BlogSpot – Stacey’s journey

A blog from Army&You’s autumn 2023 edition by Stacey Heartford. I’ve known my husband for 21 years and we must have spent ten of those apart. Like so many military marriages, he comes and he goes; pre-de...

An Army family postcard from Virginia

Luke (serving), Frankie, Margot (7) and Elodie (4) How long have you been an army family? We’ve been married for nearly 12 years. Time in Springfield? 22 months. How many other military families live the...

New housing timelines

If you’re expecting an assignment order soon, a recent change to policy means that the timelines for applying for housing have changed. Housing Specialist Cat Calder explains more… Currently, you need to let...

School support during separation

Families approach AFF regularly to ask for support for their child when the serving parent goes away. The absence of a parent can cause many different feelings and emotions for children, with many parents tel...

Getting your finances in order

In terms of admin and finance, there’s a lot to prepare ahead of deployments, operations and exercises, so what do you need to think about when you’re spending time apart? AFF Money & Allowances Specialis...

Separated by service

What support is available to those separated by deployment and training? And how can those at home, help themselves? Jill Misson reports… With the focus on readiness, many personnel are away training and for...

SSAFA welcomes families to Cyprus

SSAFA's  Community Health Team, who are based in Cyprus, organised a meet & greet session for the families from 1 RIFLES, who recently moved from Chepstow, South Wales to Dhekelia, Cyprus. The get-togeth...

Virtual school is by your side around the world

There are more than 100 assignment locations across the world and around 4,000 children who are accompanying their serving parents. It is important that the MOD is aware of where these children are and how t...

Family support is vital

As Policy & Research Director Michelle leaves AFF after 10 years, she reflects on the importance of support for families during time apart... Time apart is something that all army families experience – i...