RAF Benevolent Fund helps more service families in 2022 than previous year
The RAF Benevolent Fund supported more service personnel and families in 2022 than in 2021, new figures show.
In its 2022 Impact Report, the fund said it provided financial, emotional and practical help to more than 24,000 serving personnel and their families in 2022 – up from 22,700 the previous year, representing an increase of 5.73%.
The number for both years was greatly reduced from more than 42,200 in 2020.
More than 40,000 members of the RAF were supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund in 2022 amid a cost-of-living crisis and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Support has been given in a range of ways, the report says, including financial assistance, subsidised breaks away, relationship support, mobility and care equipment and the fund's Listening and Counselling service.
The fund spent a total of £9.1m in direct assistance to beneficiaries, whilst in 2021, it spent £9.5m, with the report saying that 96% of beneficiaries said the fund has improved their quality of life.
The 2022 Impact Report forms part of the Fund's new strategy – 'Shaping The Future' – through to 2026.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "Our new strategy stood us in good stead during its first year, helping us to spend £17.5m to support more than 40,700 veterans, serving personnel and their families through another tough year."
"We were ready to respond to this increased need while continuing to support the veteran community, many of whom also found themselves struggling."
Richard Daniel, chair of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "Our ability to support the RAF family in so many powerful ways was only possible because of our amazing supporters.
"Thank you to every one of you who helped us raise £16.7m to support the RAF family over the year – £0.4m more than last year.
"Despite these achievements, 2022 was difficult for us all at the fund. Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was our patron for 70 years, and an ardent supporter of the RAF family and everyone who served our country.
"As we move forward, we will endeavour to embody Her late Majesty's spirit of commitment and passion as we strive to support the RAF family far into the future."
The fund supported Davina Griffiths to stay comfortable at home after a life-threatening illness.
Davina's daughter, Charlie, said: "The support we've received means more than just a charity helping mum through her illness – it means that the service my father provided to the RAF is still paying off today."
Former RAF Sergeant Leroy Francis, who has multiple sclerosis, explained how the fund provided him with equipment to adapt his home.
"The support the fund has provided has been second to none, including converting my bathroom into a wet room and providing me with an orthopaedic bed," he said. "I wouldn't have been able to get this far without it."
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