO aims to widen entitlement to Families Service Accommodation for our people in Long-Term Relationships and those with parental responsibilities, which is such an important part of supporting modern families. My Team and I will ensure that all of the valuable feedback recently collected, ranging from ministerial engagement to the MoD surveys on accommodation, is taken into account when refining MAO policy and readying the programme for roll-out.

As well as looking to the future, we are always working hard with DIO, Station Commanders and unit accommodation staffs to improve the lived experience for our people and families. The team undertake complex accommodation casework for those with challenges in their personal circumstances and they are constantly reviewing and seeking to improve policy and processes to further enhance the quality of life for the RAF family, both at home and abroad. The ongoing support of our excellent Service Community Support Officers (SCSOs) is fundamental to making the Lived Experience better on our units - they are a vital source of local assistance and a key initial point of contact for those times when our people need more help to navigate housing issues.

FUTURE DEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES ACCOMMODATION – REGISTERING YOUR COMPLAINTS

We have seen large improvements in the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) contracts since the roll-

out in 2022, but we know that things can and do still go wrong. It is really important that when Service Families Accommodation (SFA) occupants have not received the level of service that they should have, they must formally complain.

Registering a complaint should be done via Pinnacle’s website www.pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk/complaints

have my SLA charges gone up by a greater percentage?

A. Following implementation of the AFPRB’s recommendations, the total SLA charges will be increasing by an average of 9.7% for Grade 1, 10.3% for Grade 2, 13.8% for Grade 3, and 20.1% for Grade 4 across all ranks. This reflects the fact that, in addition to the rental element, SLA charges also include an element covering Fuel, Light and Water (FLW). Whilst the FLW element has been frozen by DIO for 2023, the capping of overall SLA charge increases at 1% in 2022 meant that most of last year’s uplift to the FLW element did not flow through into 2022 SLA charging rates*. Incorporating the full 2022 FLW element into SLA charges this year accounts for the additional increase to overall SLA charges in 2023.

Registering a complaint in this way allows Pinnacle to investigate what has gone wrong and initiate restorative action, either through their own processes or through the Regional contractors, Amey or VIVO (depending on where in the UK your SFA is located), whilst keeping occupants informed of ongoing work. Pinnacle can also use this process to identify themes so that accommodation services can be continuously monitored and improved. It also enables DIO to monitor the performance of the contractors, Amey, Pinnacle and VIVO against their key performance targets. At the same time, you may wish to advise your local SCSO of any issues you may be experiencing, as they may either be able to assist or elevate complex issues to my team.

SINGLE LIVING ACCOMMODATION (SLA) CHARGES INCREASE 2023/24

I was made aware that the SLA charge increases in 2023/2024 were, in reality, greater than those promulgated following last year’s pay increases and revised SLA charges. The detail below, provided by the Armed Forces Remuneration team in MOD, explains why this was the case:

*In other words, when utility charges increased for everyone in 2022, an element of those increases were not passed on to SLA occupants because the annual increase in charges was capped at 1%. Therefore, the FLW element of SLA charges was subsequently increased in the 2023 pay award.

Overall, SLA charges remain good value for money for our people. The recent extension of the SLA Waiver to include people who are not married that maintain their own homes elsewhere, further demonstrates the intent to support all of our people through the provision of affordable accommodation.

Q. The AFPRB recommended that the SLA rental charges increase for 4.5% for Grade 1, 3.0% for Grade 2, 1.5% for Grade 3, and 0% for Grade 4. Why

MONEY TALKS!

There are benefits you are entitled to that you aren’t aware of...

By | Caz Evans, RAFFF Policy Advisor - Health and Additional Needs and Finance

Can we apply for Universal Credit as an Armed Forces family?

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you are on a low income, you may be out of work, working, studying, training or unable to work because of a health condition. If you have children, you may get an extra amount if they live with you.

You can now claim the Housing Element of Universal Credit whilst living in SFA*. Under the legacy benefit system serving personnel were not eligible to claim housing benefit, this has now been rectified and families can now claim for housing costs within their UC claim.

You can check your eligibility here: www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Can we claim Universal Credit overseas?

The Department for Work and Pensions has now confirmed that members of the Armed Forces are exempt from the basic condition of residing in UK to claim Universal Credit. Claimants must still meet their UC claimant commitment and satisfy their workrelated requirements whilst they are abroad. You will need to use a set post code when setting up your online UC account, more information can be found at DIN 2022DIN01-050.

As a service spouse can I claim Job Seekers

Allowance when I return to UK?

Service spouses and children up to age 21 are exempt from the three-month

www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/apply-new-style-jsa

I have been living overseas with my Serving partner, I now have a gap in my National Insurance contributions record, what can I do?

Overseas postings often affect the ability of the spouse to work and pay NI contributions which can affect future entitlement to the state pension and other benefits. You can now claim:

Class 1: for postings on or after 6 April 2010 – these count towards your State Pension and may help you qualify for some other benefits, for example www.gov.uk/jobseekers-allowance/ eligibility and www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/ types-of-esa

Class 3: for postings on or after 6 April 1975 – these count towards your State Pension only

What is Marriage Allowance?

Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1260 of your Personal Tax Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner. If you earn less than £12,570 and your partner is a basic rate tax payer you can reduce your tax by up to £252 in each tax year www.gov.uk/ marriage-allowance

*subject to eligibility criteria

For more details on how the RAF Families Federation can advise and support you on Financial Matters visit www.raf-ff.org.uk/financial-matters or scan this code

TALKING PENSIONS

Many serving personnel have little idea of the real value of their Armed Forces pension, or how much they would need to pay into a private pension to gain a similar income. In this article, Mary Petley of the Forces Pension Society looks at how very valuable the Armed Forces pension element of your overall ‘package’ is.

All Service personnel are currently members of AFPS 15 and 1/47th of their pensionable pay is added to their pension savings each year with earlier years’ pension savings increasing by Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) which, for April 2024 is an increase of 7.7%. AFPS 15 is amongst the best pension schemes in the public sector. For the Armed Forces it provides a deferred pension at State Pension Age (SPA) and an Early Departure Payment (EDP) Scheme to those who give at least 20 years’ reckonable service and leave at age 40 or above. For those who serve to age 60, the AFPS 15 pension is paid immediately on leaving, negating the requirement for an EDP.

You do not see a pension deduction on your pay slip and this makes it, technically, a non-contributory pension scheme. However, pension benefits are taken into consideration in determining pay scales and when the Armed Forces Pay Review Body makes its recommendations to the government each year it has to take the value of the non-contributory pension into account.

If you leave the Armed Forces, the chances are that you would have to save for your pension by means of an occupational pension run by your new employer or make a private pension arrangement. What could that mean? To provide a sense of how valuable your Armed Forces pension is, using commercially available estimates the following table illustrates what you would need to pay into a private pension to achieve a broadly similar income to your Armed Forces pension:

Fixed Annual Pension of:Would require around:

£10,000

£15,000

£20,000

£25,000

£30,000

£35,000

£200,000

£300,000

£400,000

£500,000

£600,000

£700,000

So, for example, a fixed annual pension of £15,000 would cost you around £300,000 at 2024 values. And in considering this against your AFPS 15 benefits, the above figures do not include any EDP type income or lump sum that might be payable prior to the pension coming into payment. What’s more, unlike this fixed annual pension example, your service pension rises in line with inflation and, of course, the longer you serve, the greater your pension value!

So, worth thinking about when considering the true value of your Armed Forces pension compared to what is available commercially.

If you are a Member of the Forces Pension Society and have a pensions-related question, please contact us via ‘Submit a Question’ in the Members’ area on the website.

If you are not a Member, but would like to know more about us, visit www.forcespensionsociety.org

An Education By The Sea - Broaden Your Horizon

15% tuition and boarding discount for children of armed forces personnel who qualify for the CEA

Saint Felix School is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 2 to 19, from Nursery to Sixth Form. Set in 75 acres of safe, glorious grounds in a coastal and rural environment on the outskirts of Southwold in Suffolk, Saint Felix is a nurturing, kind, close-knit community that provides educational excellence, allowing individuals to flourish and thrive in a more personalised setting with smaller class sizes.

With a broad academic and co-curricular provision, each child has the opportunity to find their passions and develop a level of mastery that enables them to succeed both within and beyond school. Many of our students achieve places at prestigious universities both in the UK and internationally.

To learn more, please scan the QR code to download our prospectus, or visit www.stfelix.co.uk Alternatively, please call 01502 727048 to speak to our Head of Admissions who will be delighted to answer your questions and book you a personal tour of our wonderful school.

A HELPING HAND...

“Our adapted home is life-changing for us all – the extent of the Fund’s support has been incredible”

After many years of moving from one RAF base to another, Flight Lieutenant Graeme Ritchie and wife Bianca relocated to Grantham to build their forever home, to meet the complex needs of their 10-year-old daughter. When the extravagant cost of the works looked like an impossibility for the family of five, they turned to the Fund for financial assistance to enable a comfortable future together.

Graeme and Bianca married in 2012 when Graeme was stationed at RAF Honington. Since then, Bianca has followed Graeme throughout his RAF career, working his way up from Senior Aircraftsman to Flight Lieutenant. The family have lived on numerous RAF bases in St Athan, Honington and Halton.

The couple have three children, Lucia, 10, Jenson, eight, and Pippa, five. Bianca is a full-time carer for their eldest child Lucia, who was diagnosed with a complex health condition as a baby.

Graeme was deployed on tour just 14 days after Lucia was born. Five months later Lucia started having seizures. Bianca said: “I had mother’s intuition – I knew it was something quite serious. Luckily, I trusted my instincts, did my research, and suggested to the doctor that she could be having infantile spasms. The doctor took me seriously and assessed her and that’s what it was.”

Bianca continued: “From that diagnosis, the hospital tested to see why she was having spasms and found out that she had Chromosome 1p36 deletion.”

According to Unique charity, people with 1p36 deletion syndrome have lost a small but variable amount of genetic material from one of their 46 chromosomes. This can often cause developmental delay, feeding difficulties and seizures in children.

After learning Lucia’s diagnosis, Bianca was desperate to get Graeme home. She said: “I spoke to SSAFA to get him home from tour early; he only had a couple of weeks left so he returned home and from then on it was constant hospital appointments. None of the doctors knew anything about Lucia’s condition – it was all a learning curve.”

