https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/By Your Side initiative and the Strengthening Parents Programme, are designed to support Royal Navy families by providing resources, peer connections, and professional guidance to navigate the unique challenges of naval life.en-USTelligent Community 12https://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/aggies-pastoral-workersTue, 07 Apr 2026 09:38:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:bef43ba9-3ce0-49c6-8a69-c887e0a58998ASK INFOPastoral Workers are based ‘behind the wire’ supporting our serving personnel throughout their careers from basic training and into phase 2 training and beyond, providing social activities such as the infamous Bacon Butties! They also offer 1:1 pastoral conversation. Focus: - Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Activities vary but can include: - Games nights - ‘Baking Bad’ Group Cooking - Mindfulness events / Pamper evenings - No money Movie & Pizza nights - Bumps and Babies - Menopause groups - 1:1 pastoral conversations Where: - In person via The Haven & Chaplaincy Teams FIND OUT MORE: To access Aggie’s support, please visit: www.aggies.org.uk or contact your local chaplaincy team.Pastoral WorkerMental healthactivitieswellbeingsupportAggieshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/aggies-community-wavesTue, 07 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:58709b34-cfe9-437e-bd9b-8cb01ee7bd8cASK INFODame Agnes Weston Charity has been helping sailors since 1876. ‘Aggie’s’ workers can be found on bases ‘behind the wire’ and in the community. They are there to support through listening/pastoral conversations and community-based support, events and activities for families. Aggies volunteers can also support families practically in times of need. Focus: - Whole Family - Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Activities - Easter, Christmas and Half term activities - Families Days, Homecomings - Summer BBQ’s - Mocktails & Mystery Crafts - Wavey Navy (Wives/Partners and Young children) - Walk & Talk - Practical support as appropriate/depending on volunteer availability Where - In person via local Community Centres & Family Hubs FIND OUT MORE: https://www.aggies.org.uk https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/familiesactivitiessupportcommunityPastoralAggieshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/southampton_5f00_families_5f00_trustMon, 06 Oct 2025 11:34:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:495ef2f5-d73d-4546-9eb0-440b23091706ASK INFOSouthampton Family Trust seeks to provide a focus for relationship building and support, working directly with couples and parents. Older children are welcome to attend some of courses. Southampton Family Trust is based in the Solent area but are working nationally with Royal Navy and Royal Marines families. A team of trained and experienced family support practitioners, they specialise in strengthening parents. Focus: - Relationships - Parenting Activities/Services - 6 funded sessions of confidential help for couples in managing communication and conflict - Building Respectful Families (looking at aggressive or violent behaviour at home by children aged 8-12 years) (online and funded by AFCFT) - Parenting a primary school-aged child with ADHD or showing traits of ADHD - Parenting primary school-aged child with Autism or traits of Autism - Online evening seminars covering: - An Introduction to Parenting Children with ADHD – Insights and Strategies for Families - Co-Parenting While Divorced or Separated – Guidance, Support & Tools for Success - Reducing Parenting Conflict with Your Ex-Partner – Guidance, Support & Tools for Success - Different Parenting Styles? Working Together Better – Strategies for Parents - An Introduction to Parenting Children with Autism – Insights and Strategies for Families - Parenting During the Deployment Cycle - Resilient Families and the Deployment Cycle - Parenting in the Navy – Thriving Through Work-Related Separations and Weekending Where: Online (If local to Solent area, specialist couples support could be in person) FIND OUT MORE: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk Email: info@sftrust.org.ukSouthampton Families TrustfamiliesRelationshipsparentingsupportSolid FoundationsStrengthening Familieshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/white-ensign-association-financial-awareness-and-compensation-supportWed, 01 Oct 2025 12:27:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:fd275147-073b-4a19-bc77-6fec928e00a4ASK INFOWEA offers financial information, advice and guidance for serving personnel and veterans. This only takes place on service establishments. - ‘Your Future’ presentations to serving personnel in transition from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines - Pension Awareness briefings for all serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel. - 1:1 personal interviews. - Casework support arounds pensions, tribunals and compensation. