Armed Forces: Families

Defence is grateful for the support of Service families, and acknowledges that overseas deployment, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, can place additional demands on them. Our Families Overseas Survey gathers evidence to inform policy decisions on the matters that impact families overseas, such as communications, education, childcare, housing and employment opportunities.

Prior to deployment, families are assessed to ensure that their needs are identified and supported. Support during deployment is provided by Service welfare teams, backed up by community development officers who work to promote a sense of community whilst overseas. In addition, the Supporting Partners fund, managed on behalf of Defence by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, provides grant funding for organisations that seek to mitigate the issues faced by military families overseas, as well as in the UK.