Over £9,000 awarded to support Ben Clubs for children

The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to have been awarded £9,894 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust's Force for Change programme. 

The grant will help to fund Ben Clubs for children. 

Growing up in a military family has its challenges, as parents often spend long periods away from home and children are required to move school and home frequently, often to remote RAF bases. 

Children can struggle with loneliness and the lack of friendships. 

Ben Clubs help address these issues by providing play facilities and a safe place for youngsters to meet, have fun and build friendships. 

Parents at isolated stations also appreciate the support and get to know other RAF families living nearby.

The Force for Change programme provides grants of up to £10,000 for community projects that reduce isolation and promote integration.

The Airplay youth programme is delivered via a network of 180 trained youth workers located on 24 RAF stations, supporting around 2,000 youngsters each year. This grant will help fund the delivery of Ben Clubs for children aged five to seven who are based at RAF stations in Lincolnshire; Cranwell, Digby, Scampton, Waddington and Coningsby. 

Delivered in partnership with OneYMCA, Play Leaders provide weekly after-school play sessions, including stimulating and engaging activities such as arts and crafts, gardening, baking, games and sports. Activities are adapted to the needs and interest of the children and occasionally the children enjoy trips and special events. Ben Clubs provide stability and continuity for children of serving personal who are posted to an RAF bases in Lincolnshire. Activities help children feel less isolated as they bond with their peers and enjoy a sense of belonging. It also provides a safe space where the children can receive much needed support as they mitigate the challenges of growing up as part of a military family.