RAF personnel and their families should be made aware of who they can approach locally for any welfare, safeguarding and safety concerns by their Unit.

In remote locations and on smaller units there may be limitations to what is available locally. Here we summarise the general support services that can be accessed by RAF personnel and their families whilst assigned to locations outside of the United Kingdom.

The team can signpost you to other organisations if you are unsure who you should talk to.

MOD and RAF welfare service provision overseas

Overseas social work services

Overseas  social work services (Core Assets)

Core Assets provide a social work service to all military communities overseas (with the exception of Brunei and Gibraltar).

Call: 0808 168 3111
Email: [email protected]
Web: Visit Forces Social Work website

Social work services in Brunei – SSAFA 

Personal support and social work services in Brunei are provided by SSAFA, they sit outside of the UK contract and therefore the contact details are different.

Address: Chit Chat Community Centre, Tuker Lines, Brunei Garrison, BFPO 11
Mil: 94193 3371
Civ: 00673 3220172
Duty Mobile: 00673 8330224

Social work services in Gibraltar – SSAFA

The social work provision to British Forces in Gibraltar is through the Joint Social Work Service – which is a hybrid arrangement between the Command, SSAFA and the Naval Service Family and People Support. They provide specialist welfare support.

Mil: 94110 3204
Civ: 00350 2005 3204

Loan service and exchange postings

Service personnel and families on loan service or exchange postings can often access welfare support from the Host Nation and could consider contacting their Chain of Command for information on local welfare provision, where appropriate.

The Joint Service Admin Unit (London) (JSAU(L)) also provide first line welfare support (including basic mental health and bereavement support) to loan service and UK Armed Forces exchange personnel and families based overseas. The JSAU(L) can be contacted via email at: [email protected].

Online wellbeing services

Togetherall

Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) offers free and confidential online mental health and well-being services including self-help programmes, resources and online community support. All service personnel, veterans and their families can access Togetherall for free through their partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Help for Heroes.

Togetherall logo

HeadFIT for Life

Launched by the Ministry of Defence and The Royal Foundation, this service is made up of a series of tools or activities that can be easily incorporated into anyone’s day-to-day routine. The resources are designed for serving personnel, but are available to anyone through the website. The HeadFIT tools are designed to improve your drive, confidence and mood, and reduce stress.

Log of HeadFIT for Life

Finding It Tough (FIIT)

Are you or someone you care about finding it tough? The RAF Association is offering free training, through an online mental wellbeing course for both serving and non-serving members of the RAF family. Book a place on the FIIT course.

Charitable welfare and wellbeing provision overseas

The RAF Benevolent Fund

The RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF)offers a wide range of welfare, wellbeing and mental health services that can be accessed remotely. ‘The RAF Family’ includes serving RAF personnel, their partners, or those who have previously served.

Call: 0300 102 1919 08:00-22:00 Monday-Friday (calls charged at standard rate)
Email: [email protected]
Request a call back: complete the online form
Web chat: Start an online chat Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30

  • Listening and counselling service

    The Listening and Counselling Service provides confidential emotional support who may be affected by various mental wellbeing difficulties including: anxiety and/or depression, bereavement and loneliness and isolation.  This is available to RAF personnel (including Reservists) and their dependent family members, including children aged 11 to 18 (parental consent will be required for children aged 13 and under).

    Call: 0300 222 5703 Mon – Thur 9.30 – 16.30, Fri 9.30 – 16.00
    Email: [email protected]

  • 24-hour emotional support helpline

    The RAFBF 24 hour emotional support helpline, in partnership with Vita Health Group, gives access to a trained councillor at any time, day or night. This service is available to all adult members of the RAF Family.

    Call: 0300 222 5703 (calls charged at local rate)
    Email: [email protected]

  • Online wellbeing support

    Online wellbeing support is offered through access to the Vita Health portal, including support tools, articles, podcasts and videos. Topics covered include stress management, debt advice, nutrition, tips for better sleep, and building resilience. Visit RAFBF’s ‘Online wellbeing support’ page – members of the RAF Family can request access through this form.

  • Online mindfulness training

    Mindfulness training is available through membership to Headspace – via an app or online. Mindfulness has been shown to have a positive impact on stress, anxiety, sleep and productivity. Headspace offers convenient 10-minute daily sessions and membership is now offered free to those currently serving in the RAF and their partners. Apply for funded membership.

  • Financial assistance

    The RAFBF is able to provide financial assistance to the RAF Family. For requests of £500 or less the Unit Chief Clerk should be approached. Where the need is greater than £500, as well as approaching the Chief Clerk the on base SSAFA Social Worker should also be contacted.

  • Additional services

    The RAFBF also offers specialist support for situations such as bereavement, and relationship difficulties, as well as workshops for partners / spouses to aid with enhancing wellbeing, all of which can be accessed online or by telephone.

The RAF Association overseas support

The RAF Association has a dedicated overseas welfare team that offers support and guidance whether you need someone to talk to, help finding financial support or something else entirely.

They can help you to identify a solution, regardless of whether you are currently serving, or you’re a veteran or a family member.

Phone: 0800 018 2361
Online: Contact form

  • Befriending

    Befrienders provide telephone call’s offering friendship to alleviating loneliness and isolation. Contact 0800 018 2361 or complete an online enquiry form.

Other support options available overseas

SSAFA Forcesline

Call: 0800 731 4880
Web chat: Start an online chat 09:00-17:30, Monday to Friday

Combat Stress 24-hour mental health helpline

Call: 0800 323 4444
Email: [email protected]

The Royal British Legion

Call: 0808 802 8080
Web chat: Start an online chat 08:00-20:00, 7 days a week