The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has just announced the latest awards made under the Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme. It has awarded over £2.8 million to 32 projects that will deliver impact and real change within armed forces communities, including serving personnel, armed forces families, the bereaved, veterans and their families.
Sonia Howe, Director of Policy at the Trust, said “We are delighted to have supported so many fantastic projects and we hope that the changes and improvements they introduce continue to positively impact our armed forces communities for years to come.”
Providing an escape for soldiers in Scotland
39 Engineer Regiment were awarded a grant to provide four off-grid respite pods at Kinloss Barracks on the Moray coast, North Scotland. The pods will be available to soldiers when off duty to provide space for socialising and promote wellbeing.
39 Engineer Regiment QM, Lt Col Mark Horrocks, explains: “39 Eng Regt is a very busy regiment with a high number of young soldiers aged 25 or younger. The remoteness, limited transport and cost of living mean many unaccompanied soldiers remain on barracks during weekends and many report feeling lonely and isolated. We hope offering single soldiers – either together, or with visiting friends and families – use of this unique sustainable respite area to socialise, escape barrack life, and enjoy the adjacent beach and woodland will enhance wellbeing and promote interest in this area of natural beauty.”
Military Family Support Project
Home-Start has been awarded a grant for the Military Family Support Project, which will provide home-based 1-1 support to help service families based in Suffolk. Specially trained volunteers will give practical and emotional support, promoting community integration and friendships, therefore reducing isolation.
For more details, see covenantfund.org.uk