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.whiteensign.co.uk Call 07384575598Pension AwarenessCompensationguidanceadviceWhite Ensign AssociationsupporttransitionWEAhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/the-royal-naval-benevolent-trust-rnbt---financial-assistanceWed, 01 Oct 2025 12:24:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:1ab16033-6df8-4770-8f50-c48c9c424b5dASK INFORNBT provides financial assistance and support to serving and former Royal Navy ratings and Royal Marines other ranks WO1 and below and their dependants in times of need. For ranks of Warrant Officer and below of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, Reservists, and their dependants, both serving and veteran including Wrens who served after 1st Nov 1993. FIND OUT MORE: https://rnbt.org.uk Access support through: SSAFA Caseworkers - 0800 260 6767 RBL Caseworkers - 0800 802 8080.The Royal Naval Benevolent TrustFinancial AssistancesupportRNBThttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/ssafa-transitional-mentoringWed, 01 Oct 2025 12:19:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:92b02ddd-4921-4530-96dd-ffe8424bcc30ASK INFOThe SSAFA mentoring service provides a range of welfare support to service leavers, families and veterans, to prepare them for life post service. They offer weekly face-to-face or virtual 1:1 support with a trained mentor. SSAFA also offers support in a number of different ways to the Armed Forces community. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.ssafa.org.uk Call 0800 260 6780 0900 – 1700 Monday to Friday.mentoringservice leaversSSAFAfamiliessupportveteranshttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/scottys-little-soldiers-bereavement-supportWed, 01 Oct 2025 12:16:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:92dbb805-958b-4c19-bad3-b63049c44ec1ASK INFOA charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military children and young people. It provides its beneficiaries with support and guidance throughout their childhood and offers a respite, however brief, from the daily ups and downs of coping with loss. Scotties offer respite breaks, events and activities and 1:1 support. FIND OUT MORE: www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk Email: hello@scottyslittlesoldiers.co.ukBreaksbereavement supportactivitieslossbereavementsupportrespiteScotty's Little Soldiershttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/sailors-children-s-society-caseworkers-and-financial-supportWed, 01 Oct 2025 12:12:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:e717995f-6e41-4ba3-af67-08d0574420e3ASK INFOSailors’ Children’s Society offers financial and emotional support to children and families from seafaring backgrounds who are in a time of crisis. They help families with connections to those working for the Royal Navy. Grants may be given for welfare, clothing, etc. Please note, financial grants are means tested. FIND OUT MORE: https://sailorschildren.org.uk/ Contact: info@sailorschildren.org.uk Call 01482 342331 between 0830-1600Financial SupportSailors' Children's SocietysupportEmotional supporthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-association-membership-and-welfareWed, 01 Oct 2025 12:06:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:02206d28-6fb7-4455-8f05-25ef2b56b6eeASK INFOThe Royal Naval Association is open to anyone to join, either as a member if you are serving/have served, or as an associate member for family members and supporters. The RNA is underpinned by the 7 C’s: Companionship, community, connection, compassion, care, commemoration and celebration. RNA supports new Royal Navy entrants and their families, runs national events and activities and delivers welfare advice and wellbeing support to its members. Membership is funded by RNRMC at no cost to individuals, local branches can be found across the UK and overseas. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.royal-naval-association.co.uk/ Email: admin@rnassoc.org Tel: 023 9272 3747RNAadvicewellbeingsupportRoyal Naval Associationhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/naval-children-s-charity-caseworkers-financial-assistanceWed, 01 Oct 2025 12:03:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:34512959-df49-4ea3-8b8e-fcd378e53bcfASK INFOThe Naval Children’s Charity (NCC) aims to improve the lives of children of Royal Naval Personnel through welfare support and opportunities that enhance their mental health and prospects. NCC provides financial and holistic support to help children (up to the age of 25) of the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Marines, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service, Women’s Royal Naval Service and Reserve Forces, their families, serving and veterans. You can ring their office and speak to a caseworker. They will discuss your needs and send you a form to complete, (or you can do it online) and they will then get back to you. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.navalchildrenscharity.org.uk Call - 023 9263 9534 0900 - 1600 Mon – Friday Email - caseworkers@navalchildrenscharity.org.ukMental healthNCCNaval Children's Charitysupporthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/rma-the-royal-marines-charity-membership-and-supportWed, 01 Oct 2025 11:56:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:04e8bec2-e158-4ad2-a2e8-eb9984eb3400ASK INFORMA - The Royal Marines Charity is dedicated to helping Royal Marines and their families through every phase of live. Whether you are just starting out, serving full-time or as a reservist, preparing for civilian life (or already there) belonging to the Royal Marines Association, part of RMA-The Royal Marines Charity keeps you at the very heart of the Royal Marines Family. With a focus on providing tailored, practical support, RMA-The Royal Marines Charity is dedicated to helping Royal Marines and their families overcome personal, financial and mental health challenges by offering essential services including mental health programmes, financial grants, career transition guidance and support for wounded, injured and sick service members. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.rma-trmc.org Call 0800 468 1664 0830 – 1600 Monday to FridayCivilian LifeHealth and WellbeingRMACareer Transition GuidancesupportRoyal Marines AssociationFamily SupportThe Royal Marines Charityhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/albatross-arts-cic-creative-workshopsWed, 01 Oct 2025 11:53:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:68a03bf8-df50-45aa-b42c-030c2bd81a59ASK INFOBased in Helensburgh, Albatross works with communities through the medium of art and crafts to support families during the deployment cycle. Please check our website, or the Royal Navy Forum for any activities we are currently supporting with Albatross Arts. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-and-events/attend-eventAlbatross ArtsdeploymentCreative WorkshopsFamily SupportAlbatross Arts CIChttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/the-royal-navy-royal-marines-charity-rnrmcWed, 01 Oct 2025 11:42:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:63ec92bc-6f29-4b38-8fc8-e913f7dac1c7ASK INFOThe Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) are building a stronger, more connected naval community. From mentorship programmes to family support initiatives, RNRMC are strengthening bonds that last a lifetime. RNRMC are deeply committed to supporting Naval families by funding and facilitating events like Families Days, providing vital opportunities for families to connect, engage, and celebrate the service and sacrifice of loved ones. These occasions offer a chance for families to experience first-hand the life and work of the Royal Navy and beyond FIND OUT MORE:Family SupportrnrmcRoyal Navy Royal Marines Charityhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/royal-navy-community-supportWed, 01 Oct 2025 09:54:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:56957c7f-96e0-4f60-9419-7312fc0276e7ASK INFORoyal Navy Family & People Support (RN FPS) provides accessible support services that strengthen and enhance resilience to service personnel and their families wherever you are located in the UK and Overseas. A key area of work is deployment support. This includes briefings, bespoke deployment packs, activities and events, plus administration and engagement of the RN Forum. In addition, RN FPS is the first port of call if you are in a crisis where personal support will be provided by Military/Civilian Caseworkers. For more information on all RN FPS support please go to the Royal Navy Forum or call the RN FPS Portal team on 0800 145 6088. RNRMC is working closely with RN FPS in communities to ensure families are supported. They offer a range of events and activities led by RN FPS and registered volunteers. Volunteer Coordinators support anyone wanting to volunteer at community events. Focus: Whole Family Support Activities: - Local community activities - quiz nights, craft events, children’s entertainment, movie nights, book/film clubs, ‘Chill & Chat’ coffee mornings, seasonal events etc. areas may vary in what they offer – see RN Forum for details. - Volunteer network – Volunteer Coordinators in Helensburgh, Portsmouth, Yeovilton, Plymouth and Culdrose would welcome your support. Volunteering is a good way of meeting people and being supported yourself. (For young people RN FPS also run a Youth Network and Forum, and an annual residential week in the holidays) Where: Online and In Person FIND OUT MORE: Please visit the Royal Navy forum Royal Navy Forum https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-community-centres If you are interested in volunteering, please contact: navypeople-psrnfpscom@mod.gov.ukRN FPSYouth networkRoyal Navy Family and People SupportfamiliessupportcommunityFamily