The beginning of a new year brings with it the opportunity to take stock and re-evaluate. Whether you are thinking of changing your job, embarking on a new fitness regime or just looking for ways to improve your army life, there are many avenues of support available.
We’re here to help. The Army Families Federation (AFF) is an independent charity whose aim is to support all army personnel and their families in all aspects of family life. We provide information, and will work with you as you navigate your way through the challenges that can sometimes come with being an army family. We are also a strong independent voice for you, raising your concerns and evidence to the army, Ministry of Defence and government, so we can work together to get things working better for you.
And 2025 looks like a busy year. Recent news that the MOD has bought back more than 36,000 military homes in England and Wales from Annington was welcome. AFF has long advocated for the MOD to take back control of the estate to ensure that there are the right number of homes in the right place at the right time for army families.
There will be a review into how to improve the homes and living environment for service personnel and their families, and one of our priorities for 2025 is to ensure your views – whether you are currently in SFA, want that option or have used it in the past – are represented in decision making in the future.
The Strategic Defence Review is set to report to the government by the summer. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this and what it says about support and recognition for serving families. We’ll continue to tell the government when any new policy will adversely affect you and your family, and work hard to get the Armed Forces Covenant to work better for the serving community.
And we’ll be getting out and about into the community in 2025. After a number of successful visits to bases around the UK and overseas in 2024, including Aldershot, Scotland, Kenya and Brunei, the team will be hitting the road once again this year. Look out for forthcoming event dates at aff.org.uk and on our social media channels. Our qualified immigration team will continue to provide tailored presentations – just get in touch if your unit would like one.
We’ll be continuing to add to the wealth of useful information on our website aff.org.uk and the online portal Forces Families Jobs. Our team can guide you through key areas such as housing, education and childcare, employment and training, money and allowances, healthcare and additional needs, and overseas postings. And we’re always available through contact@aff.org.uk, where we’ll be pleased to help, with confidential, independent guidance.