Month of the Military Child: Q&A with Airplay Station Youth Worker

To mark the Month of the Military Child, we spoke to Allison Miles, about life as an Airplay Station Youth Worker at RAF Cosford, and how Airplay is there for young people across RAF stations with a fun roster of activities and support to cope with the challenges of military life.

What do you do day-to-day in your role as an Airplay Youth Worker?

My job, as an Airplay Youth Worker, is to plan and deliver a fun and exciting programme for young people aged 5 to 18. My day-to-day work can be quite varied, from planning sessions, to buying equipment and materials, and arranging activities for the holidays. I also have admin days to record attendances and to collect the data we need for our reports. I update our website with what we have done and what’s coming up next. I also liaise with parents about the upcoming sessions and planned activities.

How long have you been working as an Airplay Youth Worker and how did you get into it?

I have been working for Airplay for four years, but almost two as Station Youth Worker. I first heard about Airplay after my husband left the RAF and my son asked to join a youth club on camp. I met the Station Youth Worker at the time, and we got talking and once she found out about my background working with children, she encouraged me to go for a position, and as they say the rest is history!

What is the impact of Airplay on young people and RAF families as a whole?

Airplay has a huge impact on the young people; we are a constant for them, a part of their routine. There isn’t really a lot to do for children on camp apart from play parks, so to have a dedicated space and time in the week for sessions where they can meet up, play, chat and develop new skills is hugely beneficial. My team and I have a good relationship with all the families who have children who attend and that is so important that they feel confident to leave their children in our care.

What would you say is the biggest challenge for young people in military families and how can Airplay help?

The biggest challenge for young people in military families is accessibility for activities and having space that they can use. Outside of youth club times there isn’t much going on for them.
Airplay can help by continuing the sessions and the residentials, which offer a much-needed respite for some whose parents are serving. Some of these young people have never been away from home before let alone tried the activities.

Another challenge the young people face is having to move a lot to other stations. Airplay helps with making friends at other camps and widening their friendship group. It’s great that they can catch up with old friends and new.

What do you find the most rewarding part about your role as an Airplay Youth Worker?

The most rewarding part about my job is hearing how much the young people enjoy the sessions and that they can’t wait to come every week. I love watching them grow into confident and engaging young people.

What has been one of your highlights from your time working at Airplay?

I have many but one I would pick is the Airplay Youth Forum in London. It was lovely to see the young people from different stations coming together, to work on projects to put before the Fund. The confidence and maturity of the young people discussing these matters and then standing up to give a presentation was inspiring.