“The Fund has been there for me through difficult times – their support means everything to me”

After 20 years of service in the RAF, Geoff Stevens has faced some tough times, from being medically discharged to dealing with the loss of his wife. But through it all, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been there for him, offering financial and practical support, and a listening ear when he needed it most.

Geoff Stevens served in the RAF for 20 years from 1960 to 1981. Geoff started in his role as an admin apprentice at the age of 16 and retired as a Sergeant Personnel Administrator.

Geoff was medically discharged due to his experience of post-traumatic stress disorder, which was described as psychoneurosis at the time. Although his health suffered due to stress, Geoff enjoyed his time in the Air Force, with fond memories of his postings abroad to Malta, Libya and Singapore throughout his career.

Geoff has received a range of support from the RAF Benevolent Fund over the years, from grants for garden and domestic maintenance, to a stairlift and help towards his wife’s funeral expenses.

He explained: “I knew about the Fund from working in accounts in the RAF and seeing people contribute through their pay. I first contacted the Fund in 1991 after I received a booklet which explained the various services on offer to serving personnel and veterans. It was then that I first received help towards fuel costs.”

Geoff was married for almost 50 years to his wife Jill who sadly passed away in 2024 from vascular dementia.

Geoff said: “The last few years with my wife’s dementia were very difficult and traumatic. I still have my bad days, but I’ve benefitted from the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Telephone Friendship Groups and enjoy my conversations with an RAF Officer who calls me once a week where we chat through our experiences of our service.

“When my wife died, I lost a lot of income. The help from the Fund has been so reassuring. Having the stairlift fitted four years ago for my wife has now come in very handy for me due to my own mobility issues.”

In 2025, Geoff began counselling through the Fund’s Listening and Counselling Service to help with his grief. He said: “I knew I could come to the Fund for help which was a great comfort. I knew if anyone fitted the bill it would be me.”

Geoff was also supported by the Fund’s benefits advice team when there was some uncertainty around his military pension arrangement. “I was awarded a Service Invaliding Pension when I left service which changed its name years later. After speaking to the Fund, the benefits advice team sent a letter to my local council, and we were told my pension didn’t count towards my council tax.

“They called me saying ‘I’ve got good news for you’ and I was awarded a backdated sum of £5,500 which is from the past six years of overpayment in council tax. I couldn’t believe it!”

Geoff continued: “The support from the Fund means everything to me. I have so many fond memories of my RAF days and I’m still in contact with people 60 years later from my apprentice school, so it’s great that this help is available to us.”