RAF Benevolent Fund and One YMCA launch 2024 Airplay Annual Review

The RAF Benevolent Fund and One YMCA have launched the latest Airplay Annual Review for 2024.

The 2024 Review highlights the impact of the Fund’s national youth programme Airplay, delivered by One YMCA. Airplay is now in its fifteenth year, supporting young people through the unique challenges faced by RAF families by providing safe, consistent, and exciting play and youth work activities across 24 RAF Stations and online through Airplay Connect.

The recent report has found that across the year, over 2,100 children and young people actively engaged in Airplay activities, with over 3,800 sessions delivered and over 7,000 hours of activities. It found that 98% of members feel that Airplay provides them with somewhere to go that they feel safe and 99% of parents agree Airplay staff are friendly and welcoming.

Airplay encourages young people to share their opinion, respect the voice of others and have their say through its youth-led initiatives including the Special Projects Fund and Youth Forums.

An Airplay member at RAF Honington said: “I feel so safe, and the staff understand me when I am struggling with my autism. I have such a special bond with the staff.”

The report found that 96% of members agree that Airplay has helped them to settle in when they have moved to a new Station.

An Airplay member at RAF Henlow said: “I like the community aspect. The fact that there are so many people who also have a parent in the military and understand me.”

A parent from MOD Boscombe Down said: “Airplay is absolutely brilliant – I have four children who attend, one who has additional needs, and she loves it. Without Airplay she would not socialise. It gives her an amazing opportunity to do something, and the staff support her.”

Air Commodore Simon Harper, Director of Operations at the Fund said: “Whilst the Royal Air Force is busier than ever in operations both at home and overseas, the Fund continues to adapt our support for serving families, recognising the evolving challenges they may face. Airplay remains a valuable and positive lifeline for parents, children and young people.

“We invested over £1.2 million in grants to enable consistent delivery of Airplay activity throughout the year. These investments are crucial in ensuring our approach to supporting young people remains vibrant, relevant, and impactful.”

Guy Foxell, Chief Executive Officer of One YMCA said: “This year saw the Airplay Programme grow once again with more members attending sessions. A 5% increase in the number of young people attending Airplay in 2024 demonstrates that face to face activities and clubs remain hugely popular and important for young people even in a digital age.

“Huge gratitude goes out to the RAF Benevolent Fund for the legacy they have created through their continued commitment and investment in children and young people from RAF families.”