Fund hosts Airplay Youth Forum 2024

On Thursday 8 August, the RAF Benevolent Fund hosted its annual Airplay Youth Forum, inviting young people to share their experiences and offer ideas to improve the programme for the coming year.

Growing up as part of a military family can be challenging for children and young people. Airplay is the Fund’s national youth work programme which provides a safe place to spend time with their peers, develop skills and enjoy a wide range of activities.

The Airplay Youth Forum is an opportunity for the young people of Airplay to engage with their peers and share ideas for how to improve and evolve the youth programme.

The group of young people, aged 13-16, presented ideas around fun and inclusive activities and ways to support each other. The group also discussed ways to make relocating between Stations easier and more manageable with support from Airplay.

As part of the day’s events, the Fund shared videos of Ambassador Stu Robinson about the support he’s received and how that has enabled him to compete as a Paralympic athlete. The young people were interested to learn more about wheelchair rugby and shared messages of support for Stu by creating their own posters.

Airplay attendee Ciara, 15, said: “I really enjoyed the Youth Forum. I have taken part before and this time it felt more relaxed sitting at tables presenting to each other. I have enjoyed learning about Stu and his story, competing at the Paralympics, and how the Fund helped him. It was also great to meet everyone!”

Airplay attendee Jessica, 15, said: “I think the contributions have been amazing and there have been so many ideas that we hadn’t thought of, so to get feedback from others is great – I think as kids we all think similar in Airplay. It’s great to hear how on board everyone is with our ideas, everyone has been so welcoming and engaged, and to hear different perspectives has been the best part.”

Simon Director Grants, Services and Programmes and Executive Lead for Safeguarding at the Fund said: “Airplay is the RAF Benevolent Fund’s flagship service for young people, and we were delighted to collaborate with One YMCA to host the annual Airplay Youth Forum 2024. This Forum provides a platform for the young people of Airplay to shape the future of the programme. The confidence, insight and enthusiasm our young people bring to Airplay is impressive and the day was a resounding success."