SupportDeployment Supporthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/family-action-relateWed, 01 Oct 2025 09:11:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:9dde359b-5ee7-4255-9548-e8784ad03527ASK INFOA professional service to help strengthen relationships, Relate has centres all over the UK. Relate is providing relationship counselling services to adults, children and young people. It is available to serving personnel, veterans and/or dependants wherever they live in the UK. Focus: - Relationships - Mental Health & wellbeing Services: Up to 6 sessions of counselling paid for by RNRMC (veterans pay £35 a session). Further counselling available at own cost (individual grants might be an option from benevolence charities) - One-session therapy - 30 min telephone chat - One-session therapy - One off 60 min session - Adult Relationship Counselling for couples or individuals - Family Counselling - Children and Young Person’s Counselling - Psychosexual Therapy Where: Online/In Person FIND OUT MORE: https://www.relate.org.uk/royal-navy-and-royal-marines-charitycouplesrelateMental healthHealth and WellbeingfamiliesRelationshipswellbeingtherapysupportcounsellingFamily Actionhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/rnrmc-neurodiversity-navigatorWed, 01 Oct 2025 08:23:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:cd5313ef-e2d0-4ca3-a026-795dd97d23f9ASK INFOIn response to families’ requests, RNRMC and AFCFT (Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust) have funded a Neurodiversity Navigator (NDN) to come along side families and support those living with neurodiversity. The NDN is able to help serving Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and their families with advice, signposting, forms/applications, assessments, matters around schools, respite breaks and sourcing what support families (adults and children) need. If you have a question or are feeling like you ‘don’t know what you don’t know,’ or find yourself reaching for Google, do get in contact with the NDN. The NDN keeps an eye out for upcoming events/activities that support neurodiversity and posts them on the RN Forum. In addition, the ND Navigator keeps in touch with a group we call ‘Neurodiversity Champions’, meeting periodically, to help shape future support and change, in an advisory role. This is open to any family living with neurodiversity so do get in touch if you want to be part of it. Focus: - Families - Parents - Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities/Services: - Bespoke 1:1 advice, guidance and support, with follow up and ongoing help where needed. - Neurodiversity Champions / Advisory Group - Keeps an eye out for upcoming events/activities that support neurodiversity Where: Online FIND OUT MORE: RNRMC ND Contact Form: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/how-we-help/rnrmc-neurodiversity-navigator Email: neurodiversity@rnrmc.org.ukNeurodiversity NavigatorguidanceMental healthNeurodiversityHealth and Wellbeingadvicefamiliessupportrnrmchttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/mums-and-dads-onboardWed, 01 Oct 2025 08:12:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:66a9cc94-10fd-4632-8dbe-0623f042cbf1ASK INFOHome-Start South and West Devon has designed a series of group sessions to engage and support new parents across the UK and abroad, who are struggling with mental health and/or isolation following the birth of a child. It’s an opportunity to meet other parents/carers who have children under the age of 5 who are in a similar situation. In addition, recognising the importance of dads, Dad’s Onboard is a great opportunity for dads to get together. In addition to Mums and dads Onboard, please see their website for details of courses run for serving families around reducing parental conflict – Within My Reach, Triple P – Family Transition. Focus: - Parenting Support - Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Activities: - Facilitated parent-led online support groups for new Mums (spouses and partners) - Facilitated parent-led online support groups for new Mums (Female serving personnel). - Facilitated parent-led online support groups for new or expecting Dads. - Please also see reducing parental conflict courses for military families at www.homestart-southandwestdevon.org.uk/current-services/ Where: Online, available to all families regardless of location, including overseas. