Month of the Military Child: BenPlay at RAF Marham

We take a look at how our BenPlay programme supports RAF parents and children at RAF Marham, to conclude our series of support for RAF young people to mark the Month of the Military Child.

In 2024, the Fund provided a Station grant of £2500 to support BenPlay activity at RAF Marham.

The Wonder and Awe BenPlay group at RAF Marham is a space for RAF families to meet for a brew where their children can make a mess and play.

With a similar approach to forest school education, the group has a range of activities to help nurture the curiosity, social and cognitive development of young children, by providing a range of different toys and activities for a variety of ages.

Wing Commander Alison McLean at RAF Marham said: “The grant from the Fund enabled RAF Marham to establish our first tots’ group due to the refurbishment of the Sandringham Community Centre. The group has really ignited the community spirit, bringing parents of young families together for social and peer support. The young children have thrived with this group. It’s been a fantastic support for us all at Marham and propelled other ideas to further enhance our community offer.”

Parents at RAF Marham have found it helpful having the group local to base and it has proven to be a great social space that parents feel has benefited their children and allowed them to meet other parents and find support in each other.

One parent said: “It’s been great having Wonder and Awe to go to. My child benefited from having a different group to attend with a great variety of toys, equipment and materials to explore. I have also found it great to get out and be sociable, especially seeing as Marham is so rural, it is lovely to have something local.”

Another parent said: “My twins love the session and there is plenty to occupy them with for the full 90-minute sessions. So handy it’s within walking distance of SFA and even better it’s funded. I would however be happy to pay to access a class at Marham rather than drive.” 

Note: The children pictured are attendees of Ben Clubs, not BenPlay at RAF Marham.