How the Fund supports the RAF Family across the world

Whether you reside in the UK or overseas, we remain at the side of our RAF Family providing personalised support, no matter where you are based.

We have supported 544 individuals over the last five years through a variety of our services, including our Listening and Counselling Support, Telephone Friendship Groups, benefits advice and financial assistance. From nearby countries including France, Spain and Poland, to the other side of the world in New Zealand, we have been there to support veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2024, we helped 153 RAF veterans and spouses across the world, with residents in Spain, Canada, Jamaica and Malta receiving the most support.

From the Second World War to today, we have provided support to RAF veterans and war widows in countries such as Poland and Slovakia. One such person is Władysława Kondracka, 100, who returned to live in Poland after serving in the WAAF during the Second World War. Following the death of her husband, who also served in the RAF, we have helped Władysława with financial assistance, enabling her son Ryszard to hire a carer and pay for general day-to-day items. Ryzard said it 'has been a great support' and has helped his mother during the cost-of-living crisis in Poland. Read Władysława’s story here.

Colonel Kitson, current Defence Attache in Slovakia, said in a letter of thanks to the Fund for supporting Slovak Second World War widows with financial assistance: "These annuities are and continue to be a literal lifeline are always very well received by the individuals and those that now care for them. Your support to them over such a long period has an enduring and deeply felt effect both on the families of these heroes, and on the Slovak MoD and General Staff organisations that remain committed to honouring and commemorating the sacrifices and great deeds of this fading generation.

"The funds will go to support their ongoing health care, as well the maintenance and renewal of their husbands’ gravestones."

Our support also covers station grants to RAF stations in the UK and worldwide. In October 2024, we supported 40 RAF veterans at RAF Akrotiri in Cyrpus during their Operation Christmas activity, providing a grant towards Christmas lunches and delivering hampers to veterans. This scheme helped to reduce isolation and loneliness among the veteran community during the festive season and enabled them to connect with others.

As well as the veteran community, we continue to support serving RAF personnel and their families as they face deployment and periods away from home. Whether it be mental health support, serving breaks or financial assistance – our support meets the needs of each individual situation.