The RAF Benevolent Fund recognises the pressure on those serving in today’s RAF and the undue strain this can place on relationships. That’s why the charity is launching a new initiative in partnership with Relate to provide confidential relationship counselling, completely free of charge.
In the UK today, over 40% of first marriages end in divorce, but the pressures on those serving in the RAF make their relationships particularly vulnerable. “During my time in command, I was very conscious of the many pressures and their potential to cause relationships to break down”, said RAF Benevolent Fund Controller, Sir Rob Wright. “For most of those concerned, this was a sad and painful experience.People were left with an overwhelming sense of loss and loneliness and many were fearful about their future.”
Neil Tomlin, OC PMS at RAF Brize Norton, notes the trend continuing, “We’re seeing marriage breakdowns in the RAF at a rate not seen before. So the work the Fund is doing with Relate is absolutely vital. The Fund is welfare support for the RAF. It’s there for people from day one – not just if and when a crisis occurs – and this new service is a perfect example of that.”
Of course, SSAFA Welfare Officers, RAF Chaplains, and RAF Community Support Staff already help those having relationship difficulties, often referring people to Relate. However, the cost of counselling deters many people from seeking the help they need.
The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund has decided to try and overcome this barrier by working with Relate to set up a one year pilot, commencing in March 2008, at three main operating bases: Brize Norton, Marham and Leuchars.
The Fund will pay for RAF personnel based at these Stations, and/or their spouses or partners, to have up to six sessions of counselling with Relate.If the pilot is seen to be successful, the Fund will extend this to all serving personnel and their dependants in 2009.
Counselling will be provided at Relate Centres, the Stations and by telephone, as telephone counselling can be particularly useful in crisis situations or where one party is overseas.Telephone sessions can usually be set up more quickly than face-to-face appointments.
The service is completely confidential.No one in the RAF will know who has accessed the service.The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund will be given the service number, but not the name, for invoicing and audit purposes only.
In addition to counselling, the pilot study will trial some of Relate’s courses, designed to help people build strong relationships or move forward after a relationship has broken down.
To find out more, or for immediate support, please call Relate’s dedicated
RAF phone line, 0845 0775556, or visit www.rafbf-workitout.org.uk
