Fund hosts virtual coffee morning for RAF Akrotiri partners

A virtual coffee morning was recently hosted for a group of partners and spouses from RAF Akrotiri with RAF Benevolent Fund Controller, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, and Lady Katie Wigston, solicitor, and wife of Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.

The afternoon marked the second virtual coffee and chat with Chris and Katie, following a successful first event with RAF Brize Norton partners in December. The informal sessions aim to help the Fund understand more about how the ongoing pandemic is impacting partners and families living on RAF stations.

Having lived on numerous RAF stations over the years, Lady Wigston is a keen supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund's message to partners and spouses that the Fund exists to support all members of the RAF Family, of which they are a vital part.

Lady Wigston said: "As the pandemic continues, it's so important that we understand the challenges that partners, spouses and families face on RAF stations, including those based abroad. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has made the usual juggling of work life, family life and a happy social life difficult – before we even get to those learning the new skill of home schooling.

"I was able to see the power of good conversation when I had the privilege, with the RAF Benevolent Fund, to join with individuals from RAF Akrotiri. I heard first-hand the challenges faced on a daily basis, and how the RAF Benevolent Fund will explore how it may be able to support the partners and spouses in the RAF family."

A spokesperson from RAF Akrotiri said: "RAF Akrotiri is an extremely busy Permanent Joint Operating Base. The RAF Benevolent Fund has provided some incredible support to serving RAF personnel based here but it was a pleasure for a number of their partners to join Lady Wigston and Air Vice-Marshal Elliot and talk about some of the challenges they face.

"The virtual coffee morning also provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Fund's services available to so many people in the RAF Family. To hear the breadth of support as told by two individuals who know what life on station entails, was fantastic."