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-and-events/attend-event Call: 07307873163 Email: homestart.shpt@gmail.comisolationMental healthMums and Dads On BoardsupportHome-Startnew parentsmilitary familiesParenting Supporthttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/marriage-careMon, 29 Sep 2025 16:27:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:786e1930-51e1-4557-b34b-a7f5962fe640ASK INFOMarriage care helps people with marriage, relationships, and family life by providing relationship counselling services and marriage preparation services. This support seeks to relieve the relationship distress that presents challenges to the wellbeing of Royal Navy/ Royal Marine personnel and their families. Marriage Care is running groups to discuss the unique pressures on relationships presented by service and the deployment cycle, to explore how, when and why relationships can come under stress, and what can help. Marriage Care can also offer counselling to those who wish or need to go deeper. Focus: - Relationships - Mental Health and Wellbeing Activities/Services: - Group sessions covering the themes of: relationship journey and history, communication, conflict and intimacy, the relationship between mental and emotional wellbeing and relationships, Having a ‘third party’ in the relationship (e.g. Royal Navy), including the deployment cycle in relationships, its impact, and how best to navigate this. Further 1:1 couple /individual counselling if needed (Please note, a fee may be payable). Where: Sessions will take place online. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.marriagecare.org.uk/RNRM Tel: 07762 260592 Email: RNRM@marriagecare.org.ukHealth and Wellbeing SupportMarriage CareRelationshipsCouple CounsellingsupportMental Health SupportIndividual CounsellingFamily LifeRelationship Counsellinghttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/kings-camps-Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:19:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:b48cb20a-3273-43c2-806e-3441a0eff73eASK INFOKings Active Foundation leads sport and activity camps for 5 to 17- year olds during school holidays across the country and abroad. Activity camps are held at key Royal Navy bases or in the local area surrounding them, as well as throughout the UK and abroad. They are open to all serving families. Costs are subsidised by RNRMC to enable more affordable childcare. For families living away from bases, they can still access any camp at the RNRMC subsidised rate. The aim is to encourage increased levels of child activity, offer highly affordable childcare during the holiday season, while providing increased opportunities for children to form friendships with fellow Naval service children. Dates of camps are available and bookings can be made online. Please note bookings open at staggered times. Check out the website for details. Focus: - Whole Family Support - Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Activity: - Non-residential (Mon – Fri) Sport and activity camp for 5-17 year olds, designed to get children active, having fun and learning together throughout the week participating in sports and active games. A typical summer camp day includes sports and activity sessions, time to socialise and team challenges. Where: Delivered at key Royal Navy bases throughout the UK and internationally. (Costs are subsidised by RNRMC wherever your camp takes place) FIND OUT MORE: https://www.kingscamps.org/kids-camps-at-military-bases/ https://www.rnrmc.org.ukMental Health SupportFamily SupportKings Active FoundationrnrmcKings Campsaffordable childcaresportsWellbeing SupportRoyal Navy Royal Marines Charityhttps://forum.royalnavy.mod.uk/topics/strengthening-families/b/announcements/posts/kids-nurturing-anchorsMon, 29 Sep 2025 15:53:00 GMTb28a645c-0ea2-4600-866f-e043a0fddeae:3528e714-c8fb-464a-8b7f-428b5210579fASK INFOKids is a national charity leading in SEND support. Every child should have an equal opportunity to play, learn, grow and thrive. Kids offers opportunities by providing a wide range of support for parent/ carers, young people, young carers, who are living with Neurodiversity/SEND. Support for naval families can be accessed from wherever they are. To make this easy for you, Kids have a dedicated page called the Navy Hub where you can find all the funded support available. Focus: - Whole Family Support - Parenting Support - Relationship Support - Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Activities: Navy Hub – Provides access to courses, information and signposting for adults and young people, including SEND Education guides. (A good place for young people to go themselves and find content specific to them.) - 6-week Understanding Me workshops for young people. (13-15 years and 16-18 years) Understanding Me 6-week workshops for parents/carers. Nurturing Anchors – A 6-week programme of support which aims to improve health, wellbeing and understanding among parents/carers of children with additional needs. Riding the Rapids courses – A 6-week course for parents/carers designed to help them understand their child when they display behaviours that challenge. Coffee and Connect - Facilitated monthly drop-in peer support group. Where: Online – accessible to all, including overseas. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.kids.org.uk/services/navy-hub/Health and Wellbeing SupportSEND SupportRiding the RapidsMental Health SupportFamily SupportkidsNurturing AnchorsParenting Support