RAF Families Federation

08/09/2026

One week left to take part in the pay questionnaire!

Please share this questionnaire far and wide with military personnel and their spouses/partners to have their say on pay.

It closes on the 14th September 2026

Take part here: https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/surveys/questionnaires/

Also see the first comment below for a link to the questionnaire.⤵️

07/09/2026

Are you a working Service parent based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?

From 1 September 2026, you may get help with childcare costs through the new UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) scheme.

If you'd get 'free' childcare hours based in England, UKNA can help cover the difference where you live.

Find out if you're eligible and how to apply: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/families/childcare-and-early-years/defence-early-years-childcare-schemes/

04/09/2026

Have your say on Armed Forces Pay!

The RAF Families Federation's Director, Andrea, would like to share a message with you all and appeal to Armed Forces personnel and their spouses/partners to take part in this very important questionnaire.

Your experiences will help ensure that the voices of RAF personnel and families are heard by decision-makers and key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence.

To take part: https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/surveys/questionnaires/

Also, see the first comment below for a direct link to the questionnaire. ⤵️

03/09/2026

Could your children be eligible for free school meals?

From the start of the 2026–27 school year, children in England whose families receive Universal Credit are eligible for free school meals, this covers state and free schools, academies, state-funded nursery schools, and non-maintained special schools.

This could provide valuable support for RAF families managing the costs of relocation, a new posting or changes in family circumstances.

Parents still need to apply – eligibility isn’t automatic.

The changes also include the rollout of free breakfast clubs in primary schools and follow the removal of the two-child benefit can; you can find out more information here:

Free school meals: guidance for local authorities, local-authority-maintained schools, academies and free schools
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools-and-local-authorities/free-school-meals-guidance-for-local-authorities-local-authority-maintained-schools-academies-and-free-schools

For more information about benefits and financial support https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/financial-matters/

03/09/2026

The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) are hiring!

❇️Corporate Partnerships Manager

£35004 – £36845
37.5 hours per week
Leicester based – LE3 1UTwith hybrid working
UK driving licence essential for this role

Closing date is 8am Wednesday 30 September 26
Interviews - Tuesday 8th October 26

For more information about the role visit; https://rafa.org.uk/job-listings/corporate-partnerships-manager/

02/09/2026

Did you know the RAF Families Federation can come directly to your unit to brief RAF personnel and their families on the support available throughout service life?

The RAF Families Federation team offers short, informal briefings to help you and your families understand the support available, whatever stage of service life you’re in.

📅 Want us to attend your station briefing?

Get in touch with us to book a session. We’d love to come along and support your personnel and families.

Contact: https://bit.ly/4fo1jWS
Email: [email protected]

📷Eleanor Higgs

01/09/2026

Friends and family members of UK Service personnel based in The Falkland Islands, Ascension Islands and Diego Garcia will be able to access the MOD Christmas Families Free Mail Service at any UK Post Office/overseas Forces Post Office from 26 Oct – 21 Nov 26.

BFPO numbers/locations which are additionally included within this welfare entitlement, are:

• BFPO 485 – Diego Garcia.
• BFPO 494 – Falkland Islands.
• BFPO 655 – Falkland Islands.
• BFPO 677 – Ascension Islands.
• BFPO 678 – Ascension Islands.

Customers can post MOD Christmas Families Free Mail Service items to the above BFPO numbers/locations, if:

• Free small parcels do not exceed 2 kg in weight.
• Free small parcels must have a fully completed customs declaration (CN22) and customers must tick the ‘gift’ declaration box on the CN22.
• Free small parcels don’t contain prohibited items (e.g. aerosols, shaving foam or alcohol).
• Free small parcels must be within size limits: Minimum one surface at least 90 mm x 140 mm. Maximum length + depth + width = 900 mm width greatest single dimension not more than 600 mm (e.g. an average medium shoe box size).
• Only relatives and friends within the UK or at BFPO overseas addresses can send free small parcels to named Service personnel and entitled MOD civilians.
• All free small parcels must be handed in to a UK Post Office/overseas Forces Post Office and customers are advised to keep their certificate of posting.

Visit our website for this news item: https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/mod-christmas-families-free-mail-service-2026/

31/08/2026

From scorching sunshine at RAF Benson to soaking rain at RAF Wyton, one thing remained constant: the incredible spirit of the RAF community.

The RAF Families Federation was proud to attend both Families Days, engaging with service personnel and their families, sharing information, and listening to the issues that matter most to them.

Rain or shine, supporting RAF families remains at the heart of everything we do.

29/08/2026

Don't miss out on the latest RAF Families Federation news.

Our regular e-bulletin keeps RAF personnel, families and supporters informed about the issues that matter most, from accommodation and education to healthcare, childcare and overseas postings.

Take a look at our latest edition published this week: https://mailchi.mp/ec3e45a64b64/rafff-26-august-26-issue-558?e=[UNIQID]

Welcome to eBULLETIN, a convenient way for RAF personnel, their families and supporters to keep up-to-date with the latest news from the Federation. eBULLETINs will provide information and links on housing matters, changes to MOD policy that may affect you and the latest news for RAF personnel and t...

28/08/2026

Have your say on Armed Forces Pay!

The RAF Families Federation is seeking feedback from all personnel and their spouses/partners to help inform our evidence submission to the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB).

We want to hear your views on:
💰 Military pay
📦 The impact of Service mobility on your finances
🏠 Your personal or family financial situation
📈 The impact of cost-of-living pressures

Your experiences will help ensure the voices of RAF personnel and families are heard by decision-makers and key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence.

About the questionnaire:
✅ Anonymous
✅ Takes around 5 minutes to complete
✅ Open from 20 July – 14 September 2026

Take part here: https://www.raf-ff.org.uk/surveys/questionnaires/

Also see the first comment below for a link to the questionnaire.⤵️