Lucia’s congenital disorder means that she is non-verbal, has mobility issues, epilepsy, and heart defects.

After spending eight years at RAF Halton, which Bianca says is the longest she’s lived anywhere in her life, the family decided it was best to move to a permanent home in Grantham to be closer to family and adapt their house to meet Lucia’s needs.

When Lucia was almost nine, it was agreed by an occupational therapist that it was too dangerous for Lucia to be upstairs anymore, and she needed special bathing facilities.

Bianca explained: “I’d put my back out a few times which completely stops me from doing anything and affects Graeme’s work. Having a wash facility where we didn’t have to lift Lucia so much or get her up and down the stairs is what we really needed, but we knew it would cost a lot of money to get this done.”

Bianca said they sought help from the local authority to begin with: “We got some plans drawn and went to the local authority to see what they could do to help. What they could offer wouldn’t even cover the cost of the brickwork and the foundations. They basically said you need to find the rest elsewhere.”

Having previously supported the family with a stairlift, ramp and physiotherapy for Lucia in their new home, SSAFA made Bianca and Graeme aware of the Fund and the financial assistance available to serving personnel and their families.

The Fund provided the Ritchie family with a grant and a loan to make the adaptations. Bianca said: “We’d heard about the Fund before from community centres on base but after speaking to SSAFA we approached the Fund and we honestly can’t believe how much financial support we’ve been given – it’s life-changing, it really is.”

Speaking on the scale of the construction, Bianca said: “Our kitchen was so small before – I couldn’t leave Lucia in the dining room whilst I was in the kitchen and if she was in the kitchen in her chair, she was good at pushing herself around and climbing onto the work surfaces. She grabs anything and puts it into her mouth.

“So having the kitchen and dining room knocked through into an open plan kitchen dining area is absolutely lifechanging for us; she can sit with me in the kitchen diner, and I can cook and watch her and she’s not in any danger. Also, she gets really frustrated when she’s hungry so now she can see that I’m making her food whilst she’s sitting there, which is so much safer.”

Bianca continued: “We had the patio done so Lucia can go outside in her chair without there being any steps in the way. She was always stuck in the living room before, but now the whole of the downstairs is completely Lucia-friendly. She’s involved in the social side of family life now.”

Speaking on the relief this has brought to the family, Bianca said: “The best part for us is that she is in a safe bedroom that’s her own downstairs with an accessible bathroom. It’s perfect, I don’t have to lift her in and out of the bath anymore. It’s life-changing for all of us.”

Graeme now commutes to High Wycombe working on capability development for UK Space Command. Bianca no longer finds the two-and-a-half-hour drive away from home an issue, saying: “I’ve got my mum and dad in Grantham and Graeme’s parents have moved here to be close to us too. Having that support around us has meant we can go out in the evenings – we would never have been able to before.”

Bianca concluded: “Our adapted home is life-changing for our other children as well because it takes the stress off us and makes the simplest things so much easier. It gives them the space they need to themselves too.

“We’re truly so grateful for the support from the Fund. It has been so exciting to see the process of the build. I’m just amazed that the help was there for us, and the extent of the support has been incredible.”

You can find out more about the support available from the Fund by visiting www.rafbf.org/get-support, or call them now on 0300 102 1919

Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2024

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards, held on Friday, 26th April, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City, recognised the incredible strength, dedication, and achievements of the UK’s Armed Forces families. This heartwarming event, now in its third year and the only one of its kind within the Armed Forces Network, celebrates the invaluable support these families provide to serving members and the entire military community.

Inspiration receiving recognition

The evening commenced with a moving performance by a combined choir featuring Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalists Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir and the Military Wives Choirs, performing a brand-new song written specifically for the occasion. Actor and SSAFA Ambassador Antony Cotton MBE co-presented the awards alongside Forces News presenter Sian Grzeszczyk, and their heartfelt and empathetic delivery brought the inspiring stories of the finalists to life.

Katie Salari, Chief Executive Officer at Never Such Innocence, said, “'When the Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir were invited to sing this year, they were so excited! Inspired by the event and all of the nominees last year, they thought it would be fun to write a song specifically for the awards. They wanted to capture how exciting the event is and recognise the important work that people do to support forces families.

To quote the children's song, ‘We are celebrating you and everything you’ve done. For the past year, you’ve shone

The night’s winners with their trophies

The Voices of Armed Forces Children’s Choir & Military Wives Choir

The venue, the Leonardo Royal Hotel, London City

brighter than the sun’ - each person nominated has done some extraordinary work, and the choir is very happy to salute them through the song they wrote.”

The evening attracted 673 attendees, demonstrating its widespread appeal. 240 people joined in person for the night, and it was thrilling to welcome an additional 433 people from around the world who joined through the livestream. “Great to see the awards growing with success year after year, celebrating the important achievement our armed forces families make to the wider community. Thank you”, said Vice Admiral Phil HallyChief of Defence people.

The competition this year was fierce, with 33 exceptional finalists shortlisted from a large pool of nominees. Each finalist possessed an inspiring story of resilience, accomplishment, or community service, making them all truly deserving of recognition.

