RAF Benevolent Fund releases 2025 Impact Report

The RAF Benevolent Fund has released its 2025 Impact Report, reflecting another year of dedicated support for the RAF Family, with vital financial, practical and wellbeing services reaching those who needed them most.

In 2025, the RAF Benevolent Fund continued its mission to support serving personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved, delivering tailored services that enhanced wellbeing, increased independence and improved quality of life.

The Fund directly supported more than 33,600 members of the RAF Family and delivered assistance in 28 countries worldwide, reaching beneficiaries ranging in age from three months to 103 years old.

The Fund supported 16,189 serving personnel and their families during the year, while 17,452 veterans, their families and the bereaved received dedicated support designed to meet their individual needs. Alongside this direct assistance, more than 52,000 people benefited from community and station-based activities and events, helping members of the RAF Family build connections, access support and strengthen wellbeing.

Supporting independence remained a key priority in 2025. The Fund enabled 3,570 people to live more independently through tailored mobility and housing solutions, helping beneficiaries maintain dignity, confidence and quality of life.

Financial wellbeing was also a major area of focus, with the Fund's Benefits Advice team helping individuals access £2.34 million in previously unclaimed benefits, reducing financial pressures and improving financial resilience.

Mental wellbeing support continued to play a vital role in the Fund's work. During the year, 13,579 people were supported through services including counselling, community connections, youth support programmes and wellbeing tools, ensuring members of the RAF Family could access help when they needed it most. The Fund's youth programme also supported 1,953 children and young people, providing opportunities to connect with peers, participate in enriching activities and maintain continuity during family relocations.

The RAF Benevolent Fund invested £16.8 million in welfare services in 2025. Through this support, the Fund enabled people to access personalised support, improve their wellbeing, increase their independence, and enhance their overall quality of life.

Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, Air-Vice Marshal Chris Elliot said: “Our latest Impact Report reflects the difference we made together for members of our RAF Family during 2025. Behind every statistic is a person, family or veteran who received the support they needed and what stands out for me is the impact that timely support can have on people's lives. Whether that is financial assistance, help with wellbeing, or simply knowing that someone is there when times are tough, our work is about ensuring that members of the RAF Family never have to face challenges alone.

“I am incredibly proud of what our supporters, partners, volunteers and staff have made possible. Together, we have been there for thousands of people when they needed us most, providing practical help, reassurance and hope for the future.”