The Suffolk Serving Families Project launched on 14th February after the charity Suffolk Family Carers successfully received a two year grant from the Armed Forces Covenant- Families In Stress Fund.
Kate Hinchliff, Military Families Project Lead said ‘We have lots of serving armed forces families in Suffolk and this project will enable us to identify the family carers within those families and help them access support in their caring roles. We are delighted to be here at Wattisham launching this project and keen to also develop working relationships with welfare staff at RAF Honnington and Rock Barracks in Woodbridge to ensure serving families on these bases and those living in the community receive support, information and guidance.’
There was a significant turn out for the event which included high ranking officers, Lt Col English and Lt Col Brown from Wattisham flying Station, CoL (Retd) John Ogden – Suffolk Armed Forces Commissioner, representatives from each of the armed forces family federations, representatives from the local community, including Cllr Linda Baxter Stowmarket Town Mayor, staff from Department Work and Pensions, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, Sandra Bromley from Suffolk Royal British Legion, Wattisham welfare staff and families. All witnessed Sarah Potter, Mental Health & Wellbeing Service Manager from Suffolk Family Carers, sign the Armed Forces Convenant to pledge their commitment to armed forces and their families.
By raising awareness and understanding of family carers and their roles within the Armed Forces community, individuals and their families can access support and information.
For support, information and advice call 01473 835477.
