About the charities supported by this book

The editors believe sincerely in the work carried out by RAF charities and have decided to support the Royal Air Forces Association and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

For many years RAF charities have provided comfort, succour and support for any member of the RAF family, whenever and whatever the need. RAF personnel and their families dedicate their lives to their country; these charities have a mission to ensure that the sacrifice made by RAF personnel and families does not involve suffering, poverty or loneliness.

Support provided by the charities is available to serving personnel past or present, and their families. It covers a wide range, from visits and short breaks to offering practical advice in matters financial or emotional as well as social support to families. Both charities also run appropriate care and respite homes. All these facilities are available in times of difficulty for recipients irrespective of the cause of the need, their rank or relationship to the original member of the Royal Air Force.

The charities work very closely together and provide fundraising through membership in the case of the Association or direct giving through the offices of the Benevolent Fund. The charities run many initiatives designed to bring families closer and offer comfort in times of separation or other need. They seek to help any member of the RAF family and their dependants, both during and after active service.

Collectively, these charities spend close to £30m a year on the needs of their recipients and this work is completely funded by the generosity of either members or benefactors’ vital donations. Neither charity receives government contributions to their work on behalf of the RAF family.

The RAF family is large, with reputedly over one million members who are eligible to receive help. Many are too proud or unaware of the benefits that may be available to them when they are faced with a wide range of issues from childcare, relationship difficulties and debt, to injury, disability, illness and bereavement. More recently, the charities have identified major youth work projects to provide access to quality facilities and activities in order to relieve the strain on RAF parents and to recognise the importance of the RAF Cadet Movement, which is nearly 55,000 strong.

To find out more, please visit www.rafbf.org and www.rafa.org.uk