Fifteen projects have been awarded a share of almost £800,000 in grants to empower partners and spouses of serving personnel by opening opportunities to upskilling and exploring new work solutions - in the latest round of grants from the MOD's Armed Forces Families Fund.
The projects will also provide tools. Resources and training to support partners move into a job or a career change, and to build easier access to wellbeing support as part of the Fund's Supporting Partners programme.
Anna Wright, CEO of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, said: "This award will provide vital support for service spouses and partners, helping them build resilience, connect with others, and navigate the challenges of military family life. It also opens new opportunities, offering practical guidance and wellbeing activities, to create a stronger, more confident community.”
Opening new opportunities
Each project will address at least one of the following outcomes:
· Improve the mental health and wellbeing of partners and spouses of serving personnel.
· Raise awareness of the unique challenges faced and improve access to services to overcome challenges.
· Identify and address known and emergency gaps in provision.
· Provide opportunities to upskill and explore new ways of working.
Strengthening connections and building resilience
Excel Together is putting their £57,000 award to good use with a focus on non-UK nationals. They’re helping the partners and spouses of service personnel - including reservists, - to settle into life in the UK, offering support with mental health awareness, practical skills, and social connections. With a mix of online and in-person sessions, they’ll help people build resilience, tackle loneliness and find their feet in a new career.
Sushila Magar, Project Manager told us:
"We are truly honoured and overjoyed to receive this funding. It means so much to our organisation and the Nepali community we serve. This support will allow us to empower non-UK national spouses with the confidence, knowledge, and tools to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. Through this programme, we can help our community build a vital support network and thrive emotionally, socially, and mentally in the UK. For many, this will be the first time they feel truly seen, heard, and supported — and we’re so excited to begin this meaningful journey together."
Tackling loneliness, improving wellbeing
In partnership with 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, ‘Tackling Life Together' is a project all about early support for the mental health and wellbeing of reservists’ partners and spouses. Awarded £40,623, the project was designed with those it helps and will offer a weekly programme of group activities to help to tackle loneliness, boost mental health, and inspire positive futures.
David Abbott, Armed Forces Coordinator told us:
“Developed in partnership with 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and co-produced with reservists’ families, Tackling Life Together is an early intervention programme using weekly group activities to combat loneliness, boost mental wellbeing, and inspire healthy aspirations.”
Find out more Check out the full list of awards made in this latest round on the Trust website
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