Big Bucks Boost for Armed Forces Families! A fresh wave of funding kicks off this April, set to bring major improvements for Service children and their families across the UK.
£2 Million to Transform Service Pupils’ Lives
- £2 million awarded to 54 projects aimed at tackling the unique challenges faced by Armed Forces children.
- £500,000 split between 12 projects focused on supporting partners of serving personnel.
In January 2022, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) launched its ambitious Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022-2032, setting out a 10-year plan to improve support systems for Armed Forces families.
Following that, the MOD established the Armed Forces Families Fund, a dedicated pot of money targeting eight crucial themes: Family Life, Service Life, Family Home, Education, Health and Wellbeing, Childcare, Support for Partners and Spouses, and Non-UK Families.
Safe Spaces and One-to-One Support for Service Children
One standout project at Stanchester Academy, called ‘Safe Space and Support,’ is a lifeline for Service children. It provides a safe, supervised area for homework, socialising, and meals, plus tailored one-to-one tutoring by an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA).
Headteacher Gregg Mockridge said: “We are hugely grateful for the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and Armed Forces Families Fund grants. These funds allow us to transform the futures of our Service children.”
Teacher Rebecca Hendry added: “Many of our pupils have parents deployed or stationed away during the week. By funding a specialist ELSA and extra tuition combined with a safe space, we provide vital support tailored to their unique needs.”
The project also includes training a staff member as a ‘Bounce Forward Armed Forces Resilience Champion’ to run resilience-building sessions and community activities focused on military families.
Backing Service Children’s Wellbeing Nationwide
Peter Davis, head of the Armed Forces Families Team, highlighted the impact:
“The 54 projects funded across the UK cover a wide range of needs — from coping with separation to building resilience and boosting academic progress despite frequent moves. These efforts will vastly improve the wellbeing of Service children while advancing the MOD’s Families Strategy.”
More Funding Opens April 2023 — Get Ready to Apply!
The Armed Forces Families Fund will reopen for new applications from April 2023.
The Service Pupil Support Programme launching early April will grant funds to projects that:
- Tackle SEND needs via early identification and a coordinated approach.
- Close attainment gaps between Service and non-Service pupils using data-driven methods.
- Spot and support small groups of Service children within schools and colleges.
Additional funding rounds for Early Years and Supporting Partners programmes will open in Summer 2023, alongside strategic grants linked to the wider Families Strategy themes.
Armed Forces communities should keep a close eye on the funding opportunities to continue making a real difference for those serving the nation and their families.
