As army families, we’re all used to upheaval, but when families in Kenya and Nepal were given ultra-short notice to move back to the UK during the COVID-19 crisis, it was a worrying time. AFF was on hand to help…

Through our local BATUK coordinator and our volunteer in Nepal, we were able to monitor and present collective ‘day-to-day’ concerns of families to both the local chain of command and wider command back in the UK, when they were focused on evacuating more than 100 families. AFF acted as a critical friend to senior command to ensure that those who may just be arriving with whatever they could carry in a suitcase, would be able to set up new ‘homes’ and resume family life and commitments, like home-schooling, within days.

AFF’s chief executive, Sara Baade, helped broker a ‘get you in’ food package via the Army Central Fund and helped to reassure families that a robust package of support and financial allowances was in place.

All the families are now settled back in the UK and we’ve received some really positive feedback not only about how the army has supported them through these unique times, but also the support offered by the local community in the Salisbury Plain Training Area.

Look out for more updates on Kenya and Nepal in the next Army&You as it’s expected this temporary evacuation may last a few months.

Dedicated website
Here at AFF, we understand that COVID-19 has had a direct impact on many areas of your army family life. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated coronavirus information section on our website to answer your questions on how housing, schools and allowances have been affected. We’re continuing to work closely with the chain of command to ensure you get the very latest news and updates as the situation evolves – go to aff.org.uk

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