The ceremony culminated in the announcement of the winners, whose inspiring stories exemplify the strength of our Forces families. Among them were:

• Inspirational Family Member of the Year: Claire Lilly, whose powerful campaign - The Forcer Protocol - was inspired by her husband's tragic death. Now a nationwide strategy, the protocol ensures prompt location and support for vulnerable missing veterans, sparing countless families the anguish her family experienced. In Manchester alone, in just four months, 57 missing veterans have been located and referred.

with the audience, both in-person and online, solidifying the impact of the ceremony.

• Overcoming Adversity Award: Stephanie Quintrell, a determined rider who, despite facing a debilitating neurological condition necessitating the use of a wheelchair, refused to give up on her passion. Stephanie returned to horseback riding just 18 months after her illness and spearheaded the FWC Ride to Freedom expedition. Her story of resilience and determination inspired the nation, proving that with unwavering spirit, any obstacle can be overcome.

To discover all the remarkable winners and their stories, visit the Celebrating Forces Families website at https://www. celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence proudly supports this non-profit event. Any surplus funds raised will be distributed to family-oriented military charities representing all three branches of the Armed Forces.

The Right Honourable Dr Andrew Murrison MP, Minister for Defence People and Families, said: “Life in the Armed Forces can be highly rewarding, but it can also make high demands of serving personnel, which can impact on family life, which is why recognition of the crucial support that service families play is so important in this equation.”

• Young People’s Award: Jamie Small was nominated for his dedication to supporting others after the devastating loss of his father to suicide at the young age of eight. This courageous young man created a film with the Army, raised over £30,000 for charity, and bravely shared his personal journey to help others struggling with loss and suicidal thoughts. Following a tearful introduction from Antony Cotton, Jamie received a standing ovation from the crowd when receiving the award. This moving moment resonated

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards stand as a testament to the extraordinary contributions of military families. Their unwavering support, inspirational journeys, and unbelievable strength are a source of immense pride for the entire Armed Forces community.

Sarah Walker, Chair of the CFF Awards, said, “The night was incredibly humbling. It was fantastic to meet our finalists and hear all about their inspiring achievements. Huge congratulations to this year's winners, and we thank you for all your contributions to the armed forces community.”

The evening’s host, TV star Antony Cotton

Young People’s Award winner Jamie Small

ATTENTION MILITARY SPOUSES AND PARTNERS:

Are you considering self-employment?

Spouses and partners of serving personnel who are considering self-employment can now access exclusive training sessions from X-Forces Enterprise in a comprehensive 3-day training course that explores the pros and cons of selfemployment, including its implications for family and finances.

13 and 20 November. Generously supported by the Royal British Legion, these courses are accessible free of charge.

Feedback from previous attendees has been hugely positive: “Excellent overview for starting a business. Great structure having other people there in the same situation to bounce ideas around and ask questions I hadn't thought of.”

This unique program fosters a supportive community where military spouses can connect with likeminded individuals facing similar challenges. Through interactive sessions, participants gain essential skills and insights into entrepreneurship.

The next courses are scheduled for 12, 19 and 26 July, in-person in Tidworth, and an online version via Zoom on 6,

“I would 100% recommend this course to anyone who is thinking about freelancing or starting a business, it was invaluable. Not only did I learn a huge amount, I came away with bags of confidence to go out and do it!”

“Could not recommend this course enough. Was great to meet like-minded people and make connections.”

Visit x-forces.com to find out more and register to join the next cohort. XFE also provides enterprise training courses for service leavers and veterans.

# FIND YOUR EXCEPTIONAL

Whatever your background, whatever your story, we unearth potential in every child. Find your exceptional at Taunton School.

www.tauntonschool.co.uk/militaryfamilies

The Personal Support and Social Work Service: Welfare being delivered, just a bit differently

By | People and Families Support, HQ Air Command

SSAFA were the winning bidder for the Personal Support and Social Work Service contract, which came into effect on 1st April, and they will continue to offer confidential welfare support to RAF personnel and their families over the next 5 years. Of course, SSAFA also managed the previous contract, so isn’t this more of the same? Well, yes… and no!

Each year, the contracted service accounts for approximately 5,000 welfare contacts, typically at a rate of 75% Service person and 25% eligible family members. The volume, variety and contrasting complex nature of casework require s the RAF to provide a dedicated contracted team of professionally qualified staff, possessing a wide range of counselling and social work skills to help those dealing with their issues in a confidential way. Such personal issues might include problems dealing with relationships, mental health challenges, housing, separation, domestic abuse, cost-of-living worries, illness and coping with bereavement. The aim of the new contract is to provide a welfare service that meets all these challenges and address evolving needs and expectations of the whole RAF community as well as the changing nature of service life. It therefore needs to offer greater accessibility, flexibility and is more responsive to modern requirements than previously.

