Family Support
The Army appreciates that the way of life for its families requires specific support, and such assistance comes at various levels from a variety of sources. The most apparent signs of this are in respect of providing subsidised housing for families and facilitating family movement between postings.
At Unit level, help is always available from the likes of the Unit Welfare Officer, the Regimental Administrative Officer (for pay queries) and the Chaplain, amongst others. More detail is given in The Army Family.
The general level of support given by the Army differs between locations. In UK, families are expected to make use of the facilities open to the civilian community for the likes of doctors/dentists, schools and social services. Overseas, the Army will provide many of these facilities in most locations. In UK and Germany, professional welfare support is provided by the Army Welfare Service (AWS) through its network of Army Welfare Workers.
Further help and advice are always available from numerous organisations created to provide help or charitable assistance to service personnel, Army families and dependants. These are listed under Support Agencies.
Introduction - Life for families of Army personnel can be very different from that experienced by non-Military families.
These two new guides provides useful information for the families of deployed Regular Army and TA personnel. They cover preparation, deployment and homecoming, includes useful sources of support, and will be helpful to all families; both spouses, civil partners and their children and the mothers and fathers, carers or partners of single soldiers as well.
Chaplaincy support - is available for all involved in dealing with casualties. This support is confidential and outside of the Chain of Command. Chaplains provide support to all regardless of faith and can be contacted via the unit. In case of difficulty contacting your unit Chaplain please email Padre Christian.
Confidential Support Line - Confidential Support Line (CSL). The CSL is a free-phone help-line run by SSAFA-FH for soldiers and their dependants. It was set up principally to address issues associated with harassment and Equal Opportunities, but its help-liners can provide support and advice with any emotional or psychological problem.
Family Support - General - The Army and Familily Life. The Army and Single Parents.
Families Accommodation - As a soldier and family may move regularly to different parts of Great Britain and overseas, the Army ensures that accommodation is provided for those families who require it.
Marriage - The Army believes that the stability offered by family life is important, but it also acknowledges that service life puts additional strain on a marriage.
Education - The Army provides education support and advice together with schools overseas.
Child Welfare and Support -Welfare support for children including information on birth and adoption.
Healthcare - Service and family healthcare, including charitable provision for ex-servicemen and women.
Crime Reduction Unit - Visit the Crime Reduction Unit website for hints & tips on home and personal security.
Service Cotswold Centre - A Tri-Service Families Transit Centre that provides short-term accommodation whatever the reason.
Family Emergency - What to do in the event of an emergency.
