Whatever your rank, whatever you’re facing, we’ve got your back
If you’re reading Easy Resettlement, then there’s a better-than-average chance that you or a close family member are, or were, a member of the RAF.
Read on, because maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day and for the rest of your career, you might find it useful.
Did you know about the specialist and confidential support available for the RAF community from the RAF Personal Support and Social Work Service (RAF PS&SWS), run by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity?
No? Well, let us explain how it can help you in times of need:
RAF PS&SWS has been operating since 1990. If you haven’t needed welfare support in the last 24 years then it’s quite possible you don’t know that the service supports the whole RAF family including the person behind the uniform – Regular and Reserves – and their loved ones. It will help anyway it can, confidentially and independent of the chain of command.
The breadth of support it gives covers issues such as mental health, difficult relationships, bereavement, domestic abuse, financial and cost-of-living concerns, resettlement, housing, childcare, equality issues, bereavement, military discharge and deployments. If you or a loved one ever finds yourself needing help outside of the list above, we urge you to still get in touch so we can support you through your journey.
The RAF PS&SWS has sat with SSAFA since it was launched 34 years ago. However, SSAFA hasn’t sat still in its ability to change and adapt to the modern RAF world, making access for support even easier than it was before.
After being successful in its bid to continue RAF PS&SWS, SSAFA worked tirelessly to launch a modernised service has enhanced its support capabilities to the RAF to meet the challenges its personnel face today.
The new service has made it easier to contact its team of welfare officers via WhatsApp or Live Chat. These dedicated and experienced professionals can also be called on the service’s helpline, emailed, or found on most RAF stations.
Here’s how to get in touch:
Talk to us now: Live Chat at ssafa.org.uk/raf
WhatsApp: +442037690808
Facebook: facebook.
com/ssafarafpssws
Email: psswsraf@ssafa-fhs.org.uk
Call: 0800 058 4690 (UK callers) | +44 20 4570 3939
(Overseas callers)
In-person: at most RAF stations
However you contact RAF PS&SWS, what remains the same is that it provides a safe space for you to get anything off your chest. There’s no judgement; the welfare officers treat everyone with respect, whatever you tell them.
Or if you’re after more practical support, then the team will work with you to put a plan of action in place, making sure you have everything you need to take control of your situation.
Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, notes: “For more than three decades SSAFA has worked in partnership with the Royal Air Force to deliver personal support and social work to service personnel and their families. We’re extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to continue our work which has been essential in ensuring that RAF military personnel can fulfil their roles. SSAFA staff have worked tirelessly to meet this remit, adapting as necessary, and we will continue to do so.”
Remember that whatever your rank, whatever you’re facing, the RAF PS&SWS has got your back.
For more information, visit ssafa.org.uk/raf.