A Welfare Advisor will manage contacts in one of three ways:

1. Provide advice and signposting

2. Refer for further in-person support

3. Refer for further virtual support.

The single biggest noticeable change from the previous contract is the introduction of a new Digital Welfare Hub to offer multichannel digital access opportunities for anyone in need of support, regardless of their location. The new Digital Welfare Hub is heralding greater freedom of access via modern communication platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Web Chat as well as telephone (0800 0584690) and email with the option of followon appointments to be made available either in-person or virtually. Once contact is made with the Digital Welfare Hub, it will initially be managed by one of the Digital Welfare Advisors who will triage

the contact to assess individual need and respond by the same digital medium as the contact was received. If appropriate, the Welfare Advisor will then seek to resolve a personal issue, either by providing further advice and information, or by signposting to third party services, such as local authorities or charity organisations. Where a case cannot be resolved immediately, the individual will be offered the choice to be referred for welfare support either virtually, with a Digital Welfare Officer, or face-toface, with a local Station Welfare Officer.

The Digital Welfare Hub and on-station support is available between 0830–1700 during the working week; however, the new telephone number (0800 0584690) will also be staffed 24/7 for those needing out of hours support (020 45703939 if overseas). These new access arrangements will better meet the needs of RAF families and ensure support is available in the manner of their choosing.

There are many other changes being introduced into the new contract such as, self-help support resources for personnel and families, via podcasts, and preventative welfare videos on the SSAFA TV YouTube channel. Keep an eye out for details of the enhanced service being launched by SSAFA as part of the new contract, and search for SSAFA on the following channels.

SSAFA Digital Welfare Hub Contact details:

WhatsApp: +442037690808

Live Chat ssafa.org.uk/raf

Facebook: facebook.com/ssafarafpssws

Email:psswsraf@ssafa-fhs.org.uk

Call: 0800 058 4690 (UK callers) | 020 4570 3939 (Overseas callers)

www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/raf-personal-support-and-socialwork-service

Renowned for our warm and welcoming home-from-home community, Kingswood offers full, weekly and flexi boarding opportunities, with our houseparent teams providing a safe, nurturing and engaging experience for pupils. Our broad and balanced curriculum is supported by outstanding pastoral care, so that every pupil can find and ignite their potential.

We are proud to provide an outstanding education for children of serving members of HM Forces and the FCDO.

Join us at one of our forthcoming open events and discover more – register your interest on our website today.

Support for You and Your Family’s Health and Wellbeing after leaving the RAF

The NHS will provide your health support when you leave the RAF, and GP surgeries are usually the first point of contact for nonemergency health problems.

During and after resettlement, there are a number of actions you can take to help the NHS support you and your family. The most important is to register with an NHS GP surgery and let them know that you have served in the UK Armed Forces/ are a Service Veteran family.

It’s important to ensure that all family members are registered with a practice as soon as possible rather than wait until treatment is needed. When looking to register with an NHS GP practice in England, it’s worth checking if it’s accredited as Veteran Friendly by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

Practices that are accredited as Veteran Friendly are able to better support Veterans and their families with their healthcare, and have practice staff who are trained to identify, understand and treat Veterans (anyone who has served for one day or more in the UK Armed Forces). They also have specialist knowledge of NHS services for Veterans and can

refer to them where appropriate. These services include Op RESTORE for physical health and wellbeing issues and Op COURAGE for mental health and wellbeing issues. You can find out more about these and other NHS services for Veterans and their families at www.nhs.uk/armedforceshealth

Practices accredited as Veteran Friendly should have this information on their noticeboards and website. If you’re not sure whether a practice is accredited, you can ask them.

Although the RCGP veteran friendly accreditation programme only operates in England, similar initiatives are available in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so it is still worthwhile letting your GP know that you are a Veteran/Service family if you are comfortable doing so. This will help to ensure that you get the support that’s right for you and your family. You can find out more about these here:

www.veteranswales.co.uk www.nhsinform.scot/veteran nivso.org.uk

For more information, email Army veteran, Dr Jo Ferguson at joanne.ferguson15@nhs.net

SERVICES COTSWOLD CENTRE (SCC)

For when a break is needed

SCC offers short term accommodation for varying situations - whether you have a welfare issue and need temporary accommodation and support, such as a marital breakdown or contact housing, or whether you are between assignments, on discharge, recuperating from injury, or you may simply be in need of a break in the country.

So, what can you expect when staying at SCC… a peaceful and secure 25-acre site in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside offering accommodation via 60 centrally heated, fully furnished 3 and 4 bedroom self-catering chalets. Each chalet includes a TV, Freeview box, cutlery, crockery, refrigerator, freezer, bedding and towels. A real home from home!

Some comments from previous residents at SCC: "Thank you for all your help, support and advice you have offered over the past couple of months. I would be nowhere without each one of you. I will forever be grateful for the stepping stone you have offered me and my children."

"Thank you for everything. You will never know how your help and support is gratefully received."

For more details, email: rc-aws-scc-bookings@mod.gov.uk

"We just wanted to say thank you for our holiday house - we loved being able to spend time with the family and had a wonderful stay."

With a community centre with internet access, a bar, games hall, launderette, fitness suite, 2 play parks and storage facilities, visitors are guaranteed a caring and relaxed environment. There are also experienced staff able to help and advise on housing, benefits and other welfare issues. The town of Corsham is within walking distance and site is well placed for visiting local attractions in the South West.

