Bereavement service for RAF families

The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has launched a new bereavement service for those coping with a death.

The confidential service provides RAF veterans, those who are serving, and family members, with free telephone, face-to-face and email support.

Many of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s beneficiaries have placed bereavement as one of the top 10 difficulties they have experienced, while for beneficiaries over the age of 65, bereavement was reported within the top five difficulties.

The RAF Benevolent Fund partnered with Cruse to provide the service.

Alison Wyman, Head of Welfare Programmes and Development at RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Our aim is to support the RAF family with whatever their needs may be, and we know from past research that bereavement is an important struggle for many of our beneficiaries.

“While grieving is a natural process, it can feel overwhelming, and so this seemed like a natural programme to offer, and we’re excited to be working with an organisation like Cruse to make it happen.”

Andy Langford, Chief Operating Officer of Cruse, said: “When someone close dies it can be a devastating experience and coping with that loss takes time. Our services are provided by our dedicated network of 5,000 trained volunteers who commit to full confidentiality.

“As the largest national charity for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we’re pleased to be partnering with the RAF Benevolent Fund to help the RAF family around the UK.”

Those in the RAF family who have experienced a bereavement and need to speak to somebody should contact 0300 222 5703 (calls charged at local call rate). The helpline is open Monday- Friday 9.30am-5pm (excluding bank holidays).

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