The Army Welfare Service (AWS) marks its 30th anniversary this year – three decades of dedicated support to soldiers, their families and the wider Armed Forces community in the UK and overseas.
In that time, AWS has grown into an organisation that unites specialist welfare, community support and business support, bringing together civil servants and Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC) personnel under one mission: delivering exceptional welfare support to the Army family.
The AWS has its origins in the Families Housing and Welfare Service (FHWS), established in 1977 within the AGC. The first male SNCOs joined FHWS in 1993, and the service became the AWS on 1 April 1996.
Throughout 2026 AWS teams worldwide will mark this milestone through community focused initiatives. Celebrations began in April with the Southwest Community Support families’ day in Bristol, which highlighted the central role play, youth and community work have in supporting families.
In May, specialist welfare teams took part in the Triple Crown Challenge at Worthy Down, Winchester, the Adjutant General’s Corps’ annual military skills competition.
AWS aims to also deliver the AWS 30 Wellbeing Challenge to mark the anniversary, encouraging participants to explore ‘30 ways to support your wellbeing’ including a 30-km hike on the Fife Coastal Route.
AWS also attended Armed Forces Day events and will represent the organisation at the AGC Remembrance Day at the National Arboretum, where a commemorative plaque will be unveiled. The year will conclude with a formal dinner celebrating three decades of service and the people who have shaped AWS during that time.
If you feel you need welfare support you should complete an AWS specialist welfare referral form via army.mod.uk/support-and-training/welfare/army-welfare-service/