Hands up who knew about the specialist and confidential support available for the RAF community from the Personal Support and Social Work Service (PS&SWS), run by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity?
No? Well, in some ways, that’s a good thing.
The RAF PS&SWS has been operating since 1990, so if you have not needed social work assistance for – deep breath – you as an adult, or for your children, young people and their families or support with issues such as mental health, difficult relationships, bereavement, domestic abuse, financial and cost-of-living concerns, resettlement, housing, childcare, equality issues, bereavement, military discharge or deployments, or as Hamlet said “the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to”, then consider yourself fortunate.
The RAF PS&SWS supports the whole RAF family including the person behind the uniform – Regular and Reserves – and their loved ones. It will help in any way it can, confidentially and independent of the chain of command.
As stated, RAF PS&SWS was launched in 1990, which is quite a long time ago.
Put into context, the RAF was still operating Buccaneers, Phantoms, Canberras, Victors, Jaguars, and Hunters – and even the Shackleton – when the service was founded. Wonderful aircraft they may have been, but everything needs updating.
Late last year, SSAFA was successful in its bid to continue RAF PS&SWS, and so a refreshed and modernised service was launched ready to enhance its support capabilities to the RAF when they need it most and meet the challenges its personnel – of whichever rank – face today.
The new service has made it easier to contact its team of welfare officers via WhatsApp or Live Chat. These dedicated and experienced professionals can be called on the service’s helpline, emailed, or found on most RAF stations.
The full list of ways to reach out for support is below, but remember that however you make contact, you’ll get exactly the same level of support, but at a time and place that suits you.
Talk to us now: Live Chat
WhatsApp: +442037690808
Facebook: facebook.com/ssafarafpssws
Email: psswsraf@ssafa-fhs.org.uk
Call: 0800 058 4690 (UK callers) | +44 20 4570 3939 (Overseas callers)
In-person: at most RAF stations
What remains the same is that the RAF PS&SWS provides a safe space for you to get anything off your chest. There’s no judgement; the welfare officers treat everyone with respect, whatever you tell them.
Or if you’re after more practical support, then the team will work with you to put a plan of action in place, making sure you have everything you need to take control of your situation.
Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, notes:
“For more than three decades SSAFA has worked in partnership with the Royal Air Force to deliver personal support and social work to service personnel and their families. We’re extremely honoured to be given the opportunity to continue our work which has been essential in ensuring that RAF military personnel can fulfil their roles. SSAFA staff have worked tirelessly to meet this remit, adapting as necessary, and we will continue to do so.”
Remember that whatever your rank, whatever you’re facing, the RAF PS & SWS has got your back.
For more information, please visit ssafa.org.uk/raf.