For more details and to access the booking form, please visit the SCC website at https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/services-cotswold-centre or call SCC on 01225 810358

“Custodem

MILITARY PROVOST GUARD SERVICE (MPGS)

119 Locations across the UK

Structured shift system throughout the year

MPGS service is pensionable

Entitled to Single Living Accommodation (SLA) & Service Family’s Accommodation (SFA)

Free Medical and Dental Care

30 days annual leave per financial year (7.5 weeks)

Maximum age to enlist is 57 (serve until 60)

Full career with promotion up to the rank of WO1

Provides stability to settle down while retaining full time regular status on a Military Local Service Engagement (UK mainland only) RECRUITING

Parenting Support for RAF Families

By | RAF Wellbeing & Parenting

Life in the RAF is far from ordinary and presents a unique set of challenges, as is the journey into parenthood for Service personnel.

To help you navigate this journey, The RAF Parenting Support team has a range of information and resources available, including booklets on;

Managing your Pregnancy and Maternity Leave

Supporting your Staff during Pregnancy

Managing Shared Parental Leave Guide for Service personnel ...and many others

Flight Sergeant Michelle Prall, of the team, says: "Parents make up a large proportion of the work force in the RAF and it’s important they feel

valued and supported. By engaging directly with serving parents and learning about the challenges they face, the Parenting Team can actively seek areas of improvement from a strategic, policy and support perspective. The team are here to provide clarity to any areas of parenting relating to policy that may require defining, ensure that serving parents are aware of their entitlements as well as informing Line Managers so they can confidently support and advise when necessary."

For those with access to MODnet, visit https://modgovuk.sharepoint.com/sites/ IntranetRAF/SitePages/Support-for-ServingParents.aspx

Or, type ‘Support For Serving Families’ in the search bar

For those without MODnet access, all the newly revised Parent Packs are also hosted on the RAF Families Federation website at www.raf-ff.org.uk/health/parenthood

Email Air-COSPers-Del-ParentWllbg@mod.gov.uk for all other enquires about policy and support

Clifton College welcomes HM and FCDO Forces families

Clifton College (A leading co-educational day and boarding school for 3 - 18 year olds) is proud of the support it provides to the children of parents in the British Armed Forces and personnel from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office.

Standardised fees after CEA from £1,050 - £2,100 per term.

Discover Clifton by booking a personal tour at a time convenient to you.

•All bills

•Staff on hand 24 hours a day

•Lift to all floors

•Meals prepared by our expert staff

•Shared, landscaped garden with summer houses

•Communal activities, including coffee mornings

•Local amenities on the doorstep

•Accessibility features in all suites

An attitude of GRATITUDE

By | Rev (Sqn Ldr) Chrissie Lacey

The other week I went into the local Church of England school to lead an assembly. Their theme was ‘Thankfulness’, specifically, different ways of showing gratitude. I decided to tell a mash up of four Bible stories showing four different ways of showing gratitude. I shared a story of a person showing gratitude with a gift of PERFUME, someone throwing a PARTY to celebrate thankfulness, people who had written a POEM (OK, it was a song, but it did rhyme and I wanted to keep with the ‘P’ theme!) and a guy who was so grateful he danced in just his PANTS!

The gift, party and words are pretty standard ways of expressing gratitude… but to do a dance, just in your pants!? It didn’t just go down well with the children because I was standing in front of them wearing a cartoon picture of y-fronts, but they were captivated by the impulsive and undignified overflow of thanks. It was like the gratefulness was exploding out and couldn’t be contained! This guy didn’t care what he looked like in front of other people, he just had to celebrate!

When was the last time you experienced that level of gratitude…where your reaction couldn’t be contained? Perhaps it didn’t involve a pants dance, but maybe you squealed with delight, tears started flowing, stunned silence or you leapt up to hug the giver? Or perhaps you have been the giver, and you’ve seen an overflow of gratitude from

Gratitude is part of a diet of accomplishment, belonging, value, safety and status to name but a few of our needs. Receiving thanks is healthy, but it’s also healthy to give thanks as well, helping us to remember humility and that we are all connected and interdependent… ohhhh, I’ve gone a bit deep now! Can you believe we got to this from pants!? So, who and what are we thankful for? How are we showing your gratitude…is it a gift, party, words or pants kind of gratitude? And when people show gratitude towards us, are we accepting the gift of thanks as part of our healthy soul diet?

(If you are feeling unnoticed and unappreciated reach out to your Station Padre, SSAFA or a friend who can give you the recipient?

The, what I like to call, ‘explosive thanks’, is not something we experience daily… it would be exhausting! But being thankful daily is something which can make us feel more connected to others, to what’s around us, and to ourselves. To have an attitude of gratitude can pick us up when we are feeling low and can take us even higher when we are feeling good. It causes us to recognise and appreciate what is around us, and gratitude to others is vital in positive relationships.

Speaking personally, I find it difficult to receive thanks, especially if I’ve ‘just been doing my job’. I don’t want to seem arrogant or seeking approval… but, I also know that receiving others’ thanks, appreciation and encouragement is part of a healthy diet for my soul. To be given attention, recognised, is a basic human need, it’s not being all self-focussed, it is acknowledging that when we live in relationship and community, and an element of living with others is being noticed by others!

Badminton School Bristol

Weekly, Flexi & Full Boarding Available

Open Morning Saturday 28th September

For this Summer’s Book Corner we asked RAF young people to tell us what they think of The Second-Hand Boy by Jennifer Lane, paperback, price £8.99.

