Home-Start UK is delighted to announce the launch of ‘Strengthening Families – By Your Side’, a new offer of support for all Naval families. This project is supported by funding from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), as well as funds awarded by the Armed Forces Covenant.

Strengthening Families – By Your Side has been developed by the RNRMC and Naval Families Federation, in partnership with the Royal Navy, Kings Active Foundation, Home-Start UK and Relate. Initial funding of project activities, provided by the RNRMC and the Armed Forces Covenant, is to be rolled out over the next three years. The offer aims to provide comprehensive support to Naval families whenever and wherever they need it.

This groundbreaking partnership will work collaboratively to address some of the key issues underlined in the RNRMC’s ‘Understanding of Need’ report, primarily looking at the gap between the support available for dispersed families nationwide compared to support available for those living in or near base ports. The RNRMC’s ‘Understanding of Need’ report highlighted that dispersed Naval families, i.e. families distributed throughout the country, are less likely than those who live close to base ports to be aware of available help and support and far more likely to have difficulties accessing the support available.

The project also seeks to tackle problems reported by Naval personnel and their families to the Naval Families Federation and the Royal Navy Chaplaincy. These can include a sense of isolation, relationship and parenting issues or mental health difficulties.

Mandy Lindley, Director of Relationships and Funding at the RNRMC said:

"By working together, we can deliver the improvement in quality of life that is needed by our service families. Strengthening Families – By Your Side is about early intervention and prevention, providing a range of services leading to improved family cohesion, conflict resolution, health and well-being, and increased levels of happiness."

Vivien Waterfield, deputy chief executive of Home-Start UK said:

"Home-Start has a proud history of supporting Armed Forces Families and we are delighted to be working collaboratively to enhance the support available to Naval Families through Strengthening Families – By Your Side.

"All families face challenges that can be overwhelming, and we know that Naval Families can experience additional circumstances associated with serving life. Home-Start volunteers will be working alongside families in communities right across the UK to offer them compassionate, confidential support to overcome the challenges they are facing. We’re delighted that this partnership will ensure we can be there for more parents when they need us most”

More information about Strengthening Families – By Your Side will be coming soon to the RNRMC website.