| Dear Friend, We hope your year is off to a great start despite the current restrictions. The ongoing pandemic has inspired much wider and deeper conversations around mental health, a topic of utmost importance to us here at the Fund. We know that there are more discussions to be had but as we progress through those, we want to remind you that we’re here to support serving personnel with a number of wellbeing services. In our first edition of the year, we also bring you exciting news on the launch of a new report and an in-depth survey looking at the wellbeing of the serving community. We are also pleased to bring you new features for The Bulletin in 2021, including real-life stories of how we stand side by side with the RAF Family. |
| Wellbeing and coping surveyYou can help us shape the support we provide to the serving community by taking part in our Wellbeing and Coping survey. We want to better understand the wellbeing of current RAF personnel. All responses are anonymous and will be treated confidentially to enable you to share your honest views. Please be assured your email address will not be linked to the survey. |
| Growing up in the RAFWe have conducted the first in-depth research on the wellbeing of children and young people who have one or both parents serving in the RAF. Join us for a presentation and panel discussion about the research and its findings on 22 February at 2.30pm. Don’t worry if you can’t attend, we will email you a link to the report after the event. |
| “We would be divorced by now” |
| Relationships are full of ups and downs and, when it comes to serving RAF couples, additional pressures might get in the way of a stable and healthy relationship. The partner of a serving member of the RAF shares the impact our relationship support service had on their marriage. |
| Navigating the complicated benefits systemIt can be difficult to navigate the complicated benefits system, especially when the need comes at a stressful or challenging time in your life. When a former Corporal made the decision to leave the RAF, she found the uncertainty around her benefit entitlement very stressful and sought the advice of the Fund’s benefits team. |
| “The first night I tried it, I slept twice as long”Flight Sergeant Ken Gray was recommended the Headspace app by a colleague after complaining of trouble sleeping. Ken had suffered with insomnia for years, with unsettled sleep and vivid dreams. Research has shown that participants begin to experience the benefits of mindfulness after using it for just 10 minutes a day for 10 days. |
| This is only a snapshot of the ways we are committed to helping serving personnel. If you know someone who would benefit from receiving The Bulletin and learning more about the RAF Benevolent Fund, please do pass it on. If you need further information or advice, please get in touch with us. With best wishes,  Al BennettHead of Individual Grants Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund |
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