Luke, aged 12

The book was really good. The story is about a boy whose best friend moves away, so is given a second-hand book which allows someone to appear only to him. This ‘someone’ has good intentions, but causes quite a bit of trouble! The storyline was interesting and kept me in suspense to the end. I would recommend the book to anyone that enjoys a cliffhanger and a happy ending for the main character.

Francesca, aged 12

I really enjoyed this book! I found it very interesting as I don’t usually read this sort of thing but I’m so glad I did! I really liked the way things are described as it made it really easy for me to imagine everything. Furthermore, the protagonist Billy was easy to relate to and reminded me personally that it’s ok to not fit in. I would recommend this book to a lot of my friends who need to understand their emotions and how relatable they are.

Oscar, aged 13

The Second-Hand Boy, is a book about a boy called Billy whose mum is ill and gets very upset easily. When Billy’s best friend Marty moves away, Billy and his mum are really sad so Billy’s mum gives him a book called Tom’s Midnight Garden, so Billy reads it and a boy called James comes out of it and causes havoc. My favourite character in the book is Lindsey because initially you don’t know much about her, but her character grows throughout the book, and she is there for Billy. I enjoyed the book because it wasn’t predictable and each time I put it down I wanted to know what was going to happen next. It really made me think and because of this I was keen to get to the end. As a military child, I could relate to Billy being sad about a best friend moving away and the feelings you have when you can’t see someone every day.

A great thought-provoking story.

Take part in Reading Force and share books with your family

We post you books to share and chat about. We’ll send a teen journal and book for young people aged 11+, and a scrapbook and book for children aged 0-10. Families say doing Reading Force is a good way to stay close, connected, and to keep communicating. Best of all, it’s fun!

To receive your free teen journal or scrapbook and book go to the family page on the Reading Force website and register online: www.readingforce.org.uk

If your children would like to review books for this Envoy & Reading Force Book Corner, please get in touch with Hattie - hattie@readingforce.org.uk - with your children’s names and ages.

Francesca

Luke

Oscar

PRIZES TO BE WON

To win any of these prizes, simply follow the instructions below... Good luck!

WIN A KEEP MY BEAT

A new product has been launched to help families feel close even when they are apart – perfect for RAF families when a parent is deployed.

Keep My Beat allows you to record 20 seconds of a loved one’s unique heartbeat and then feel it back with the small Beat Keeper device that plays the heartbeat via vibration. We have two starter packs to give away to lucky Envoy readers.

Keep My Beat have joined forces with littletroopers.net who support children of military parents who feel disconnected when a parent is away from home for extended periods. They are donating 10% of their sales to the charity when using discount code 'LITTLETROOPERS' that also gets military personnel a 10% discount.

Find out more at https://keepmybeat.com/pages/how-does-it-work

To be in with a chance of winning one of these Keep my Beat Starter Packs, email enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk, putting ‘SUMMER Envoy Keep My Beat Prize’ in the subject line, followed by your name and address in the body of the email.

£20 AMAZON GIFT VOUCHERS

READER OFFER

Thanks to Annington Trust, we have five Amazon gift vouchers to the value of £20 to give away to our readers. Win one of these vouchers and treat yourself to something nice. Don’t forget to let us know what you spent your money on!

To be in with a chance of winning one of these vouchers, email enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk, putting ‘SUMMER Envoy Voucher Prize’ in the subject line, followed by your name and address in the body of the email.

“Where natural talent becomes international achievement....”

Game-changing education . . .

Nestled in 153 acres of rural Scottish campus, Strathallan School has fostered gamechanging education for over 100 years. The school’s award-winning experience and unique triple pathway of A-Levels, Highers and Advanced Highers attracts families from around the world, and achieves excellent exam results annually.

Strathallan has a rich history with the Armed Forces, understanding the challenges and commitments that accompany military life, providing a nurturing environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The school’s historic campus – with £22m+ investment in the last two decades – features state-of-the-art sports facilities, including strength gym, ice baths and infra-red recovery panels. Academies in Rugby and Shooting allow players to compete at the highest levels. Additionally, the school boasts an indoor small bore rifle range and the country’s only purpose-built compact sporting clay-pigeon shooting facility.

With over 80 co-curricular activities, there are boundless opportunities to discover passions and nurture talents. The CCF programme encompasses Army, Navy, and Scotland’s only Royal Marines school section, and Strathallan’s prominent Pipe Band plays around the world.

At Strathallan, we believe in nurturing the next generation of leaders, instilling values of integrity, resilience, and community spirit. Join us where tradition meets adventure, and every child has the opportunity to excel.

Find out more by arranging a visit today: www.strathallan.co.uk/visit-us

The school that goes wherever you go

When academic excellence goes online

Life as a military family comes with duties that can take you across the world. However, performing your duties does not have to mean disrupting your child’s education.

With King’s InterHigh, your child will receive an online education that comes with 50 years of academic excellence. Whether Primary, Secondary or Sixth form education, all lessons will be conducted by fully UK and Internationally qualified and experienced teachers.

