How we made a difference in 2010

Last year we spent over £23 million supporting the RAF family. This information graphic or 'infographic' will tell you how we made a difference to the men, women and children of the RAF family in 2010.

The RAF family

We are here for the whole RAF family, including those serving today and all those who have ever served in the RAF or WRAF, including national service. We are also here for their partners and dependent children.

Graphic showing breakdown of 2.4 Million RAF Family members
  • 1,160,000 ex RAF
  • 850,000 ex RAF dependants
  • 180,000 ex RAF Reserves
  • 60,000 ex RAF Reserves dependants
  • 40,000 serving in the RAF
  • 97,500 dependants of those serving
  • 60,000 air cadets
  • 1,975 currently serving in the RAuxF
These figures are based on research published by The Royal British Legion and figures published by the MoD and the BBC

How we help the RAF family

2010 was a busy year for the RAF Benevolent Fund, as the effects of the recession were felt by many members of the RAF family.

Graphic showing growth since 1919

£23.5m Spent on our welfare in 2010, which is an increase of 11% on the previous year. We've come a long way since our first year.

We helped a total of 61,054 people last year

  • 43,000 were helped through grants to our partner charities
  • 13,000 received direct support from us
  • 5,000 received assistance through signposting

Supporting the serving RAF

2010 was a challenging year for the RAF. Our services on RAF stations across the UK are designed to relieve some of the stresses and strains faced by RAF personnel and their families.

  • £5 Million we spent over £5 million supporting the serving RAF in 2010
  • £2.1Mon individual welfare cases including emergency grants and housing
  • £1Mon Airplay Youth Workers - supporting RAF children and young people
  • £939,135on Airplay Parks on RAF stations across the UK
  • £896,670on Airplay Childcare Centres
  • £95,890was spent on 1713 relationship counselling sessions assisting 829 people
  • £69,807on miscellaneous grants

Airplay - supporting RAF families

Airplay is our support programme for children and young people growing up on RAF stations.

  • 40 Airplay Parks have been built across the UK

  • 80 Airplay Youth Workers supporting children and young people

  • 3,800 RAF children and young people supported by Airplay

Welfare advice and support

Our Benefits and Money Advice Service is jointly funded with The Royal British Legion and operates from Citizens Advice Bureaux across the UK.

£7.5 Million

By the end of 2010 we had helped 2,391 members of the RAF family save a total of £7.5million in unclaimed benefits and debt relief.

This was delivered through 50 Citizens Advice Bureaux across the UK