Heads of services tell personnel struggling with cost of living crisis to ask for help
The heads of each branch of the British military have all urged Armed Forces personnel struggling with the cost of living crisis to ask for help and not struggle on alone.
With families across the country feeling the squeeze as the cost of living continues to rise, the heads of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force have all urged servicemen and women to seek the help available.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, head of the RAF, told Forces News "RAF families are no different to families across society and we’re all feeling that squeeze".
"Just reach out for help, don't deal with it yourself," he said.
"For people in the Royal Air Force, we’re fortunate, there’s a number of different places to go for help, whether its your line manager, your chain of command on your unit, and believe me, they will understand and they will help.
"There are countless ways that people can get help and assistance, and for anybody that’s feeling that pressure, don’t deal with it alone.
"My number one message would be reach out and you will find help."
The head of the British Army echoed Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike's message, adding if personnel are struggling, the Army would step in and help.
"I would also point them to the support that the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army's charity, can give and can offer advice they can," General Sir Patrick Sanders said.
"But above all, stick your hand up and ask for help because we’ll put our arms around you."
The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sir Ben Key told personnel: "Please seek help and allow us to give you some assistance".
"What I say to them all is raise your hand, we recognize that these are very difficult times," he said.
"There are clearly a number of reports in the media, on social media, of how people are struggling and we don't want people to feel that they're alone."
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