Making lessons come alive with technology

Online lessons do not have to be a dull experience. With a sophisticated cloud-based learning platform, your child will be able to interact with their classmates through chats, polls, quizzes, and virtual simulations. Beyond that, King’s InterHigh uses Augmented Reality (AR) technology to make each lesson an immersive experience.

King’s InterHigh is also the first school to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) online. Thanks to the extensive research, testing and curation done by King’s InterHigh, your child will be able to complete the programme using virtual reality, to really bring subjects to life.

Designed for flexibility

The demands of a military family can mean that your child needs an education that is just as ‘on the move’ as you are.

Here are the ways that King’s InterHigh’s online lessons have been set up to cater to these changing needs and locations.

1. Choose your time zone

With a focus on British Curriculum, our live and interactive lessons are taught across three time zones (GMT/BST, GMT+4, GMT+7).

2. Never miss a lesson

With each lesson being recorded and accessible 24/7, your child can learn at their own pace and timing.

3. Personalised for every unique need

All lessons are designed to support students of all learning abilities — including young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our teachers are trained in SEND so they will know when a child needs more support and how best to cater to their needs both during lessons and with the online dashboards.

4. It’s in the results

As part of the Inspired Education Group, over 91% of students get into their first-choice university. This is made even more inspiring with almost 60% of A-level students achieving A and A* grades. Additionally, 1 in 3 graduates attend Russell Group or Ivy League universities.

Always learning, always with the family

Growing up in a military family means your child faces unique challenges unlike other

children. However, frequent relocations don’t have to mean frequent educational disruptions and changes. With King’s InterHigh’s online learning model, your child will always have academic continuity and just as important, they can keep the friendships they have formed.

These friendships will also grow with their opportunities for real-life interactions. As part of the world’s leading education group, your child’s growth will be complemented with virtual events and clubs, in-person school trips and opportunities to go to summer camps at over 111 premium Inspired international schools across five continents. Find out more about King’s InterHigh at https://kingsinterhigh.co.uk/

Hear from our King’s InterHigh parents:

1. “The flexible and online nature of InterHigh meant that Ben was able to cover the course content suitable for his age group from home, but most importantly, he was still able to surf.” This approach not only supported Ben’s athletic endeavours but also provided crucial support for his sister Lilly, who has dyslexia, allowing her to thrive academically. For Iona, maintaining family cohesion amidst their adventurous lifestyle was paramount. She encourages parents facing similar challenges to consider alternative learning options like King’s InterHigh for a happier and more fulfilling educational experience that keeps the family connected. Iona Larg, King’s InterHigh Parent

2. “We moved our child to King’s InterHigh. after a horrendous experience in mainstream provision where his autistic, sensory and mental health needs were not met. Since joining King’s InterHigh, our child’s school-based anxieties and barriers to learning have greatly reduced and he is engaging really well with lessons and his love of learning is returning. It’s both a pleasure to see and a huge relief to us as parents.” Louise H. King’s InterHigh Parent

3. “After many many years of fighting for a suitable education for our daughter we were finally in a position to be able to try Kings InterHigh school and my only regret is that we didn’t do it sooner. She is so much happier here and she is finally enjoying and engaging in her lessons. Our daughter has SEN and this is without a doubt the best thing for her.” Shelley L. King’s InterHigh Parent

Build your future

Create a safe and secure world, together

This is Babcock’s purpose. It defines our strategy, what we do and how we do it. We provide a range of products and services which enhance defence capabilities, helping our customers achieve their missions. We help military and civil customers around the world to cost effectively improve the capability, reliability and availability of their most critical assets.

We know that in your military career, you have been committed to helping create a safe and secure world too. That’s why Babcock would like to hear from you. The skills and experience you have gained during your Service could be the perfect fit to help us support our customers.

We have an enviable track record of supporting service leavers into challenging and rewarding careers and we can help you make the transition too.

Babcock offers many benefits to Service Leavers and Reservists, including:

Guaranteed interview as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the role

Up to 10 days of special paid leave for reservist duties

Training

Career opportunities and progression

Our commitment

Employee Share Ownership Scheme

Occupational Health Services

Salary Sacrifice benefits e.g. childcare vouchers; cycle to work scheme

With a variety of vacancies across the UK, Babcock has challenging and rewarding opportunities waiting for you.

Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) has been recognised with a Gold Award from the AFC’s Employer Recognition Scheme

If you are considering a new career then visit our website and register to receive job adverts at https://jobs.babcockinternational.com/talentcommunity/subscribe or email: armedforcescareers@babcockinternational.com for more information.

Need help finding a mortgage?

FEE-FREE Mortgage Advice for the Military Family

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or remortgaging, you can leave your mortgage search in the hands of the fee-free mortgage advice service provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited. They’ll provide you with fee-free mortgage advice and recommend the right mortgage for you, based on your circumstances.

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, has chosen Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited to provide customers with a mortgage advice service. Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited will provide you with advice on first charge mortgages from the whole of the market and will make a recommendation based on your circumstances and requirements. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual.

If you take out a mortgage recommended by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, PMGI Limited will receive a fee for this introduction. Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Expert guidance from start to finish.

Tenet Mortgage Solutions advisors are experienced at arranging mortgages for the Military, so you can be confident they’ll recommend the right mortgage for you.

Take the hassle out of finding a mortgage.