We are delighted to award a £200,000 grant to the Army Welfare Service (AWS) towards its Out of School Adventures programme for children and teenagers in Army families.

Our charity is committed to supporting the welfare of Army families, which is central to the Army’s morale and retention of personnel. Our funding will enable the AWS to organise out of school holiday adventures for over 4,000 children and teenagers, including sports, arts, music and excursions in 60 locations. The adventures programme is now in its fourth year and aims to empower Army children and young people as part of their social development and promote their physical and mental health.

Rebecca Wakefield, AWS Chief Community Development Officer, said:

“The wellbeing and needs of children and young people with a parent serving in the Army are at the centre of our community support programmes. ABF’s support helps us provide high quality activity for children, young people, and families. The holiday programmes are important for them to have somewhere to go, something to do and available support when they need it.”

Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer Army Benevolent Fund, added:

“The Army’s national charity is proud of our longstanding relationship with the AWS and its fantastic work supporting Army children and teenagers. Operational duties impact on families and we want to ensure that our Army children are not disadvantaged and are able to lead healthy, happy, and normal lives.”

Read about the AWS on the British Army’s website here.