The Federation is there for You
The RAF Families Federation represents the views and concerns of RAF personnel and their families on the issues that affect them as part of a RAF family. We operate entirely outside the RAF chain of command, so we can always promise an independent and confidential service.
By gathering evidence we put your views and concerns in front of the people who can make a difference, such as senior RAF and MoD staffs and Ministers. Influencing change, where it is needed, for the better.
The Federation is not a charity, it is publicly funded. It is parented by the RAF Association but receives no monies from this source and pays for any services provided by the charity.
For more details about the Federation and its work and to meet the team Click Here
So whether you’re in uniform yourself or a spouse, a partner, a parent, a child or a sibling of a member of the RAF, we are here to act on your behalf.
View Annual Report 2009 
For 2009 the Federation has also produced an Evidence Report documenting the views of those who voted during our workshops last year. To all who made a contribution to this work, thank you.
Why not bookmark our site and keep up with the things that matter to you as a member of a RAF family.
To Contact the Federation Click here
To request our free magazine click the blue bar below.
Telephone: 01780 781650
The RAF Families Federation
13-15 St Georges Road
Wittering
Peterborough
PE8 6DL
As a Service person living in SFA, have you ever had to take leave to wait at home for a contractor? If so, please answer 'yes' and click on the brown ‘Have your Say’ block and let us know how much leave you have lost this way in the last 12 months.
Magazine, Unit Liaison Visits and Federation News
The Summer Issue of Envoy should now be on units or through your letter box. View it here on screen by clicking on the image. Or why not order your own free copy by clicking on the blue bar above.
In this issue: 'A View from Kabul', 'The Truth is We Feel Guilty', 'It's Not a Crime to be In Debt' and much more...
Envoy, the quarterly magazine of the RAF Families Federation is bulk delivered to Stns/Units where there are RAF personnel. On some units they are delivered to Sections and SFA otherwise they are available from the HIVE.
If you register for your own copy it will be delivered FREE of any charge - Why? Because we, and the RAF, would like you to read it!
Workshops for 2010 - This year we hone in on subjects close to your hearts and those becoming ‘hot topics’ in the corridors of power:
Future housing aspirations Would you prefer financial help buying a home or allowances rather than living in quarters, Mess or block? Or should more money be poured into upgrading current provision?
Pay and Allowances Where do you stand on the level of pay and allowances? Are there anomalies? Is debt an issue?
Deployments How are they impacting on family life? Is family support sufficient?
Childcare Cost, accessibility, restrictions.
Employment and Training Opportunities for Family Members How can the Government better support those who wish to work?
Definition of a RAF family in 2010 MoD policy is outdated. How would you modernise the definition?
If you have a view, why not email us now with your thoughts.
Latest News from the Federation
Our Stories in RAF News - 'DE Have me Over a Barrel'
Dear Families Federation, Several months ago we moved out of a quarter and have now been sent a bill with some charges being, quite frankly, ridiculous.
During the move-out I stated my intention to contest the charges. The DE representative said it was my prerogative but I still had to sign the house over that day. I was not offered any opportunity to correct the issues and was told that my signature had nothing to do with the charges.
I wrote a letter challenging the bill but it was some three months before I received a reply. The letter stated that I had already signed to agree the charges during the move-out inspection and it was impossible to now give me time to correct the issues as someone else had moved into the house. I feel scammed!
There doesn't seem to be any recourse open to me. As it stands, Servicemen and women are totally at the mercy of DE and have little option but to ‘pay up and shut up’...
More information »
Current Hot Issues & Talking Points
Housing
Housing Options when You Leave the Service
The Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) offer courses designed primarily for Service Personnel and their families who are shortly to leave the Service and intend to settle in the UK. Others, however, who are considering their civilian housing options, may also attend. Your presence at these courses does not count against your resettlement entitlement...
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Education
SMILE by Spirited Children of Voice in a Million
‘Smile’ recorded by the talented and spirited children of Voice In A Million and is being released to coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The songs are a mix of evocative songs from 1940 and more recent songs as a tribute those who have served and those serving in now. The are children are singing songs for their great grandparents, grandparents in some cases their parents...
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Health
The NHS - Dedicated to the Forces
NHS Choices the NHS website have put together dedicated pages on healthcare in the Forces. The new pages include information on accessing services, useful contacts and treatment pathways. The section has been approved by the MoD and it is hoped this new approach will improve Service personnel's experience of medical services at home and overseas...
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Financial
New Advice from the FSA
Moneymadeclear is a website from the UK’s Consumer Financial Education Body, established by the Financial Services Authority. In areas of personal finance it offers impartial information and tools that can help individuals work out what’s right for them and promises 'no selling, no jargon, just the facts'. The new section looks at mortgages for first time buyers and those looking to remortgage...
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Family Support
The Tri Service Fiji Support Network is Up and Running
A Tri Service Fiji Support Network has been launched to act as a conduit on policy, information and dialogue between the MoD and Fijians serving in the UK Armed Forces. Major Mike Nawaqaliva said, "It has formalised the dream. We are at an era where some of our children are following our footsteps into the Armed Forces and the older generation need to build bridges for those that will follow us...
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Policy
Major Change to R & R is Announced
Changes to the R&R policy for Service personnel deployed on operations have been announced. Under the new guidelines, Service personnel serving tours in Afghanistan and Iraq of six months or more will continue to receive two weeks mid-tour leave, but now with a guarantee that any days lost, as a result of delays in transit or for any other operational reason, will be made up at the end of the tour. Those on tour of less than four months will not receive R & R...
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