UK

RAF families enjoy time together in National Family Week events

Royal Air Force families enjoyed a wide range of organised activities in National Family Week supported by Airplay, the RAF Benevolent Fund’s £24 million youth support programme. Children and parents living on RAF stations across the UK were invited to events ranging from family picnics to juggling classes as part of a national drive to provide more quality time for hard-pressed RAF families.

The Airplay programme sent trained youth workers - provided by the national charity 4Children – to RAF stations across the country, who helped run many of the Family Week activities.

Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy for the RAF Benevolent Fund said:
“The National Family Week survey shows how difficult it is for parents across the UK to get the time they want with their children. For members of the Armed Forces, operational pressures make this problem particularly acute. That is why we have developed our Airplay programme - to help the RAF give serving families the support they need and deserve. It also helps to relieve stress at home and on the front line.”

Examples of activities included:

RAF Benson – circus skills, orienteering and mosaic design

RAF High Wycombe – archery, face painting and climbing wall

RAF Wittering – trip to seaside, family picnic and street art workshop

Charles Ellis, Deputy Chief Executive of 4Children said: “It is great that so many RAF families have been able to take part in activities this week. They work extremely hard and deserve all the support they can get. We are delighted that Airplay Youth Workers are working so well with RAF Community Development staff to put on such a diverse range of activities for all the family. With personnel on active duty in both Libya and Afghanistan it is really important for families to come together and have fun wherever possible.”